Chapters Chapter 1: Ten Years Later
"I'm so glad you could come visit me for lunch, Twilight." Said Celestia, as the two trotted down one of the grand hallways of Canterlot Palace. "Although, you did arrive slightly earlier than I expected." She said, with an amused giggle.
Twilight Sparkle chuckled a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Princess. I got all flustered this morning and mixed up my schedule, so I took the early train without realizing it."
Celestia giggled. "Oh Twilight, I understand. Don't worry about it. I am just glad you are here, and enjoying your new life in Ponyville. But, I still have to perform day court. You're welcome to join me if you want to."
"Oh! I would love to, Princess!"
Twilight Sparkle had been Celestia's personal student for about ten years now. In the later years, Twilight had come to stay at the palace full time, with her parents permission of course. Now she was living in Ponyville, and had made five amazing friends.
It had put Celestia's mind at ease, having been worried Twilight would be too preoccupied with books, and her studying, that she would never have the joy of experiencing the magic of friendship. But now Twilight had taken a massive leap forward, and as an added bonus, Celestia had gotten her little sister back. Yes, everything was finally settling into place, and for the first time in years, Celestia finally felt like she could allow herself to relax.
Of course, Luna still had a lot of adjustment to go through. Equestria had changed in the one thousand years she was gone, and she was still recovering, slowly regaining her magic. Celestia had been supportive when Luna had asked her to travel for a time, insisting she was well enough to travel.
Celestia had wanted to come with her, but Luna had wanted to do it alone, for now. Celestia understood, and while Luna wrote very often, she still wished she could join her. But oh well, everything was looking up, so she had little reason to complain. Besides, it would not be long before her sister returned, and when that happened, they could catch up on all the missed time!
They came to a set of doors, with two royal guards opening them for the mares. Celestia nodded gratefully to her guards, and trotted over to the throne. "You can sit beside me, Twilight." Celestia assured. "If some Pony is uncomfortable, I might have to ask you to step outside, but I don't think it will happen."
Twilight nodded understandingly. Celestia knew well and good some ponies might be too nervous to speak their mind if too many were present, but that was rare, so Celestia didn't foresee a problem. As Celestia made her way up the steps to her throne alongside Twilight, her ears perked up as she remembered something.
"Oh, It's the first Monday of the month, isn't it?" She asked as she sat down.
Twilight looked a little confused, but answered right away. "Yes, Princess. It is."
Celestia smirked just a little. "Then I believe you're in for a treat today, Twilight." Twilight looked at her Menor, wanting to ask what she meant by that, but before she could, Celestia raised a hoof, and the grand doors were opened. Celestia watched as the first petitioner trotted down towards them.
Twilight noticed Celestia's smile grow just a bit warmer as the petitioner approached. She studied the stallion. He was a tall muscular Pegasus. He almost reminded her of Applejack's brother, big Mac, but he was not as big as that. His body was more athletic. He wore a sort of dark blue west, and leather belt, with a white undershirt.
He approached the throne, and smiled right up at Celestia like they were old friends. The stallion bowed, and Celestia put up a hoof in front of her muzzle and giggled. "It is good to see you again, Solar Comet."
Comet stood back up, and smiled even brighter. "Now as happy as I am to see you, Princess." His expression became more serious, but his eyes never lost their warmth. "I am happy to see you are doing fine, and that your sister has returned to you."
Celestia inclined her head, sensing his sincerity. "Thank you, Comet. If it wasn't for the elements of harmony, that day might have ended differently." She said, her tone a bit more. But she perked right up, and nodded towards Twilight. "I believe you haven't met my student, Twilight Sparkle."
"No, I never had pleasure." Comet said, and looked at Twilight. "Thank you, Ms. Sparkle, for saving the Princess."
Twilight was taken aback, feeling her cheeks flush a little as she hadn't been prepared to be included in the conversation. Much less be thanked for her role during the return of Nightmare Moon.
"Oh, uhm, I'm just glad I could help Princess Celestia bring her sister back, and I couldn't have done it without my friends."
