"Forgive me, my dearest. I simply couldn't resist. I hope you like it."

I read the small note out loud before folding it up and placing it back where I'd found it.

"Thank you... Luna." A solitary tear fell from my cheek as I began examining the brand new vanity desk. I swept a hoof over the mahogany wood, its glistening finish something I wasn't entirely familiar with. It almost seemed to twinkle like my mistress' night sky.

It's beautiful.

She must have gotten it from the Dominion too. Just like my dress.

I'd never seen anything like it in Canterlot. I'd never seen anything like it anywhere. There was only one thing I knew for sure about the furniture. It had to have been extremely expensive. It was probably more costly than all of the things in her bedroom combined.

After the incident with the Nightmare I was well aware I'd have to replace my old mirror at some point. I never expected a second gift to be waiting for me in my room.

Especially not this soon.

She was far more than I deserved. Maybe, far more than I'd ever deserve. But still... that didn't change reality.

I want...

...

I shook my head, forcing myself to focus on the here and now and not on foalish fantasies that I knew could never come true. I carefully reached into my saddlebags and took out my mistress' Blessing as well as the letter my brother and sister had written me. I placed both treasures on the desk with a smile before laying my bags on the floor. I took a deep, soothing breath and then leapt right onto my bed with reckless abandon.

Soooo nice!

I wrapped my forelegs around one of my pillows and squeezed as hard as I could. Being home in your own bed always felt... different. Better than being anywhere else. Much better.

Getting back into the swing of things wasn't going to be an easy task. Not after everything that had happened, both in the Empire and here in Canterlot. Princess Celestia had decided she was going to be traveling to the Crystal Empire. Personally. As soon as tomorrow, if she could manage to organize everything quickly enough. It was a hefty task, but one that was of the utmost importance, or so she'd told us.

For my mentor, that meant having to rule over Canterlot alone while her sister was away. That added up to a much higher load of work than usual for the Princess of the Night. I'd initially thought she'd be joining her sister in the Empire, but Princess Celestia made it abundantly clear that was a bad idea. With how angry Luna had become at just the news of Chrysalis and Cadance working together, I kind of had to agree with the Sun Princess.

The bug cooperating with my sister had been such an unpredictable scenario that Princess Celestia was scrambling to do what little damage control she could at this point. When the news eventually reached Canterlot the press would have a field day with it.

It was honestly a little baffling it hadn't yet, though I suppose a full day hadn't even passed since Cadance had made her announcement. Realistically, today's papers would probably have either headlines or snippets.

To remedy some of the impact, Princess Celestia said a public appearance in the Empire was required as soon as possible. In her own words: "It will show the Crystal Empire and the rest of Equestria that things are under our control. At least, to a certain degree."

I'm pretty sure she didn't mean for us to hear that last part.

Anyway, that being the case, that was the first move she had decided to make. Luna would remain in Canterlot along with Sunset, Starlight, and I, and she would head over to the Empire.

The Royal Sisters were going to be swamped with work, both for the duration of Celestia's trip, and for the time being. So much so that they'd been forced to cancel the welcome back dinner we were all going to have together. It was unfortunate, but completely understandable.

On the contrary, the three of us -- Myself, Sunset, and Starlight -- had been given some time off.

Thank you, Celestia!

I was going to take full advantage of it.

First things first, though.

A long yawn escaped my mouth. The idea of a short cat nap sounded like heaven right about now.

I hadn't really been tired, -- not even remotely -- but the comfort of being home in my own bed combined with the exhaustion from the conversation with our mentors had me fading quickly. My eyelids suddenly felt like they weighed a ton, as if my mistress had casted one of her strongest sleep spells on me.

It's fine... I have time. Sunset probably won't be coming around until later anyway.

At least, that's what she'd said before we went our separate ways. She was still adamant about the three of us getting together to try and hammer things out. I still wasn't so sure. In fact, I disagreed with her completely, but I wouldn't break my promise to her.

I stretched my limbs out, a few popping sounds firing off throughout my body before I went totally limp.

Maybe just a...

"Just a little while is fine..." I closed my eyes. "just a..."

A deep sleep carried me off to my mistress' realm.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

"You actually expect me to just forgive her!? JUST LIKE THAT!?" Starlight's shout shook me to my core. I kept my head down, my rump resting on the floor. I wasn't able to plead my case or even defend myself. My shame was much too heavy for me to lift it. Sunset was doing what she could, all for my sake. I was beyond grateful.

"Starlight, she was being used by Chrysalis," the golden mare stood in front of me like a protective big sister. Right now, she reminded me a little of Princess Celestia, though, I was no Princess Luna. "You can't actually hold something like that against her if she wasn't even-"

"CAN AND WILL!" Starlight roared, maneuvering her head around the golden mare to glare down me. I winced, closing my eyes and leaning away from the raging unicorn. "It doesn't even matter! If SHE actually cared SHE would say something!"

