The Conjuration Wizard

The grand dining hall of Canterlot Castle was just as I remembered it. The setting sun sent rays of kaleidoscope colors through the tall stained-glass windows. The intricate patterns highlighted the elaborately adorned table, casting a surreal glow over the room. It had been sometime since I last sat down at a real table for a meal.

I had sat through dozens of meals with the princesses before, mostly informal affairs where titles were discarded and conversations lacked diplomatic layers. But tonight was different. Tonight Luna was running late, and Celestia had the presence about her that filled the room, as though she brought the sun itself with her wherever she went.

Aldin, perched comfortably on the back of my chair, his golden eyes scanning the room with a calm indifference that I could never seem to master. He was always unbothered by Celestia’s towering authority, and part of me envied his ability to remain unfazed in moments like these. Even now, as I tried to focus on the spread of food before me, Aldin’s presence was a steady reminder that I wasn’t alone in this.

His sharp eyes darted from one glistening utensil to another, and through our bond I could sense his amusement. “It’s been a while since we've dined somewhere so fancy, eh, Seb?”

I chuckled softly, straightening the collar of my shirt, the material of my shirt brushing the area where the stitches in my shoulder dissolved. “Yeah,” I said back, knowing only he'd catch the gist. “Almost forgot what it’s like to sit down for a proper meal.”

Celestia sat across from me, looking as regal as ever, her presence filling the room with a quiet authority. She smiled warmly as she sipped away at her wine, but her sharp gaze was studying me, sizing me up in a way that made me feel like I was under a spotlight. Luna was late, caught up with some final royal duties, leaving me alone with the Solar Princess, something that felt both formal and oddly personal.

I had no idea what to say. I wasn’t sure whether we were still in the realm of small talk or if I should ask about the duties of the day. The silence stretched on awkwardly, and just as I was about to break it with some cringe ass comments about the excellent craftsmanship of the chandeliers, Celestia leaned forward slightly.

“So, Sebastian,” she began, casually swirling her glass of wine. “What are your intentions with my sister?”

The words hung in the air like a sword waiting to drop. I blinked, my brain scrambling for a response. I hadn't exactly prepared for this conversation — especially not tonight. Aldin shifted slightly on his perch, his eyes darting between me and Celestia with keen interest, almost like he was waiting to see how I'd handle it.

Of course, I knew it was coming. It wasn’t like Celestia didn’t already know about Luna and I. She had probably sensed it long before we even acknowledged it ourselves, probably just like Cadance did. But hearing the question posed so directly, with that serene, knowing look in her eyes, made the whole thing feel terrifyingly official. I sat up straighter, my nearly healed shoulder chose this moment to feel itchy.

There were a thousand responses I could give, but all of them felt inadequate underneath Celestia’s gaze. It was as though she were staring right through me, weighing every unspoken word before I even had a chance to articulate it.

"You're on your own for this one," Aldin whispered, barely concealing his amusement.

I cleared my throat, feeling the weight of Celestia's gaze pinning me to the spot. I could feel the heat rising in my face, my pulse quickening as I tried to think of the best way to explain myself. My intentions? They were simple, really, but saying them aloud in front of Luna’s sister — one of the most powerful beings in Equestria — made them feel weighty.

“Well, I…” I started, meeting her gaze. “I love her.”

Celestia’s expression remained calm, but the slight lift of her brow told me she wasn’t letting me off the hook just yet. Her eyes, though warm with curiosity, were unyielding. “Love is a powerful word, Sebastian. And my sister… she hasn’t had the easiest path. I’m sure you know that.”

“I do,” I replied, my voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. “I know of her past, about what she’s been through. I don’t take that lightly. And… I love her for all of it. The good, the bad — everything.”

A brief silence followed, the soft clinking of cutlery from the kitchen the only sound in the room. Celestia set her glass down gently, folding her hooves on the table, a calm expression on her face, though there was a depth in her eyes that told me she was weighing every word I spoke.

“I’m not asking for her to change,” I added, feeling the need to be absolutely clear. “I love who she is — as she is. I want to be with her. I want to be there for her, in every way I can. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know I want her in it.”

Celestia’s smile grew warmer, though it didn’t lose that edge. “Good answer.” She took a delicate sip of her wine, setting the glass down with a soft clink. “But I suppose I don’t have to tell you that loving Luna comes with certain… responsibilities.”

I nodded, understanding the unspoken weight behind her words. Luna’s past, her scars — both physical and emotional — were still fresh in my mind. Being with her wasn’t just about romantic gestures and whispered promises. It meant understanding her darkness, standing by her side even in the face of that shadow.

“I know,” I said, my voice quiet but resolute. “I’m ready for that.”

Celestia leaned back in her chair, satisfied for now, though I had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time she’d test me. She glanced at Aldin, who was watching the exchange with a bemused tilt of his head. “And what about you, Aldin? Are you ready for Sebastian to have someone else to dote on?”

Aldin gave a soft, indignant hoot, puffing up slightly. “He’s still mine,” he muttered, his words barely concealed under the guise of owl sounds. I couldn’t help but smirk.

Celestia’s gaze flicked back to me, her expression lightening. “You’ve been away for so long, Sebastian. It’s good to see you back, though I imagine Luna’s quite impatient to have you near again.” She chuckled softly, the sound surprisingly genuine. “She’s been rather different since your return.”

I smiled, a warmth spreading through me at the thought of Luna. It had only been a few days since we confessed our feelings for each other, but everything already felt so... different. More real. More alive. “I’m glad to be back,” I said, my voice carrying a soft fondness I didn’t even try to hide.