Comet nodded, understanding as if understanding perfectly. "Sounds like friends worth sticking close to." Turning his attention back to Celestia, he winked at her, and Celestia giggled.
Twilight had never seen Celestia like this. She seemed amused for sure, but also so relaxed with this stallion. The way they talked made it clear that they were friends of some kind, but Twilight could swear she had never seen nor heard of him.
"So," Celestia then said, looking a little pleased. "What brings you here today, Comet? Do you have tales of your latest adventures?"
"Not today, Princess." Comet simply said. "Today, I just came to see if you were alright. I know a lot must have been going on, and I simply wanted to see how you were."
Twilight glanced at Celestia, who's smile seemed to have grown a little, and if she was not mistaken, her feathers moved a little.
Celestia took a deep breath, as if to calm herself a little. She smiled down at the stallion, and Twilight had a feeling that their eyes were locked on each other. "Thank you, Comet. It is very kind of you, and I am happy to inform you that I am doing well. I have my sister back, and my student is doing amazingly in Ponyville. I am happy, and proud."
Comet smiled, and he gave a single nod, looking satisfied. "It shows, Princess. Your glow burns brighter, and your mornings and evenings are more hopeful and beautiful than ever."
Twilight couldn't but blush at Comet's words, and at the complete sincerity at which he spoke them. Celestia giggled, cocking her head to the side and regarded him for a moment.
"Ever the charmer."
Comet made an elegant bow, like an actor on a stage. Celestia giggled again, he let out a small chuckle as well. "I speak only the truth, Princess. Which is why I once again, after so many years, come to ask you something important." There was a moment of silence, and anticipation. "Will you marry me?"
Twilight almost blacked out from the shock, but as she turned to look at Celestia, she found Celestia just sitting there. She was completely relaxed, and with the same warm smile as before. There was no trace of shock, or surprise. Twilight though, she could barely close her mouth.
Comet chuckled, and winked at Celestia. "I think I might have broken your student."
Celestia shook her head, giggling as she nudged Twilight, who finally managed to close her mouth. "She will recover, she always does." She said, and looked back at the stallion. "My dear, Comet. Is it not time for you to find another mare to cast your devotion? Whoever that might be, I know she will be very lucky to have a stallion like you."
Twilight almost expected to see Comet hurt, and embarrassed by the gentle rejection, but he just smiled calmly, and shook his head. "It would be false, because I cannot give what you have already taken."
"Your heart?" Celestia asked, although it sounded more like a statement. "Could I not return it?" The question almost sounded like a quip, but Twilight sensed a hint of sincerity behind it.
Comet just shook his head again. "You cannot return something like that, Princess, and I would not take it back. It is yours to keep, now, and always. And until the day you accept my proposal, I shall strive to keep my promise to you. Until then." Comet bowed one final time, and then turned around. Without looking back even once, he left the throne room.
When the doors to the throne room closed, Twilight looked at her mentor, not sure what to say. Celestia still smiled, but something in her eyes made Twilight want to ask if she was alright, but she knew this wasn't the place, and decided not to bother Celestia now.
It wasn't until day court had ended, and Twilight found herself in the garden with Celestia, that she dared to ask about Solar Comet. The two had just sat down at a table, with a small picnic set up for them.
"He is quite something, isn't he?" Celestia said as she levitated a slice of grapes and a cream cake onto her plate.
Twilight hesitated, but only for a few moments. "Who is he?"
Celestia glanced at her student, chuckling a little. "His name is Solar Comet, he's been coming to my day court for about ten years now."
"Ten years?!" Twilight exclaimed in shock.
Celestia just nodded. "Yes, and he has been asking me to marry him ever since the first day he stepped into my throne room." She giggled at the memory, looking away as if recalling the memory. "Trotted right in with that same confidence as you saw today."
"How old is he?"
"Oh, a little older than your brother, not by much." Celestia said thoughtfully, chewing on a grape. "You should have seen him, a young stallion, barely leaving colthood behind trotting right up to the Princess of Equestria and asking her to marry him!" She had to stop levitating the grapes for a moment, and lifted a napkin to her lips as she started to laugh a little.