...

I bit my lip, standing to my hooves. I kept my head down as I walked up behind Sunset.

"Starlight, she's not-"

I laid a hoof on the golden mare's shoulder.

"Twilight?" she turned to face me, her expression one of concern and shock. "You don't have to-"

"It's okay, Sunset," I lifted my head and smiled at her as best I could. She wasn't buying it, her worry not abating in the least. "You trust me, right?" I asked, trying my best not to outright beg her.

...

"Y..." she looked like she might object, but only for a moment. Her tense expression slackened, along with the rest of her body. "Yeah. I do, Twilight," she placed her hoof on mine, smiling warmly at me. "I'll be right here, if you need me." She stepped aside, letting me face Starlight alone.

The irate mare's rage hadn't diminished an iota. That was to be expected. What I didn't expect was the slight flinch she exhibited when I walked right up to her face. I offered her a resigned smile.

"I'm sorry, Starlight. For hurting you."

I didn't look away or hesitate.

I didn't try to stall or bide my time.

Most importantly, I didn't run away like a coward.

I faced my mistake with dignity, grace, and honesty. That was all I could really do. I hoped and prayed it was enough.

...

The beautiful smile that came to her face told me I'd done the right thing.

"Sparkles..." She lifted a hoof to my face, cupping my cheek. I nuzzled into it, her warmth more tantalizing than I could have ever imagined. "that's all I wanted." She moved closer, the scent of lilacs consuming my being and making me feel faint. She lifted my head.

"S-StarMMMM-" I barely had time to think. I was cut short by her, by something I would have never thought possible.

Her lips were pressed roughly against mine, a quiet, but pleased, hum coming from her as soon as we made contact with one another. The alien sensation forced my eyes closed, my heart pounding like a jackhammer. I didn't resist her or the euphoria she brought, returning the kiss with all of myself. A quiet moan escaped my throat as her hooves guided me, the mare's increase in pressure also increasing my pleasure. It was over before I knew it. The rapturous feel of her mouth against mine ended abruptly -- though she did offer me a blessing in the form of a flick of her tongue against my lips, which nearly caused my legs to collapse from under me -- as she pulled away. It was thrilling. It was agonizing. My mind could barely process what had just happened, my eyes remaining closed as my lips tried to find more of her. Her teasing had been enough to drive both my desire and my bravery to heights I didn't know existed. Surprising even myself, my mouth opened slightly in a frantic search for more of her.

PLEASE!?

And then...

I opened my eyes.

...

"P-P-PRINCESS!?!" I scrambled backwards, my rump scooting along the floor as my hooves fought to find traction. I barely moved at all, my wild flailing not very effective.

"Is this... troubling to you, Twilight?"

"I... IT..." I stopped my wild thrashings, taking a deep, shaking breath. "It... doesn't, Luna."

"Then... you're fine with... doing a little more?"

She walked towards me, sashaying her hips seductively as she moved. A coy smirk lifted her lips, her divine aura paired with her irresistible beauty crumbling any defense I might have been able to raise. I shut my eyes once again. As soon as I heard her move into arms length, I lost my composure.

"I-wha-y-pl-" I became a babbling mess of a pony. Her mere proximity was too much for me to handle when she was like this. Thankfully, -- as soon as her hoof touched my shoulder -- I felt a sense of serenity wash over me.

"Be at peace, Twilight," she whispered into my ear, sending a tremor running through my body. "If that is truly too much to ask... how does a kiss sound?"

Without missing a beat I nodded my head vigorously, though, in spite of my enthusiasm I still kept my eyes shut tight. My mistress giggled at my swift cooperation before placing a hoof on my chin to stop me.

"Wonderful."

She didn't hesitate either. The feeling was completely different than before. Much softer and patient than seconds ago, she took things slow, allowing me to reciprocate.

I took full advantage.

I snaked my tongue between my lips, ever so gently and with the utmost caution, asking her for permission. With a low moan she accepted, opening her mouth.

I explored.

We played with each other, moans of pleasure coming from each of us.

And then...

I opened my eyes.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

...

...

...

Well... that was... was...

I couldn't properly describe what that had been. I lowered the pillow I was clutching tightly to my chest. I stared up at the ceiling, trying my best to process the dream and exactly what it had meant.

It all started with...

Starlight...

It stood to reason that it began with the lilac mare. I was still dreading having to face her. My subconscious clearly wasn't about to pretend that everything would be fine like I was trying my best to do.

It started like a nightmare. One I knew I'd be coming face to face with shortly.

But then she...

My cheeks heated up.

...

Is that really what I want?

Of course I wanted her forgiveness. That much went without saying. I didn't deserve it, but at the very least I could work towards a solution she could be satisfied with. But that was only if she let me back in.

And that wasn't what I was referring to anyway.

I'd never been kissed before. It was better than I could have ever imagined.

The way she took the lead.

Hotter.

