At least, Celestia told herself, it was not politics.

The evening was on the edge of the horizon and ready to usher in the end of the sunlit hours, multicolored gleams of light pouring across the clouds as obscured sun sank through the clouds to find its slumber. She would have to depart for the upper parapet and see the deed done before too long; a wave farewell to the star above, and a raising of the celestial body that routinely mocked her. As one who embodied the waking hours in all its glory, to bring about the casting of shadows in the form of her greatest failure was never a joyous task. But even that seemed better than this dreary deed.

“… And as of Tuesday the 23rd, a Miss Ambrose, scullery maid, was let go at the behest of Mr. Carson due to negligence in her duties,” Chamberlain reported, so close to the end of his excessively long scroll yet nowhere near close enough. Master of the royal household, these monthly reports held some importance for Celestia so as to better keep track of the comings and goings of her staff; with so much of her focus on things outside in her kingdom, it was easy to be left unawares of what occurred right under her nose. A monthly report was constructed, examined, and produced for her informative pleasure come the first Friday of the month. Important, yes- but so dreadfully dull! Perhaps being delivered to her at the end of a long day was what made the report so tiresome to endure, mental state drained and body exhausted an unpleasant combination in a listener.

Maybe it would be better to hear when I’m going to bed, Celestia thought, achieving a swift grin on her lips for the smallest moment. Humorous, but not fair to her staff; their lives and affairs were just as important as courtly matters and should be treated with respect. Heaven forbid she begin to disregard her people after all these years.

“On Wednesday the 24th, a Master Eriskay was brought on as a new Page for Captain Draught of the Wall Guard,” Chamberlain continued. A thorough, excessively competent man, his role as manager of Celestia’s household had been a perfect fit for one so naturally meticulous. A good friend if she needed personal counsel, but his voice carried on in such a droning sound that all the sunlit royal could do was fight sleep whenever a piece of parchment fell into his hands. The man could put an owl to sleep by midnight.

“And from where does Master Eriskay hail from?” Celestia asked, for curiosity’s sake as well as breaking up the monotone. “How old is he?”

“A lad of eleven, Your Majesty,” Chamberlain answered, the interruption incapable of shattering his even voice. “He and his family come from a village some miles east of Vanhoover, a settlement known as Keremeos. His father is a logger who has been under the employ of Fell and Forage for the past fifteen years. His mother is an assistant to the village doctor, though currently unemployed due to raising an infant daughter.”

“See to it his pension is adequate for his family’s needs,” Celestia commanded.

“It shall be done, Your Majesty,” Chamberlain promptly replied, turning to scribble down a quick note on a nearby piece of parchment: Eriskay, Jasper- Increase monthly wages by 15%. “And a gift to be sent to his family, as well as train tickets?”

“For every major holiday.”

Without even looking away from the report in his hand, Chamberlain’s hand reached for his quill and added a few more scribbles: Aged brandy for father/Jams and honeys for mother. Transportation vouchers sent immediately.

“Anyone else added to our number?” Celestia inquired. Though there was likely more to be found on the staffing report, the wearisome princess could not help but be eager to see this routine brought to an end. One last great task awaited her- then that wondrous retreat into privacy that her bedchambers would offer! A warm bath, a fresh meal delivered, and a gentle breeze from the nearby balcony to caress her face. With no matters of court tomorrow, nor anything else of importance until next Monday, the weekend was her only opportunity to sleep and be merry.

“Hmm…” Chamberlain scrutinized the remnants of the lengthy scroll, his eyes racing across dried ink with the speed of a bird of prey. “Yes, as of the 28th, Madame Connemara has seen fit to bring a new member to the Royal Harem. A young woman from-”

“A new hire? Even though I have not requested it?” Celestia interjected. Her personal attendants were a special matter, and not something to be altered without her personal approval; considering also that the existence of her Royal Harem was becoming more and more out of vogue, letting it naturally fall away had become her subconscious choice. Not once had she though increasing their numbers! “Does Madame Connemara offer an explanation of any kind as to her decision?”

Chamberlain felt the small edge to the Princess’ words and chose to ignore it; he was, after all, not the one she was upset with at the moment. “The good Madame states that the girl was from a heavily impoverished community that is nomadic in nature,” he answered. “When she arrived in Canterlot, the young girl fled from her family and came to beg for safety at the gates of the castle in the hopes of being employed within the palace for her well-being. With no positions currently available and the kitchen overstaffed, Madame Connemara saw fit to offer her a position of safety within the Harem so that she may be provided for.”

Celestia bit her lip. A choice against her wishes, but Connemara would not make such a decision if she was not sure it was in the young woman’s best interests; the situation had to have been dire or the girl was simply that insistent. To reverse the decision would likely be a harmful course of action. “Very well, then,” she sighed. The House of Commons would not be pleased if they heard about the decision, but she would at least have some ground to stand on. “The girl… what does Madame Connemara have to say of her?”