"I'd never seen anything like it before, or since." She said warmly, clearly remembering the day fondly. "I rejected him then, as I did today, but he kept coming back. Every first Monday of the month, for ten years." She hummed as she calculated. "This will make it his... 121 proposals to me."
Twilight tilted her head to the side, finding all of this very strange. "But you haven't seen him outside of day court?"
Celestia shook her head. "No, I only ever see him at day court. But he keeps me informed of his doings when we meet. He tells me about his life, and what he has done, and then he asks me to marry him."
"What does he do?"
"Oh, he used to travel the world a lot, go explore. He now owns a small shop in Canterlot. I've never been there, but I've heard it is pretty specialized."
Twilight frowned. "I don't understand, Princess. Why does he keep coming back when you reject him?"
At that question, Celestia went a little quiet, her smile fading just a little. Slowly she levitated her tea cup to her lips. "I've wanted to ask that, but never been able to..." She said, and took a sip, then put down the cup. "Maybe it is just pure hope?" She suggested, although sounded less than convinced. "But, I am not about to turn him away. His proposals are not bothering me, in fact, I admire his resolve."
"Admire?" Twilight still looked confused.
Celestia nodded. "Yes. He told me once that he would only stop asking me if I told him to, or if my heart found another." She chuckled, and took another sip.
"So, why not just tell him to stop?"
Celestia paused. "Perhaps because of the promise he made to me long ago, when we first met."
Twilight leaned forward in her chair. "What promise?"
Author's Note
Hey guys, hope you enjoy this chapter!
I'm so glad I managed to write this today, I've just returned to work, so I am feeling the whole getting back to work pain one does after a vacation.
But yeah, got some more ideas for this story, so I have a few extra things planned. It still won't be a huge story or anything, but it will be a bit longer than what I originally had planned. I hope you guys will enjoy it!
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
"I promise, I will strive to become a stallion worthy of you, one who can make you happy. Unless you ask it of me, or you find yourself drawn to another, this I will be my goal."
Twilight thought about the promise Comet had made Princess Celestia. It sounded like an oath, and what amazed Twilight even more was Celestia hadn't just told him to stop. Did she find his visits that amusing, or was it something more?
When he had entered the throne room, Celestia was clearly happy to see him. He was charming for sure, and he was quite handsome. She blushed thinking about that, more so because she thought Celestia might think that too.
It made her feel slightly awkward, it was as if her own mother had commented about another stallion and his looks. It was natural, but it felt strange when it was one's mother who said it.
"Could Princess Celestia actually like this stallion?" Twilight mumbled to herself. She was a mare, even if she was an Alicorn Princess. Twilight had never given it much thought, to her Princess Celestia was, well, Princess Celestia. The wisest, and most noble pony in the world.
Did she really think about romantic encounters? On the other hoof, she had rejected Solar Comet for ten years, over two hundred times, surely that proved she had no such interests.
Twilight groaned, rubbing her head with her hoof, trying to make sense of it. It wasn't as if she didn't want her mentor to find love, but this was just unusual. It was why she was here, instead of at the train station. Twilight had planned on doing a little shopping before returning to Ponyville, but she needed to meet with Solar Comet at least one more time before doing so.
She wanted to understand his intentions.
It had taken her a while, but Twilight had finally managed to track down Comet's shop. It was hidden in one of the smaller side streets, if you didn't know it was there, it was easy to miss. Canterlot was a funny place. Most kept to the large roads and streets, but there were plenty of smaller side streets that visitors would miss, or avoid.
She stared up at the store sign above the display window. "Adventurous Emporium?" Twilight had never heard of such a store. She trotted closer to the display window, and overserved all manners of strange items.
There was a golden compass that kept spinning. A crystal ball with some strange green lights moving inside it. There were a few knives, and what looked like a bird cage with something looking like a glowing orb with wings buzzing around inside. Looking past the other items, she tried to get a view of the store.
