Princess Celestia watched as the pony before her throne bowed before her. The pony smiled, as she stood up and turned to leave. Celestia watched the pony leave, giving the solar princess a moment to collect her thoughts, and prepare for the next visitor.

So far the day had been rather relaxing, with no urgent matters that required her to attend endless meetings. That was of course part of her duties, and she would never complain about them, but it was nice to have a day that seemed to be going smoothly for her.

It suited her well, she had been staying up late these past few nights, and although she was an Alicorn, she still needed to sleep like any other pony. Lately though, her nights had become more restless, and her heart became heavier. She knew the reason of course, and was comforted by the knowledge it would pass, and the burden would be lifted in time.

Until then, she would focus on her work, and watch her little ponies grow. In fact, in a few weeks time, she would hold an exam for gifted unicorns, and she would find a new personal student. She smiled to herself, looking forward to seeing who it might be.

"Princess." A voice called to her politely. A guard stood by the foot of her throne, looking up at her patiently. "Shall we send the next petitioner in?"

Celestia gave a nod. "Yes, please do."

The royal guard saluted, and Celestia watched as they moved to bring the next petitioner. Day court was an important part of Celestia's duties, or at least she thought it was. Certain nobles might call it a waste of time, but she enjoyed it immensely. A few times a week, her throne room would be open to the public who wanted to meet with Celestia personally.

Every pony from every part of Equestria could come and see her about anything. Some came to request things of her, others with ideas. Some just wanted a picture, or ask her council. For almost a thousand years, she had kept up this tradition, and it was perhaps one of her favorite duties.

She could be close to her ponies, and listen to them in a way she could otherwise not always do. From the decades that passed, concerns and ideas changed, and she had heard so many great things. Also absurd of course, some amusing. Somehow her little ponies never stopped surprising her.

Although, after almost a thousand years of day court, she also got a lot of repeating audiences, while others died out as Equastria changed.

The grand double doors to the throne room opened for a brief moment, and Celestia watched as a young stallion trotted inside with his head held high. Sometimes, Celestia was able to guess what ponies wanted from her. Having years of practice, she could at times pick out from their stance, their walk, and look at what they had on their mind.

She never told any of her ponies this, as it might embarrass, or make them too nervous to speak. Although in the privacy of her mind, she did keep score of how many times she got it right and wrong.

The stallion trotting along the rose colored carpet was a young pegasus. Not a colt, perhaps just getting out of his teens. He didn't look around the throne room like he was awed, or intimidated. He smiled a warm pleasant smile, with a hint of excitement. There was confidence in his posture, and a sort of spring in his step.

His blue eyes were fixed on her, and as he came closer she could tell he had done his best to make his blonde mane look nice and neat. He stopped as he got so close as he was allowed, again speaking to his confidence. Most newcomers usually kept more distance, at least until they were comfortable.

Had it not been for the two royal guard ponies at the foot of her throne, he might even have been bold enough to step even closer. He bowed respectfully, and held the bow for maybe one or two extra seconds before standing tall again, looking directly into her eyes without a hint of nervousness.

"Good day to you, Princess Celestia." The stallion said calmly, but with a hint of excitement. "My name is Solar Comet, and I am very happy to meet you."

Celestia smiled down at him, and inclined her head. "And a good day to you, I am pleased to meet you too, Solar Comet." She said with a slight giggle. "And what brought you here today?" His smile turned a little mischievous, but in a playful coltish way. Celestia had to admit, so far he was the most interesting visitor she had received today.

Comet bowed his head. "Your majesty, I come to you with a confession and a question."

"Oh?" Celestia tilted her head, her smile never leaving her. "A confession, hopefully it is not a confession regarding a crime."

Comet chuckled and shook his head. "If a crime was committed, it is not for me to confess, but for you." Celestia leaning back, her eyebrows rising a little, her interest rising.

"And what crime might that be?"

"Thievery, because you have stolen my heart."

Utter silence.

The way Comet had said it with complete sincerity took her by surprise. She was no stranger to ponies proclaiming their love for her, in fact, many nobles had tried and failed to court her throughout her time on the throne. However, it had been at least 76 years since the last attempt, and that one was by a noble who was drunk.

It took Celestia a moment to recover, but then she smiled warmly at him. "A serious crime indeed, but I promise there was no such intent on my part." She tried to be a good sport, smooth it out gracefully and let him down easy. Before she could move on to that part of the conversation, Comet held up a hoof.

"Please, Princess. Allow me the honor to finish."

Celestia regarded him, his eyes had become slightly more intense, his smile having faded into something a little more serious, but not unpleasant. Despite herself, she gave a nod.

"I confess my love for you, Princess." He got down, but his eyes took a new form of determination she had rarely seen in anypony so young. "Will you marry me?"

Author's Note

A small beginning on a small love story. :3