“In her own notes, the good Madame describes the girl as ‘extraordinarily beautiful,’” Chamberlain reported. A raised eyebrow as he examined the notes in more detail. “A ‘very genial personality’ and possessing ‘many admirable qualities, both emotional and physical.’ Bears the name Cadance… a virgin of nineteen years, standing five-foot-ten and weighing 126 pounds.”

A small surprise, all things considered. Celestia had expected someone taken in out of pity to have immediate struggles to rectify, matters of health to be corrected- if not simply allowed to dwell in the Harem in seclusion for the rest of her life. What Madame had enlisted into her service seemed to instead be a marvel, unless Connemara was being extremely generous with her verbiage. Try as she might to be otherwise, the solar royal found herself intrigued. “Is… her name again, please?”

“Cadance, Your Majesty-”

“Is Cadance available for presentation?”

“It would appear Madame Connemara approved her for presentation as of yesterday, according to the calendar added to the girl’s name,” Chamberlain reported. “Shall I see her sent for?”

She was tired; acting as arbiter between squabbling nobility was draining work, and matters of international politics did little to help the matter. Did she really wish to spend the night frolicking, adding further to her physical exhaustion? If this Cadance proved to be lovely enough, perhaps the idea would find itself more appealing; but if not, at least she would have doting company before her eyes fell shut. “Yes, see that she is sent for,” Celestia said at last. “I am to head to the Stellar Tower, have Cadance sent to my chambers and waiting for my return.”

“It shall be done, Your Majesty,” Chamberlain said. Quick as the turning of a page, the loathed scroll was rolled up and cinched tight as the efficient man was on his feet. “Have you any further orders for me?”

“None. Please enjoy your weekend, Chamberlain.” Eager to be away and atop the soft bed she craved, Celestia exited her study and was off like a shot to the last, dreaded task that still awaited her handiwork.

The matter of setting the sun and raising its stony twin was an easy task; a simple flick of the hand, fingers exuding power so that the stellar bodies might be carried along their course. Celestia had little issue with exertion whenever she saw it done. But seeing it made so was miserable; cold, pale stone rising up and letting the whole world know the full depths of her failure. The markings upon that miserable hunk of rock were more than just imagery or imagination, though none were left alive to know it save herself. Celestia looked out and took in the yellowish glare of the moon above and wondered if the day would ever come when she would see that blemish washed away. She had placed it there; to see it gone would be a salve for her soul that she so desperately needed. There were many things that needed to be redeemed; to see her beloved sister at last made right would mean she might at last find a way to be at peace.

She wandered through the hallways with no real effort at returning in any manner of swiftness; despite her instinctive desire for rest, the moon’s rising had done a number on her melancholy state. Would she be able to sleep tonight, knowing that one she loved still languished so high above? Food that had once seemed so appealing now had the appeal of dry ash. Mayhaps it would be better to just lie atop the bed and wait for slumber to eventually claim her rather than make any efforts to ensure this evening was a pleasant one. Heaven knew she didn’t-

Pushing the door open, Celestia forgot she had asked for company. Standing at the edge of the balcony and gazing out into the pillowy blackness was the silhouette of a woman dressed in a thin periwinkle robe, fixated on the vast cascade of lights above and all the splendor they could offer. When the sound of the bedroom door met her ears, the woman turned about and realized her awaited company had arrived; rushing to the center of the room, she came to a kneeling position and offered her hands high in supplication. “Princess Celestia!” She gasped, a slight tremble in her voice that suggested a mild trace of fear. “I offer myself to be at your service! May I be found worthy of doing so.”

The solar princess bit her lip; those initial sounds were too willing, automatic; authority was a terror for this young girl, that she could easily tell. Did this woman think that she was a tyrant of sorts? Gods, I hope not. I’m tired of being seeing as this almighty thing. Celestia realized she would have to break this mystique about her that this girl possessed sooner rather than later.

“Please, on your feet,” Celestia murmured. “I am glad to have your service, and you need not be afraid. I will not see you harmed.”

The young girl gave a nod and snapped to a standing position, hands held fast across her stomach as she awaited her next command. Eyes ahead, head fixed… she was used to being under someone else’s power. By instinct, Celestia’s heart hurt on her behalf.

“Tell me,” Celestia asked though she knew the answer, “what is your name?”

“C- Cadance, Your Majesty,” the young woman answered.

Of course she does. “Cadance, I am not feeling royal tonight,” Celestia said. A shake of her head and the tiara that lay upon her crown fell to a clatter upon the hardwood floor. “And in my chambers, I have no title. Please do not call me ‘Your Majesty’ ever again.”

