Princess of Eventide

After the gala, our heroes were having a good time with Princess Celestia. Twilight had run out of things to talk about and was keeping her answers short and sweet. This was especially evident when Princess Celestia was the one doing the talking. The honest and frank Applejack was the one with the insight to figure out why.

"You seem a bit nervous, Twilight. Care to tell us about it," the orange pony asked.

"Who, me?" the purple pony said, laughing in a certain way. "I'm not nervous! Why would I be nervous?"

A quick glance at her mentor's face told Twilight that Celestia, used to Twilight's mannerisms, was smiling amusedly at how Twilight was trying to hide her nerves. Twilight blushed, and Rarity's eyes obviously picked up.

"Ladies, I think our Twilight might have crush," Rarity said.

Twilight winced and blushed tellingly.

"Guys, that's not really important," she told them, amid clamors from the other five and Spike to say who it is. "Whatever pony it is, it's somepony way above my league."

Twilight thought that would put a stop to her friends' questions. The poor pony had no awareness that the worst question was still coming.

"Twilight," Said Princess Celestia. "What pony gave you the idea that they were better than you, my most loyal student?"

She gave special emphasis to her final address. Twilight had always known she was somepony because of her teacher, but not a good or noble enough pony for that special pony.

"Nopony gave me that idea," Twilight said, very sheepishly. "They're just better than me."

"Just better than you?" Rarity demanded. "You are Princess Celestia's personal protege! Very few ponies could say that."

"Rarity has a point, my loyal pupil," said Celestia. "This very night, I permitted you to stand by me at the Gala. Do you know what that action said to the nobles? It told them that you are second to myself and my royal sister. Now, what pony could possibly stand outside your reach?"

Twilight's face was as red as all get out, but she had to continue. This was something she had to test.

"From the sound of it, only Princess Luna and yourself would be out of my reach."

"That's a very interesting answer, my beloved pupil," said Celestia. A darting glance confirmed it; the diarch's cheeks were also inflamed, but not as much. "It just happens to be incorrect."

"Incorrect?" squeaked Twilight.

"Exactly. If you were to ask for my permission to court Luna, I would ask you to be careful with my sister's heart and I would most likely still give you the permission. It would doubtlessly be the same if you were to ask permission of my sister to court me, although, if she were to say no, I might not care."

"Are you saying Twilight has a shot at anypony she wants," asked Pinkie Pie.

"That's just what I'm saying, my little pony," replied Celestia.

Everypony was staring at the princess.

"Pony Joe," said Twilight. "Can I set up a long distance teleportation array in your shop?"

"Sure!" said Pony Joe.

Everypony looked at Twilight with interest as she set up the array.

"Looks like she's aiming for somepony here in Canterlot," said Rainbow Dash. "You think she's interested in you, Princess?"

"Rainbow Dash," interjected Rarity. "A pony doesn't simply ask the Princess about her romantic prospects! Such a thing is very uncouth!"

"Don't worry about it," said Celestia, watching her student finish the array. "I don't want you to worry about what you chose to say, even though I will put some thought into how much answer you get."

"I think I know exactly who Twilight likes," Fluttershy said, blushing heavily. She may not have said much, but she watched pretty much everything.

"Alright! Array's done," said Twilight. "Well, it's been a lovely evening, but I'm getting tired, and I have one last letter to write before I hit the hay."

After this, the mostly mystified ponies went on their way. When she and Spike made it to their library home, Twilight fetched quill and paper.

Dear Princess Celestia, she wrote. Thank you for the wonderful evening. During our time at Pony Joe's, I did realize that what you said about the Grand Galloping Gala could also be said about many state affairs. If it is reasonable for you to escape, I am offering you a way to get away from unnecessary tedium. With this letter, I hereby extend you a standing invitation to Pony Joe's for a time of discussion and donuts. Whenever I receive a letter from you accepting this invitation, I will drop everything and teleport to Pony Joe's, barring an emergency. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.