Princess of Eventide

Twilight awoke in her old room in the castle. Yesterday had been a long day, and an exciting one. She had carefully planned out her topics for talking to the Princess at the Gala, which, due to all the incoming Ponies, had been moved to .. to some other time. After having been thoroughly put off by all the other ponies, she and her six friends had eventually escaped to Pony Joe's, and, unnoticed by anypony, Princess Celestia had slipped away as well. That was great, but Twilight wanted to converse about specific things, very specific things, and eventually, she had run out of topics! Her beloved friends and Princess had carried most of the conversation after that, but she couldn't conceal her nerves that something could go wrong, especially with her favorite pony in the universe there!

And then, they had discovered it. Her crush, which being more than a crush, was more like complete adoration and desire to please. While not everypony may have discovered who she was crushing on, she had had a very revealing conversation with everypony, especially her Princess. This conversation had given her the courage to write a letter to the Princess, giving her a standing invitation to Pony Joe's, whenever she was bored and in the middle of something unnecessary.

Then it happened. The Princess had immediately written back, and what had followed was nothing short of magical. Okay, it was also a tidbit frustrating; Pony Joe shouldn't have kept interrupting them. However, it was wonderful, and that kiss... Well, let's just say that Twilight now understood why some ponies referred to Celestia as the Princess of the Unconquered Sun.

Now, she awoke in the castle at Canterlot, and she was ready for breakfast. As she retraced the familiar paths, she wondered with a bubbling sense of anticipation just what this new day would hold. She entered the dining hall, finding an empty place next to Celestia and across from Luna. To her surprise, she saw two other familiar faces also sitting near.

"Shining Armour! Princess Cadance! It's nice to see you again!"

It was a fair statement to say that she was delighted to see her brother and former foalsitter. Celestia smiled. To think that Twilight might not have known what was going on between Cadance and Shining had it not been for her efforts. This reminded Celestia.

"Cadance, Shining, don't you have news to share?"

"Well," the happy older brother said. "I got promoted to Captain of the Guard!"

"And," the pink alicorn across the table said, suggestively.

"Oh!" Shining Armour said, that bright light that only Sparkles in love seemed to possess glowing from his eyes. "Well, you see, I have been seeing this beautiful lady sitting across from me recently, and she has agreed to become my wife!"

Twilight squeed, grinning brightly.

"How on Earth did he convince you to marry him?

Celestia pretended she didn't notice Twilight glancing in her direction, though there was an almost-telltale blush on both their faces.

"He's just so noble, loving, and protective," said Cadance. "Like I imagine more Sparkles than him would be."

She gave Twilight a significant, joyous look, and Celestia nodded, smiling down on her smaller marefriend.

"Just one moment," the dark mare across the table from Twilight challenged. "There is one who sits at this table, working for the affections of royalty without permission."

Shining and Cadance looked first at Luna, then at Twilight.

"Little sis?" Twilight turned her head at her brother's address. "Are you dating royalty too?"

Twilight nodded, and then blushingly turned to Luna, though her eyes darted to Celestia long enough for Shining to notice. He gasped, but was discrete about his action.

"You're not seeing Princess Celestia, are you?"

"She has not received our permission to court our royal sister, Captain," replied Luna, before turning her attention to Twilight. "Do you seek our permission to court our royal sister, Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight sat tall, a resolute look on her face.

"Yes. Not only am I willing to do my best, even though I know it'll probably never be enough, I'm willing to try my whole life long."

By now, everypony was looking at Luna, Twilight and Celestia.

"Very good," said Luna. "I give you my permission."

"Twilight," addressed Celestia, one of those warm, deep, sensual looks on her face. "Do you trust me?"

"Forever," the purple unicorn responded.

The Princess started hovering, her majestic wings fluttering as her magic levitated this precious young mare closer to her position. The desire on her face was mirrored by Twilight. Twilight knew what was about to happen, even as she threw her fore hooves about Celestia's neck. Their lips met, though this time, Celestia's lips were slightly parted, and her tongue lightly brushed the younger unicorn's mouth. Twilight's lips parted in response, and the kiss was deepened, with their tongues moving in harmony.

After they broke the kiss, Celestia lowered herself and her former pupil to their seats amid thunderous applause. Luna looked rueful, Shining Armour looked embarrassed and delighted, and Cadance was one of the loudest cheerers there. Celestia herself looked rather pink faced, and Twilight was also blushing.

The final straw came when Shining Armour turned to her and hugged her tightly, saying, "Way to go, little sis!"

Celestia stood and addressed the crowd.

"It's been a lovely morning, but I'm afraid I really must be going," she said, giving Twilight a look. "I just realized that I have an appointment I cannot miss. Have a good day!"

"Actually, I need to be going, too," Twilight told her brother and the princesses. "Duty calls, and all that!"