The way she was rough with me, but also gentle.

Even hotter.

The way she... teased me.

I could feel my face burning at the very thought of the mare. I laid a foreleg over my face, trying my hardest to calm myself down.

Starlight...

It didn't work. I wanted her even more than I could have ever imagined. Out of nowhere, I flailed about angrily, throwing a fit. My annoyance was completely uncontainable, so I let it out.

"This is so STUPID!" I growled before settling back down with a heavy sigh.

I reached down and grabbed a pillow once again, pulling it close and biting into it like a hungry timberwolf.

So that's going to be an issue. I huffed through my clenched teeth. Even if Starlight hated me and refused to speak to me ever again, that wouldn't change how I felt about her.

And that wasn't the only problem.

Luna...

There was no way to properly process what I was feeling for my mistress either. I was well aware of the truth.

I love her too.

Of course I did.

I always have.

From the moment we first met, I knew I loved her.

Just... not like this.

Never like this.

She was my mentor. My savior. She was so high above me I could never hope to be by her side. She was a goddess that would ever be out of my reach.

But... now?

After what she'd said in her room? After what she'd done to me!?

I brushed a hoof against my lips, my body tingling at recalling just how close we'd been. I could still feel her against me, could still smell her scent. I could still taste her.

I never wanted to forget it, but there was a problem there as well.

That... curse.

The Nightmare. It had taunted me, but there was no denying the change in my mistress. Luna hadn't acted this way before I'd gone to the Empire. If it all really was just an elaborate play, I'd definitely end up in a much worse place than ever before. If the Nightmare was actually using my mistress, somehow manipulating her into these feelings...

...I don't know.

I simply couldn't. The humiliation would be too much to take. It was already all too much to take.

The first, a mare that by all means had every right -- and probably exercised that right -- to loathe me. Yet, in spite of that, I wanted her love. She was obnoxious, but she was charming. She was rude, but she was honest. She was a jerk, but she cared. And on top of all of that, she was strong. So very strong.

So much stronger than I am.

The second was a goddess. One I didn't belong with. I might be able to become her acceptable student one day. One day, I may even be able to earn a place serving her. But her mate? Never. Even if that's what she wanted.

...

But she... she is always right.

It didn't matter. I would never even dare to dream of being with her.

..

And yet...

That's exactly what I'd done.

...

This is stupid...

I grumbled to myself, not sure what I wanted. It was all so confusing. Especially since I wasn't certain if Luna's feelings were actually her own.

That irritating...

...

Wait...

I shot up, looking around the room quickly. Judging from the lighting in my quarters it was just about dusk. Princess Celestia's sun was nowhere to be found outside the window, but there was still a bit of its light tinting the sky.

I'd been out for a lot longer than I'd intended, that much was obvious. That wasn't too much of a concern at the moment. No, the real problem was...

"Where are you?" I whispered, mostly to myself. It had been way too long.

What? Already miss me? the familiar, yet horrid voice, echoed in my head.

I don't miss you, I growled. I know you.

Oh really? And what does that entail?

You're scheming, aren't you!? I accused, knowing full well I was correct. What are you up to!?

Finally catching on? Took you long enough.

DON'T PLAY GAMES WITH ME! I was standing on my bed.

Or what? What do you honestly believe you can do to stop me?

I...

...

I took a deep breath. I wasn't gonna fall right into her hooves again.

You know what, you're right. I can't stop you. I jumped off the bed, trotting over to my vanity. But I don't have to. You can't do anything unless we make a pact. I opened one of the drawers and lifted a brush with my telekinesis. "Good luck, monster," I smirked as I began to straighten out my mane.

...

Someone's gotten a big head. The sickly looking Twilight was back in full force, forming in my mirror just like last time. Alas, you are correct. I can do little without a puppet.

I had to fight to keep my smile from becoming even more smug.

But... who ever said that puppet had to be you?

I froze. The dark version of me transformed into a malformed version of her.

Chatting with your love has been nothing but entertaining. I believe she's quite... open, she licked her lips. to the idea of us working together.

"YOU BIT-" I almost slammed my hoof directly into the glass, almost destroyed my mistress' gift, but her note caught my eye.

With a final mad cackle of laughter the Nightmare left the mirror.

YOU PIECE OF... STARLIGHT!

I ran for the door, throwing it open with my telekinesis.

"OH! Hey, Twilight! I was just-"

"We've got to go see Starlight, Sunset!" I laid a hoof on her shoulder as my horn flared magenta. "RIGHT NOW!"

"Well, yeah," she nodded her head, my frantic attitude confusing her a bit, but her chipper demeanor enduring. "That's why I came here."

"No, Sunset," I shook my head as my spell fully energized. "It's the Nightmare."

She lost all vibrancy as I teleported the two of us to our friend's room.

Author's Note

If you've come this far I'd just like to thank you again for taking this ride with me. I appreciate each and every one of you.