Cadance nodded, but was still left perplexed by the answer. “Then what… umm- what do I call you- miss?”

“Just Celestia, please.” The answer was more insistent than she’d wished. Be nicer about it. “Are you well tonight, Cadance?”

“Y- yes, Miss Celestia!” Cadance promptly replied. “A- a- and thank you for taking me into your palace. I hope to have the chance to return this generosity.”

So fearful, on edge; it was obvious she was used to consistently being in the wrong. It would be quite a while before this habit was broken and the real person within was revealed. “You may begin,” Celestia said, “by letting me have a look at you.”

Cadance, she soon discovered, was actually just as lovely as Madame Connemara had stated. Vibrant colors poured across her face in the form of luscious locks, hair falling down to just beyond her shoulders. A tall, slender body that spoke to good breeding- and even a pair of well-endowed breasts across her chest. Her well-shaped face marked by deeply-colored eyes that sparkled like gemstones in the depths of a cavern… every which way she looked, Celestia found Cadance to be a remarkable beauty. Why, she seemed to have some magic to her loveliness that was difficult to name.

“I hope your initial stay with us has been pleasant,” Celestia remarked. “How have Madame Connemara and the other girls treated you?”

“Like… warmly,” Cadance answered, the first hint of a smile upon her full lips. “Madame Connemara has performed a service for which I’ll be forever grateful. Please ensure she knows that.”

Her heart hurt at that statement. This poor, beautiful girl must have suffered to be willing –no, desperate to be a concubine rather than free and in the house of her fathers. Celestia could only imagine what sort of nightmares would have crossed her path. “Miss Cadance,” she began, a tinge of laughter in her next words as she caught the surprise on the girl’s face. “Yes, that is your title now. Miss Cadance, and never may you forget it.”

“Oh… OK, I- I guess so.”

“Miss Cadance, would you be so kind as to help me draw up a bath?” Celestia asked. “It has been a long day.”

“Of course, Miss- Celestia!” Cadance replied, still a little starry-eyed and anxious. To think that she had only entered this place by sheer luck, yet now tended to the most powerful woman in the world!

The hot water brought about steam into the darkened room, tempting to her battered spirit. Celestia watched as Cadance added hints of jasmine oil to the froth, and lavender also; small candles were set about the fine bathtub to add to the aura, the soon-placid pool of water beckoning for its mistress to come and enjoy the heat.

Her fingers traced along the outline of the waters as Cadance said, “Please, Celestia, come and enjoy your bath.”

Undressing herself from the royal robes had always been a challenge for her, but this newest fashion was one she found unpleasant. Celestia struggled with fabric for a moment before simply giving a flick of her wrist and seeing it unwound by magic rather than her hand, naked form slipping into the depths of the water as its billowing heat melted away her tension. Oh, to feel like this always! Warm water upon her skin, saturating her soul and burning away the unhappiness she had borne for too long. If only life could be this good in every moment-

A hand upon her risen knee. Cadance took soapy water and began to pour it across what flesh that poked through the waters, a hand soon arriving to gently wash away the misery of grime and sweat. Soft, smooth, so exquisitely tender in her movements as she tended to her princess. “May I, Celestia?”

She asked. Fearful that it was the wrong move, desperate to do the right thing; how could her heart not reach out and feel for her? This beautiful, anxious girl was desperate for approval. “Only if you wish to,” Celestia whispered. “I will not ask you to make yourself unhappy on my account.”

Cadance pondered the thought. “I- I wish to,” she at last muttered, reaching back down into the depths of the clear pools so as to continue her task.

Celestia couldn’t remember a time she had been treated so tenderly. Cadance seemed to know every place she wished to be touched, hand stroking along flesh and seeing the grime pushed away without any measure of force. Allowed to enjoy the hot wetness, the stellar princess sighed and let fall her eyelids as this new member of her harem attended to her needs. Goodness, when was the last time someone had been so doting? So many of her other girls were chatty, constantly crowing and complaining and yelping about something; Cadance seemed to know how to perfectly attend to her melancholy mood.

“You look hungry, Celestia,” Cadance said after a time. “Might you like something to eat?”

Despite her initial reluctance when she had departed the tower, the gnawing sensation in her stomach had found its strength once more. “I… I would, actually,” Celestia answered. “Please, take a slip from the notepad on my table. Order us a bowl of chicken soup.”

“U- us, Your Majesty?” Cadance tremored.

“Just Celestia, dearest,” the wondrous royal teased gently, her smile removing the bite of the correction. “And yes, I mean ‘us’ quite truly. Enjoy a hot meal with me, and remain with me tonight. If that is something you would like.”

For the first time that night, Cadance’s face lit with the glow of a smile; royal company, a hot meal, and a warm bed? In all her young life, she had never known all three at once- now offered to her freely! “Yes, I will! Thank you so much!”