As if on cue, the door to the dining hall creaked open, and I felt my breath catch as Luna stepped into the room. She moved with her usual grace, her midnight mane shimmering in the dim candlelight as it flowed behind her like a living thing. Her eyes found mine instantly, and despite the grandeur of the dining hall, it felt as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of us for that moment.

“I apologize for the delay,” she said, her voice carrying a soft edge of formality as she approached the table. But I could see the flicker of warmth in her gaze, the way her eyes softened when they met mine. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long."

I stood, and shook my head. “Not at all,” I replied, unable to keep the smile from my face.

“No need to apologize,” Celestia said with a playful smile, her tone carrying that glint of sisterly amusement that was growing easier for me to recognize. “We were just talking.”

Luna raised an eyebrow at her sister’s lighthearted tone, clearly catching the underlying hint in Celestia’s words, but she let it slide. Instead, she turned her attention back to me, her eyes softening as they met mine. As she moved gracefully to the seat beside me, her presence easing the lingering tension in the room.

Aldin let out a soft hoot, acknowledging Luna with a slight nod before resuming his quiet watch. Through our link, I could feel his satisfaction, a gentle wave of contentment. He was pleased — the unease that had hung in the air moments before was dissolving, the dinner’s awkward tension broken by Luna’s arrival.

"I trust the two of you haven’t been conspiring in my absence," Luna said, her eyes narrowing in mock suspicion as she glanced between Celestia and me.

Celestia’s smile grew even more radiant, her wings shifting subtly, a telltale sign of her amusement. "Conspiring? Why, dear sister, I wouldn’t dream of it," she replied, her tone dripping with feigned innocence. "Besides, Sebastian here has already passed his first test."

Luna’s gaze flicked to me, her curiosity clearly piqued. “Oh?”

I met her eyes, feeling the familiar weight of her attention, along with that ever-present warmth that seemed to envelop me whenever she focused on me. “Your sister asked me about my intentions,” I said, doing my best to keep the mood light, in spite of the gravity of the topic.

Luna’s lips curled into a knowing smile as she leaned in ever so slightly, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “And? Did you pass?”

I took up a smile of my own. “I’d like to think so.”

Celestia let out a small laugh, clearly enjoying the exchange. “He did quite well, actually,” she said, taking another sip of her wine. “But then, I expected nothing less.”

There was a moment of quiet as the three of us settled into the rhythm of dinner. Plates were passed, conversation flowed easily, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of normalcy. Well, as normal as it could get when dining with two godlike sisters.

The conversation eventually shifted to more neutral topics, from upcoming royal duties to the ongoing preparations for the Grand Galloping Gala. As much as I wasn’t one for big, fancy parties, I found myself strangely looking forward to this one — if only because Luna would be there.

“I do hope you’re prepared for the Gala, Sebastian,” Celestia said, a glint of amusement in her eyes. “It’ll be your first time attending, and it can be quite the spectacle.”

I nodded, though inwardly I wasn’t as confident. “I have a suit ready,” I replied. “My shoulder’s good to go, and my hair’s been trimmed, so I suppose I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”

Luna chuckled softly beside me. “It is a grand event,” she said, her tone a touch more serious. “Though if I’m being honest, the Galas I attended a thousand years ago were rather dull.”

Celestia waved a hoof dismissively. “Oh, Luna, that was so long ago. Things have changed.” She paused, her smile turning mischievous. “Besides, I have a feeling this Gala will be... different.”

I raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to Celestia’s statement than she was letting on, but she didn’t elaborate. I glanced at Luna, who merely rolled her eyes at her sister’s cryptic tone.

Fine. I’ll bite.

“Different how?” I asked cautiously.

“Oh, you’ll see,” Celestia said, her smile widening in a way that made me certain she was up to something. “Just enjoy the night. I’m sure it’ll be memorable.”

I exchanged a look with Luna, who seemed equally dubious of her sister’s intentions, but neither of us pressed further. Whatever Celestia was planning, I had a feeling we wouldn’t find out until the night of the Gala itself.

Dinner continued without any more surprises, though Luna and I exchanged subtle glances throughout the evening, a quiet understanding between us that was still new but growing stronger every day. It was as if everything had shifted since our confessions — we no longer had to hide our feelings, and that openness was refreshing.

As the meal wrapped up, Celestia dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, her golden magic swirling the glass away with practiced ease. “Well, I believe that concludes our dinner,” she said. “I have some duties to attend to before the night is over.” She gave us both a knowing look, lingering a moment longer on Luna. “I’ll leave you two to enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Luna and I both nodded our goodbyes, watching as Celestia gracefully left the room, her radiant presence fading down the long corridor. As soon as the door clicked shut behind her, I let out a small breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

“Your sister never misses an opportunity to test me, does she?” I said with a grin.

Luna chuckled, leaning closer to me, her wing brushing against my side. “You handled her well. She can be protective, but I think she approves of you.”

“Huh, you think so?”

She smiled playfully. “Well, you’re still here, aren’t you?”

I shook my head, an amused smile taking its place, but there was a part of me that was relieved. Earning Celestia’s approval was good, and knowing that I hadn’t somehow overstepped gave me a bit more confidence for what lay ahead.

As we stood to leave, Luna’s eyes gleamed with a certain anticipation I couldn’t quite place. There was something in her gaze, something more than the affection we had already shared. It was subtle, but unmistakable. Almost as if she were waiting for something.

The thought of attending the Gala with Luna by my side was more than enough to make me want to endure that evening. And though I wasn’t the type for grand events or elaborate gatherings, I knew that as long as she was with me, I’d manage it just fine.

As we walked together, side by side, I felt a quiet thrill in the air. Something was brewing, and though I didn’t know the full extent of what Celestia had planned for the Gala, one thing was clear: the night would be unforgettable.