It looked cluttered, with large dark shelves, stacks of books, and other strange looking things. Twilight gulped, feeling a little apprehension as she trotted towards the door. Before she reached it, the door opened, and Twilight nearly yelped in surprise as three ponies stepped outside.
A big burly earth pony with an eyepatch walked past her, barely glancing at her. Followed by a Pegasus with a bow, and lastly a unicorn with a cloak. They didn't say anything to her, but they looked kind of rough. Was this the sort of ponies Comet associated himself with?
She looked towards the still open door with apprehension. Then, remembering this was for Princess Celestia, she gathered her courage and trotted inside the shop.
The shop itself was bigger on the inside, expanding to one side, and she could look up to the second floor of the shop. There were rows of shelves, with what looked like a wild assortment of weapons, scrolls, books, potions, and much more. Some things looked brand new, while others looked old and dusty.
Twilight found herself wandering around a little, looking at all the different items for sale. When she passed one of the shelves, a voice called out to her, startling Twilight.
"Hey, you there." A female voice called.
Twilight quickly turned, and spotted a dark wooden counter. Behind it sat a grey unicorn mare, with a white and silver mane. She sat beside an old looking register, lazily turning a spoon in a cup of tea with her magic. The unicorn looked at Twilight with an indifferent look.
"Are you buying, or selling?" She asked.
"Uhm, neither," Twilight stammered, approaching the counter. "I'm looking for Solar Comet."
The mare looked down at an old book she had been reading before spotting Twilight. "That right? Well you're in luck, he's in the backroom." Before Twilight could ask anything else, the mare reached over and rang a small brass bell.
DING!
Only a moment later did Solar Comet come out the backroom door, and stepped behind the counter. His eyes quickly found Twilight's, and there was a hint of amusement in them.
"Hello, Ms. Sparkle. I had a funny feeling I would be running into you sooner rather than later." He chuckled good naturedly. "What can I do for you today?"
Twilight fidgeted a little, not sure how to approach the subject. "Uhm, is there perhaps a place we could talk?"
Comet nodded. "Sure is. come this way." He trotted back to the doorway leading to the backroom, and Twilight followed him inside. He took her to a sort of living room, or break room. It was small, but comfortable. "Want something to drink?" He asked as he trotted over to a small table with some chairs.
"No thanks, I won't be staying long." Twilight assured him as she sat down.
"Alright," Comet nodded and sat down across from her. "So," he said. "I guess you are here to question me about Princess Celestia?" Twilight's mouth opened a bit in surprise, and Comet chuckled again. "You don't need to look so surprised, Ms. Sparkle. From what Princess Celestia had told me about you, I figured you would come knocking at some point."
That took Twilight by surprise. "Princess Celestia has told you about me?"
Comet nodded. "Sure, don't worry though, nothing personal." He quickly assured her. "I've known the Princess for a long time, and we chat when I come to visit her."
"You mean when you come to propose to her."
"That too." Comet smiled. "She is really proud of you, I can tell. Must be weird for you to live in Ponyville now, after so many years living in the palace."
"Y-yeah, it is, but I'm happy where I am now."
Comet nodded understandingly. "I'm glad. Change can be scary, luckily you can always reach out to Celestia to ask for advice, right?"
"Right... Uhm, if you don't mind, I would like to ask you some things." Twilight said, trying to get the conversation back on what she had planned. Comet just nodded.
"Shoot."
Twilight was a little surprised by how open he was, but then again, he had proposed to Celestia without as much as flinching an eye. "What are your intentions for Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked flat out.
"Marry her," Comet answered back readily, which made Twilight stumble a bit at his bluntness.
"Y-yeah, I got that, but what for?"
Comet raised an eyebrow. "To live my life with her?"
"But I don't understand," Twilight sighed. "Why do you want to marry her?"
Comet leaned forward in his seat, looking her more directly in the eyes. "Because I love her." Twilight almost threw her hooves up in the air, but Comet held up a hoof. "Twilight, what you really want to know is if my intentions for Celestia are pure. They are."