Celestia felt a tear in the corner of her eye at the sight of the young woman’s joy, and a deep rush of affection. Such a simple act, yet Cadance treated it like were the grandest prize in the world; oh, she really was coming to like this one.

“Your kitchens are amazing,” Cadance declared. Deep into her bowl of hearty soup, the lovely woman had seen fit to toss decorum aside and drain the contents as thoroughly as she could. “I’ve never tasted something so wonderful in my life! What makes it so good?”

“I would suggest you ask the cooks. I’m sure they would love to tell you,” Celestia replied, her smile difficult to restrain at this sight of his unblemished joy. Cadance was infectious, her happiness so radiant. She’s far too lovely. What sort of parents wouldn’t adore her?

“Would it be alright for me to ask? Is that allowed?”

“Of course! Ask for any meal you would like, I will make sure they see it brought to you.”

Cadance beamed, her radiant features so irrestistably lovely that the poor princess could only melt. “Thank you. Truly, this is wonderful. I never thought I would even ever meet you, now I’m eating dinner with you and I’m going-” her words promptly fell away as her face flushed, the young woman turning away from her meal and company to instead enjoy the balcony view.

Their meal passed by quickly, both of their appetites alive and kicking; hot, flavorful broth was consumed in only moments and barest remnants all that remained to tell the tale. Outside in the dark did the starlight grow thick and beautiful, bright light of the moon rising higher into the sky with each passing minute.

Celestia caught sight of the brilliant rock and found no joy in it; better to simply slumber and forget that misery for now. She would be able to see it away come morning, but its presence now was too oppressive. “I think I shall head to bed,” the stellar princess declared, stretching out her magnificent form. “Please join me.”

“Oh- y- yes, of course,” Cadance trembled, taking her ruler’s outstretched hand and heading for the comfort of the thick bedspread that lay before them. It was such a magnificent bed, well-crafted and clearly built with luxury in mind. so sturdy, so strong, and the mattress upon it hefty enough to take even the most exuberant of passengers.

Celestia tossed aside her nightrobe and let her underthings be all that covered her form, crashing down upon pillow and bedsheet with a sigh. What a long day it had been, without a moment’s reprieve right until the very end. To just slumber on and enjoy the rest of the weekend was going to be magnificent, only the barest of duties requiring her attention for two whole days-

Movement caught her attention. On her knees atop the bedspread, hands trembling as she did so, Cadance began to remove the tie of her robe and see it undone so that the majesty of her beauty might be seen in full and made ready to be fully ravished-

“Oh goodness!” Celestia cried. She raised her hand and saw to it that all action was halted, Cadance left terrified at what seemed to have been a mistake. “I am so sorry, Cadance, I misspoke. Please, sleep with me tonight. That is all I ask.”

This new order seemed to not help in the slightest. “I- but that is what I am doing,” she replied slowly.

You silly, try that again! “I mean for you to actually come to bed and sleep beside me,” Celestia explained; slithering beneath the bedsheets, the comfort of their warmth was a death blow to her spirited attempts at remaining awake. “Come, relax. I think we both need it.”

Cadance eyed both bed and princess with a fair measure of confusion. She was a concubine to the princess, sexual satisfaction was part of her duty- why was she not being used as such? To simply come up to the royal bedchambers and be nothing but company and a soul to talk to was not something she could fathom. Yet she could only comply, coming to lay her head atop the spare pillow that lay beside the glorious head of her princess. “This… this is all you wish for, Princ- Celestia?” Cadance asked; a tinge of fear in her eyes, a worry that she had done something wrong.

“I am too tired for anything else, dear Cadance,” Celestia said, soothing the fretful thoughts that hastened to form. “Tonight is for slumber, and that is for both of us. Rest with me.”

Cadance still didn’t fully understand; there was so much about this princess that seemed so beyond the stories and legends that had been part of her world long before her barest beginnings. Yet rather than might or majesty or control or satisfaction, this regal woman had only wanted company. Company, a warm meal, and a bed made a little less empty. Yet still she could not sway from her obligation entirely, despite what insistence was given by her ruler, and so she acted of her own behest; arms came about that fair form in an embrace, her head pressed against her chest in a deep nuzzle. “Goodnight, Celestia,” she whispered.

Celestia took her time falling to sleep; the comforting sound of the breeze beckoned for her, the coolness of the bedsheets enticed her- the warmth of Cadance’s fair form demanded it. Yet all she could do was gaze at this beautiful young woman in wonder, unable to fathom what forces of heaven and earth could come together and create someone so gentle and sweet.

And so, despite her initial misgivings, the affection she felt began to grow. And Celestia wondered if she might not be falling the tiniest bit in love.

