Celestia let out a relaxed sigh.

So far, the morning had been perfect! She had slept well, she felt energetic when she awoke to raise the sun, Luna had been in a good mood when they met at breakfast. And by some miracle, her paperwork had been light, and very simple. She had no meetings either, well, one, but it was for something she was excited for.

It seemed that everything was shaping up to be a perfect day!

For now, she just had to attend day court, and then she could enjoy a nice spot of lunch in the garden. Yes, that would be nice. A relaxing lunch by the pond under her favorite tree, perhaps with a good book? Celestia giggled, she felt 500 years younger, and trotted with a spring in her step.

Soon enough Celestia arrived in the throne room, greeting the guards as she made her way up to her throne and sat down. "Alright, guard, please bring in the first petitioner." She said in a calm regal voice, taking a moment to collect herself, and focus on the work ahead. Her mind couldn't be in the clouds, her little ponies deserved her full attention when they came to her.

The large double doors opened, and Celestia could not hide her smile as she saw the pony trotting towards her.

"Solar Comet." Celestia greeted. "It's good to see you again."

Solar Comet chuckled, and bowed politely as he got close enough. "It is good to see you too, Princess." He grinned a little, pointing at her with his hoof. "You seem to be in a really good mood today."

"Do I?"

Solar Comet gave a nod. "You do. Your glow is more radiant today." He said with a flirtatious wink.

Celestia held up a hoof in front of her lips and giggled. "Quite bold of you, Comet. To flirt with your Princess so shamelessly."

"Do not worry yourself, Princess. Because I feel no shame in following my heart." Comet stated, with a sort of playful overdramatic bow.

Celestia shook her head, still smiling. "Oh Comet, you really are quite something. Most ponies would never dare to speak so casually to me, let alone attempt to flirt with me."

Comet chuckled warmly. "I can understand that. Trust me, I was more nervous the first time I came to you than I let on."

"Really?" Celestia was surprised, he had seemed so confident when he first came to her. "I certainly couldn't tell."

"Well, I was determined, so I really didn't think about my nervousness. I just knew I had to see you, to ask you. Come what may."

Celestia tilted her head ever so slightly as she regarded the stallion. She had known Solar Comet for ten years now, and over the years she had come to learn more about him. Despite that, there was still a lot she didn't know. Perhaps that should change?

"So, I'm guessing you are here to propose to me again?" Celestia asked, smirking slightly. But to her surprise, Comet shook his head. "Oh?" She almost let herself frown, but managed to catch it just before she let it show.

"Not today, Princess. I can't risk it."

"Risk what?" Asked Celestia, looking rather puzzled.

Now Comet grinned. "I can't risk you saying yes today. Your niece is getting married in a few weeks, yes? If I asked you today, and you said yes, the news would rival the news of her wedding." He shook his head. "That wouldn't be fair. Your niece should enjoy her day along with her soon to be husband. It's their day."

Celestia stared at him for a few moments in utter silence. Her eyes warm, her smile more serene than ever. Every time she thought Comet could no longer surprise her, he still found a way to do so. She gave a nod, feeling warm inside.

"I see, I'm happy to know you haven't given up then." She said, and then realized what she had said, and found herself blushing.

Comet grinned, winking up at the Princess, which made her eyes dart away for a moment in embarrassment. Normally she was better composed than this, but she felt her heart flutter, her feathers ruffling ever so slightly, and her cheeks heat up. Quickly pulling from her years of diplomacy, she went on the attack!

"How about you join me for lunch then?"

Now it was Comet's turn to look surprised, and Celestia smiled, feeling pleased with herself. Then he frowned, and she tilted her head, worried she might have gone too far.

"Oh, Princess..." He said, letting out a sigh. "Had it been any other day, I would have accepted in a heartbeat, I promise you. But today, I am promised elsewhere, and I cannot neglect it."

Celestia let out an almost unseen sigh of relief, but she also felt a faint hint of disappointment. Still, she smiled at him, giving him an understanding nod. "I understand, it is important to keep a promise."

Comet smiled, and gave a firm nod. "And I intend to keep the ones I make. All of them."

His eyes turned a little more intense as he put extra pressure on the last part. Instantly Celestia knew what promise he referred to, and she found herself blushing, giving a small nod in understanding.

"Then perhaps, after the wedding, we could enjoy a nice lunch together?"

Comet nodded, and bowed his head. "Princess, nothing would please me more."

Celestia looked at the young stallion, perhaps with new eyes. For ten years he had approached her throne, asking for her hoof in marriage. At first, she had thought it a fantasy of a young colt, who either did it for a dare, or might have grown some sort of obsession.

But Solar Comet had turned out to be his own pony. He had made a life for himself, he respected her enough never to pressure her. He'd always said if she ever told him to stop, he would. He had always told her should her heart belong to another pony, he would wish for their happiness. Had he been obsessed, he would have thrown everything else away, just to get a chance to have lunch with her.

Perhaps it was time to let him in? Get to know him more. It didn't mean she would marry him, but, perhaps times had become right for her to explore certain options, and new relationships. She smiled at him.

"Call me Celestia."

Author's Note

Heyo guys.

This chapter is a little shorter, but I felt it was a nice short one that covered what I wanted in this one. Hope you guys enjoyed it!