Twilight was about to say something, but again, Comet beat her to it. "I can't explain my feelings for her in a way that will satisfy you. Love isn't something that can be measured, or proven with words alone."
"But how can you love someone you don't know?" Twilight asked, feeling a little more embolden.
Comet didn't flinch. "But I do know her," he said simply. "I've known her for my entire life, and I've gotten to know her more over the past ten years." Seeing Twilight's growing frustration, Comet continued. "Look Ms. Sparkle, I understand why you are confused. I know these visits must look pretty crazy, right?"
Twilight nodded.
"You're not the first, or the last, I imagine." He chuckled. "I never imagined she would agree to marry me when I first stepped hoof in all those years ago, I just knew it was what my heart told me to do."
"Your heart?" Twilight asked.
Comet nodded. "I can't tell you the whole story, but I met Celestia years before I asked her to marry me for the first time. Back then, she showed me who she truly was, what kind of Pony she was. I didn't know it at the time, but I knew I wanted to make her happy, like she had me."
Twilight frowned, she didn't understand what he was talking about. She couldn't make sense of it. "So, you just knew you had to marry her? But why do you keep coming back?"
"I do."
"But why?"
Comet sighed, leaning back in his seat, taking a moment to consider his words. "Because she deserves love..."
Twilight's frown deepened. "What? Everybody loves Princess Celestia."
Comet inclined his head. "Yes, but it isn't that kind of love I mean, Ms. Sparkle." He smiled a little, understanding why it was all so confusing. "I'm not saying we are fated to be together, and if she ever told me to stop these visits, I would comply. If I sensed I was making her uncomfortable, I would never bother her again."
The stallion closed his eyes, letting a moment of silence pass before he continued. "But while she has not agreed to marry me, I can tell she enjoys my visits."
Twilight thought back to when she saw him enter the throne room, and how Celestia seemed to almost glow brighter when she saw him.
"I wouldn't come back and ask again and again, if I didn't feel a connection, if I didn't think there was a chance." Slowly he opened his eyes and looked at Twilight with a warm smile. "Maybe the day I become worthy of her, she will say yes. Or maybe, she will find some pony else that will capture her heart, like she captured mine."
"What if that happened?" Twilight asked. "Wouldn't you be sad?"
Comet tilted cocked his head to the side, and gave her a puzzling look. "Why? I mean, sure, a bit. I would be sad at what could have maybe have been, but I would be happy she had found some pony that would make her happy. If that isn't me, then that is how it is. Life goes on."
Twilight wasn't sure how to take all this. she almost wished she had Applejack here to judge his words. He seemed to mean everything, and Twilight felt inclined to believe him. Could he really let her go so willingly? Twilight didn't understand this at all. Friendship was confusing enough, and now love? Was this what it would be like for her?
Comet chuckled. "I'm sorry, I am not really making myself clear, do I?" Twilight looked at him, unsure what to say. "I wish I could explain myself better, but I don't really think I can."
Twilight thought about it for a moment. "You said when you met her, you fell in love with her right?" Comet nodded. "What happened?"
"That, Ms. Sparkle. That is something for Celestia's ears only. I'm sorry."
Twilight frowned, but decided not to push it. Really, she didn't really have any business here. She still wasn't sure of any of this, but she didn't think Comet was a bad pony. So she nodded, deciding to respect his privacy.
"Alright, I guess that is all then. Sorry for bothering you."
Comet shook his head. "You didn't, Ms. Sparkle. It's good to know she has ponies like you looking out for her. I wouldn't have it any other way." He chuckled and stood up. "Let me see you out."
Twilight thanked him, and the two made their way back to the front of the store. The two said their goodbyes, and Twilight made her way back to the main street. She glanced back over her shoulder, back towards the shop. Solar Comet, he was a strange Pony for sure.
But, he had a point. Celestia did deserve to be loved. If Celestia ever did fall in love with some pony, then Twilight would do everything she could to support her.
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!
Chapter 4: Wedding Aftermath
"Are you sure?" Celestia asked the guard that stood before her throne.