To the Princess Celestia of the Stellar House, Keeper of the Solar Fire, Bearer of the Eternal Moon, Ruler of Equestria, we bring to thee these tidings,

We, the House of Lords, have done our duty in our consistent communication with our brethren of the House of Commons. In recent years, as Your Majesty is well aware, the existence of the Royal Harem has come under extreme scrutiny in light of the positive change in moral reception. As such, since such polyamorous activity has come under righteous fire, the enduring nature of the Royal Harem is seeing as detrimental to the welfare of Equestria, and a moral deficiency in the very core of the Stellar House. To ensure the well-being of Your Majesty and all that fall under the care of the crown, it is the will and insistence of this House that the Royal Harem be henceforth disbanded permanently, and all members be dispelled from the care of the Stellar House.

With utmost respect and deepest regards,

Lord Darager of Blue, Speaker for the House of Lords

Celestia tossed aside the scrap of thick parchment and let it fall to the cold wooden floor below her. The note had been delivered to her hand only a spare few hours ago when Day Court had begun to wind down and see its duties concluded. Now, with the sun long gone and she in her private quarters, the sunlit woman had found it necessary to see the contents of such an important missive re-read aloud for the benefit of current company that sat atop the bed alongside her.

Cadance’s eyes followed the thin leaf of wood as it fell down and came to a halt upon the ground, its words a killing stroke to her employment and all that sustained her. She had come to this palace in desperate need of an escape from her old life, for the sake of her very survival. Being accepted into the Royal Harem had been an entry into a life far better than anything she could have ever dreamed of, it was practically heaven! And now they were going to simply rob it of her? A bunch of repugnant old men who couldn’t fathom how much she’d suffered over the years? Her dream had become a nightmare with just a single proclamation.

“Surely you can do something,” Cadance said, turning back to her princess and starting to plead. “This- you don’t have to accept it, do you? You can argue against it. I’ve seen you do so before.”

“I could, if I wished to,” Celestia replied, receiving a cold look of horror in response. “The ladies of the harem are to be given every opportunity for work elsewhere, in any capacity they wish to possess. But their work is outdated, and even I agree on such things. It is time to see it fade.”

“But- Celestia, please! I’m begging you, I can’t go back to that life!” Cadance pleaded, the wondrous woman absolutely set to terrors as she watched her contented world fade away. Eight months in heaven had been more than what she ever could have asked, but she hadn’t expected it all to end so soon! “Please, let me do something- anything! Don’t send me away from you, I don’t want to go! I want to stay here with you, I really do, I- I don’t have anywhere to go!”

“The other girls have all been given suitable compensation along with their departure,” Celestia explained. “Enough to survive the rest of the year. That, along with guaranteed employment elsewhere, I am seeing to their contentment. Such a bargain is offered to you, if you wish it. As well as another…”

Cadance’s stricken expression froze, the girl’s panic put to a temporary halt as she was offered this one last tidbit. “And that offer is..?”

“That you remain here as my personal attendant. My… Lady-In-Waiting, as it were,” Celestia said. Her smile turned cheeky, the game revealing itself as something too good to resist. “You would be paid, given a position within the palace- and remain here with me, if you wish.”

“If- if I wish?”

“I am… truly hoping you do, dearest,” the solar princess murmured. Her words turned soft, her expression pleading in its own kind. “Perhaps it is much to say, but I have become accustomed to your presence. If I could make it permanent…”

The beautiful concubine became fixated on her beloved; to think that only moments ago her world had seemed ready to crumble around her. But now, she was about to be offered a glorious chance at the opportunity she’d craved ever since her first night beside this wondrous princess. “Celestia, you’re not-”

“The Royal Harem is outdated. But… I don’t think I like to be alone,” Celestia said. “I am not entirely isolated from the world, surprisingly. I have heard tell of this new manner of courting known as ‘dating’ and I find myself thinking that I might just give it a try. If I have the right woman beside me.”

“But-” It was too good to really be true. After all her years of suffering, surely it couldn’t be. “Me? You’re sure?”

“As if I could resist!” Celestia cried. “Please don’t leave me, Cadance. Not ever again. I- I need you by my side. To see you smile, to find reasons to make you happy. And to feel all that you could ever offer me.”

Cadance could only gawk. Stuck between the cool weather of reality that carried on the breeze out beyond the balcony and the dream that carried on within these royal bedchambers, neither seemed all that possible. Only a few moments ago, she had been faced with a horrendous end to her dreams. Now, all that she had ever wished for was being offered to her in the form of something entirely new… and somehow, all the better.

Why even bother to think about it?

Celestia felt the weight against her form before she’d even had a chance to process what had happened; Cadance crashed against her and saw them both flung against the pillows, her tears and laughter so deeply entertwined that neither could be distinguished from the other. Upon every inch of free flesh she could find did the joyful woman press her lips, kisses arriving like raindrops over and over again until sheer emotion at last overwhelmed her entirely.

“Ssh… ssh, it’s alright,” Celestia breathed, gently cradling her darling as Cadance came to lose control of herself. There was so much to feel, to endure; how difficult it was to contain! “I’m sorry for scaring you, truly. Please, it’s alright!”

“I thought it’d never happen!” Cadance cried. Rising from the grasp of her beloved princess, her face bearing a radiance akin only to the mightiest of stars. “I used to idolize you when I was girl, I wanted to be like you- to be you! And then I started crushing on you when I was a teenager, I thought I’d have to compete with all the other girls for you when I got here- but you’re sure? You want me to be your-”

“I could not find a better girlfriend anywhere,” Celestia assured her, gentle strokes of her fingers finding the stains of tears and seeing them wiped away. “Who else could be so perfect? Heaven knows how I managed this long without you.”

“You’re mean for teasing me,” Cadance hiccupped, “But you’re wonderful, too. Thank you- thank you! Just so much, Cellie- wait, can I call you Cellie, is that OK?”

“Call me whatever you wish, my sweet,” Celestia murmured. “Anything at all will be welcome from you.”

“Then- you’re Cellie, forever,” the lovely woman decided. “Cellie, my perfect sunbeam!” And as if to seal the words with a promise, she leaned down and placed a passionate kiss upon those lips without another word.

The union was a joy to feel, even if the pressure was something ferocious. How long had it been since she’d kissed someone just because of affection and not for foreplay? To feel someone pressed against her with no agenda behind felt lovely- and even more when she was the recipient! Celestia felt her own lips try to curve into a smile even as she returned her new girlfriend’s kisses; why not simply embrace this little moment for all it was worth? Held against the pillows, eyes becoming half-lidded as lips found lips for a little while longer.

But the intensity did not lessen, even as she continuously gave in to Cadance’s demands for further kisses. Lips that had been fierce from the beginning were not easing their amorous fury; the young woman’s hands were frisking across flesh, through hair, tracing along lined curves of body as though desperate to know it all. They had come together more than a few times before, felt each other in utmost intimacy, yet now Celestia’s body was found as something entirely new.

She knew where this was leading- and as much as she would have been on it continuing, Celestia had only taken a short break within her afternoon meal to deliver this personal missive. “Mmf- dearest, I- my day is not yet- mmm!- done,” she breathed, words only managing to pass through pressed lips by sheer luck. Oh heaven help me, she has cherry lip gloss on.

“And I think you owe me,” Cadance whispered, pausing in her assault for only a moment; face-to-face with her new beloved, she possessed an intensity that left her features radiant. “Scaring me like that. Can’t you do your girlfriend a favor and help me calm back down?”

“I don’t think this would- mmph!- calm us down,” Celestia protested, and the racing of her heart was proof of it. Cadance’s light, lovely body was perfectly atop her, all her most wondrous assets barely concealed beneath a thin layer of baby-blue satin that beckoned to be torn away. Remove the shroud, let the both of them be fully explored, and oh how much fun they would have!

“It’d make me feel better,” Cadance remarked, slowing her frenzy of lips and allowing each new kiss to bear a deeper weight; gentle, softer pecks that lingered and were meant to tempt. Seduction was a skill that took practice and time to hone; this remarkable woman had found a way to transform it into an art. “And you wouldn’t want to go back to work leaving me all stressed out and anxious, would you?”

It was not the most persuasive of arguments, but arousal in the brain had a way of its own. Celestia bit her lip and mumbled, “I- I suppose not.” Yes, she would likely have to quickly clean herself after, but it was possible.

“That’s more like it,” Cadance said, her latest gift a slow, deeply flavorful thing as she held Celestia’s lips captive. “See? You’re such a good girlfriend already.”

“Then I think I should let you indulge yourself,” the stellar woman said. “Have fun with me- however you want to.”

“In that case…” Cadance did not relinquish her position atop her beloved but instead settled in for a further haul. Breast atop breast, hand reaching out and finding its pair, her waist soon kept in a lock by Celestia’s legs; perfectly positioned for movement of a different kind. “Wanna make out like a couple of horny teenagers?”

Celestia’s answer came without a sound, simply allowing the minute gap between the two to close and be melted by an embrace. She had tasted of Cadance’s cherried lips once before and found it had ignited a hunger. How much more did she crave it now when it was given to her in fullness? Slow, passionate kisses came and sealed them both together, the sounds of coos and contented little sighs escaping from their muffled lips and into the ether. The fires had been lit, but no ferocity was to be found right now; better to simply enjoy one another in this cozy little happiness.

Cadance’s free hand came and caressed that beautiful face, lips pulling away just a bit so as to see loose strands of hair shook out of sight. One moment of emptiness, allowing eyes to lock and share sight; within both of their gazes was a longing becoming satisfied, a desperate need that had begged for far too long to be answered. To think they had found it in such strange, happy circumstances after all-

And then a resumption of their union, open mouths pressing together as the first of their ballets began. Small brushes of something slick and soft, almost syrupy in its wetness came to life; Cadance’s tongue slithered forth and gave its mate the slightest touch; barely enough to register, but more than enough to electrify. Just one little lick and Celestia felt something burst in her brain. She had known this sensation before, but never, ever like this~!

She couldn’t resist holding her just a little more tightly; the vicegrip about Cadance’s waist tightened, pulling her closer and letting the white robe about her own form start to loosen. If anyone were to come in and find her like this, they would be witness to the bare bottom of a suddenly indecent princess; pantyless, deeply entangled with a young woman and clearly about to begin the artistry of sapphic love. Yet the more entangled with Cadance she became, the more she felt those sweet puffs of air against her face, the more that mental image energized her. She had a girlfriend. She had a girlfriend!

Cadance gave a giggle and let her tongue plunge deeply this time, those first tentative touches now a true dance as the two sweet morsels began to frolic together. Thorough licks across the tongue, playful jousts, slow and tender massages as the two women fell further into their romance. Thirsting forms felt saliva flow from one to the other, tendrils forged and broken within the span of rapidly increasing heartbeats, each new sensation of feeling enough to incite them further. Each kiss was a delight, yet still instilling an aching hunger for another. There could simply not be enough kisses, not anywhere near enough!

She had to have a breath of fresh air. Even if just for the sake of allowing a moment’s reprieve, she had to have it! Celestia pulled herself away from the sweethearted woman’s lips and gasped, her pillowy chest rising and falling in heaves. “Cadance- oh my god…”

“Having fun?” The lustrous woman inquired lightly, eyelids painted with just the proper amount of magenta eyeshadow fluttering in their teasing rhythm.

“I need a moment, I think,” Celestia said; so forceful was her heart’s beat that she couldn’t remember a time she’d ever felt like this. Was she dying? Goodness, what a wonderful way to pass on! “And- I- I might just-”

“Nice try,” Cadance purred, and before Celestia could retreat even the furthest inch she was ensnared yet again. Lips fastened around her salivating tongue and began to suckle, Cadance pulling and worshipping upon that pink muscle with all her might.

And oh, how Celestia quivered beneath that touch! The delighted moan that escaped her throat likely came from the very depths of her soul, so magnificent was its sound. How could she not swoon in her girlfriend’s arms, become utterly captive in her love! Why even bother resisting? Mind blurred by the heat, the once-regal princess could only endure this tribulation of wondrous pleasure for as long as it lasted.

Cadance sucked, slurped, did everything she could to drain her beloved dry. Fierce and swift would she be one moment, then slow and luxurious in the other. Each pace able to steal away the solar woman’s breath and bring about an unconscious cry of happiness. As though she were intent on tasting every facet of this beautiful royal’s candied morsel and know the fullest depth of its flavor, so did she lavish her love. Even the pauses were not rests, but instead the opportunity for her own tongue to add a new lathering coat of spittle and restart the process.

It could have gone on forever. She wanted to never end, to forever last and be perfect- but the heat within her mind, within her struggling body, absolutely demanded she answer their call. Celestia’s free hand forcibly pushed away Cadance’s body and saw the gap between them grow wide, the heavy band of saliva spattering down upon her white robes and leaving a liquidized stain.

“Cadance- have sex with me. Right now,” she gasped, a ferocity on her face like the heat of summer. “Please, I am begging you, no more teasing.”

“You’re sure?” Cadance asked. “I thought you said you had to get back to work. You don’t want to go back to the throne room all dirty, do you?”

“I can clean up- for heaven’s sake, sweetheart, please!”

Utter and total surrender. “As you wish,” Cadance crowed, and she slid down from her place atop Celestia’s luscious figure and fell to her side. A hand plunged down and hiked up the hem of that white robe- only to pause as fingers fell upon a new sensation of fluid that had turned it damp. “Ooh, you are desperate.”

“Cadance-”

A trace of a giggle and that hand plunged down below and struck gold, the delicate flower of Celestia puffy and engorged on the fat of their foreplay. Never had she known her princess to be this worked up- why, it would hardly take more than a few fingerstrokes to see the deed done. She would have to take a little bit of time if she weren’t going to make this woman fall apart instantly. So what exploration she had begun curbed its enthusiasm; three fingers became one, its sole trot along the outer labia meant to only bring the barest of sensations.

Yet that was enough to turn Celestia rigid. Struggling against this new feeling, the stellar princess had to grit her teeth. “Ooh- mmph!”

Cadance had to gawk for a brief moment. She’d only just started! Surely I don’t feel that good, do I? She wondered. But back to her pluckings did she return, gently soothing the enflamed folds of Celestia as she ignited them further. She wanted to feel that slit gush, the delicate pearl of all joy beneath her fingertip- and quiver as its mistress tried to hold back for a little while longer. Celestia had given her the fright of her life? Then by all means, she would take her sweet time.

A second finger joined in the fray, sliding in and spreading themselves wide; pointer and index at opposite end, gently wriggling their way within and without the epicenter as they took their time strolling. A little movement this way, Cadance deemed- and then a little more that way. Small, tentative steps forward as they explored this newfound territory that would be theirs alone. Oh, this wet wall that stood in their way? Why, let’s trace its outline for a little while; see where it leads us.

Celestia had to bite her tongue, squeeze her eyes shut until she saw sparks. She had begged for an end to her girlfriend’s teasing and now found herself suffering beneath the worst of it. Hands clenched and unclenched in a broken pattern, desperate to put all effort and attentions elsewhere- anywhere but that glorious, wondrous pleasure that was between her legs! Cadance had never felt better, no one had ever felt better! She wanted nothing more than to enjoy the touch and caress of Cadance for the rest of her life-

A third finger entered the fray and sensed weakness. Too skilled in her craft, Cadance caught the wild, desperate look upon Celestia’s transported features and knew the time had come. She played with that pearl, toyed with it, tortured it until it could only burn alive with happiness! She wanted to feel that flower absolutely flow, break the dam and see the river released; there would be time for more thorough, delicate explorations later, but now was the moment when she would claim her territory. This princess, this magnificent, glorious angel that had rescued her from a pointless, unhappy existence was hers and hers alone.

And by heaven and hell, Celestia would know it!

When orgasm came crashing upon her senses, the weakened cry escaped her throat and echoed across the room. Physical form was transformed into a statue, all muscles made tense so that fullest focus would be placed upon the tidal wave below. How many times could she feel a wave of pleasure from one simple orgasm? Enough to blind her, incapacitate her, hold her so utterly captive that Celestia may as well have seen an entire lifeage of the Earth pass by her before it could end. Oh, never had she felt something like this. Not just sex, more than just mere attractions coming to sapphic conclusion. This had been something special, and never in her life had she known its equal.

When body at last released control from its subconscious self, Celestia fell back against the pillows in a heap. Her body heaved as though she’d just run a marathon, each new breath a rush and a struggle all at once. Why had this felt so different? Surely just a little genuine affection could not change so much. Yet still… the stellar royal felt as though she had taken a first step into a brand new world, so unfamiliar and full of potential. What would she discover along this road- and could it somehow even be better than this?

“That’s what you get for teasing me.” Cadance helped bring senses back down to earth, the gorgeous woman cuddling up next to her, cradling her beloved in her arms. “That’s what you’ll get next time- if not worse.”

“I don’t think I can,” Celestia said weakly, earning a laugh from her companion. “You are… are…”

“Good? Amazing?”

“Wonderful,” Celestia assured her, placing a kiss on those jeweled lips for good measure. “I love you.” An immediate biting of her tongue; she hadn’t meant to say it so soon. Emotion had demanded it of her, exhaustion had made the confession easy. But now that the genie was out of the bottle, what on earth was she supposed to do?

Rather than fear or worry, Cadance’s eyes shown all the more brightly. “I love you, too,” she whispered. “Maybe it’s a little small right now, but… that just means there’s room to grow. Right?”

“Indeed.” She could feel the slickness of her skin, viscous fluid down below demanding its immediate cleansing. “My time runs short, sweetheart.”

“I’ll grab a towel for you,” Cadance said. “Go on and get yourself in the shower.”

Celestia rose from her place atop the bed with what strength she could manage. Limbs shaking, body still trembling, absolutely ravished by this incredible woman’s mastery of lovemaking-

“Wait! Hold on just a second!” Cadance’s anxious cry brought an end to all movement.

“What is-”

“Here.” Upon her neck did Cadance leave a kiss, along with the slight hint of a nibble. “Just in case you thought you could get away scot-free,” she said. A quick retreat and she studied her freshly-made mark with a smug glow of pride. “You’re mine, now, and don’t you forget it.”

Celestia looked out upon the world through a happy, dreamy haze for the rest of the day. Until sun fell and she could return to her quarters and find that glorious woman awaiting her, life would feel as though a daydream. What words came next, whatever that would transpire before her eyes felt irrelevant and about as important as yesterday’s weather. For so long, she had felt dreary and unhappy, alone in a world with no equal; all it had taken was this sweet young woman to break that depressing spell.

And despite how obvious it was upon her exposed neck, Celestia wore that hickey with pride.

Author's Note

Fuck me, that's way better than my last attempt. I've got to remember that.

Enjoy, I guess. Keep reading.