The golden armored stallion gave a nod, and an apologetic look. "Quite sure, Princess. There are no more petitioners."
Celestia's frown deepened, it wasn't like Solar Comet to be late. She looked at the guard again. "Please inform the guards at the gate, should a gentlecolt by the name of Solar Comet come by, he is to be brought to me." The guard saluted Celestia, and trotted away.
This wasn't like Solar Comet at all. In ten years, he had never failed to show himself on the first Monday of every month. Of course, in all that time, Canterlot had never been attacked as it had a few days ago. Ponies were still being gently brought out of their slumber, after having been replaced by changelings.
A knot in Celestia's stomach started to tighten. Ever since the attack, she had been so focused on recovery efforts, and taking care of her little ponies it never entered her mind Solar Comet might be hurt. The knot tightened, as she started to feel nervous and a little guilty.
Comet was a strong pony, he wasn't a pushover. Surely he was alright, right?
"Wysteria..." Celestia called over her shoulder.
A small earth pony mare stepped forward from a small desk near the throne. She was the royal secretary, and Celestia's personal assistant. "Yes, Princess?"
As the mare stepped in front of the throne, Celestia started to explain. "I would like you to look into a personal matter."
Wysteria gave a nod. "Of course, Princess. Whatever you need."
Celestia let out a small sigh, hoping she was worrying about nothing, but she couldn't let it rest. "A friend of mine, I haven't heard from him, and I want to know if he is on the list of wounded." She hesitated. "Or missing..." Only a few ponies were actually missing now, most had been found, or were in the process of being found. Almost every pony had been accounted for at this point.
Wysteria gave her Princess a look, then asked the question that almost seemed obvious to anyone who had been working for Celestia as closely as Wysteria. "Is it Solar Comet, Princess?"
Celestia couldn't help but smile a little sheepishly. She should have known Wysteria would figure out her intent instantly. Although she hadn't talked to Comet, she had seen him plenty of times, and heard his proposals. Letting out a sigh, she nodded, her smile fading.
"It is. Please find out if he is alright..."
Wysteria gave a nod, smiling warmly up at her Princess. "I will look into the matter personally, Princess."
Celestia let out a deep breath, looking at the mare with a smile of gratitude. "Thank you, Wysteria..."
That was it, there was nothing more she could do now but wait. With day court coming to an end, not that many ponies had shown up today, Celestia had expected as much, she decided to go and eat lunch with her Cadance and Shining Armor. The two of them were meant to go on honeymoon, but they felt they should not go until matters in Canterlot had returned to normal.
Twilight insisted on staying too, but after two days, Celestia managed to convince her to return to Ponyville with her friends. It wasn't that Celestia didn't want her in Canterlot, but things were hectic, and sadly there wasn't much she could do here. It was better for her to go back home, rest, then come back once everything had settled down.
A few more days, and Celestia would send for her.
Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, or Cadance, as those closest to her called her, let out sigh as she sat down by the lunch table. The events of the past few weeks had been trying. From getting kidnapped, to freeing her beloved Shining Armor from a changeling spell.
The Canterlot attack, and the aftermath of it all hadn't allowed her to truly rest yet. Although, there wasn't much she could do, other than trying to be a good example for others. If she could remain strong, even after her ordeal, then perhaps others could find it in themselves to be strong.
Out of all of them, Shining Armor was perhaps the most affected, having been almost a mindless puppet on the changeling queen's strings. But as the captain of the royal guard, he hadn't allowed himself to rest, working tirelessly to coordinate restoration efforts. Conduct searches for missing ponies, and potential hiding changelings.
It was hard work to be sure, and while Cadance would like Shining to rest, she knew he wouldn't be able to relax before he felt everything was in hoof. Not even Celestia could persuade him to rest, although she did note that perhaps it was best for Shining Armor to work through it.
Didn't mean it wasn't hard to watch, but things had started to settle down, and Shining had started to sleep more, and rest up. A few more days, or perhaps a week, then they would be able to go on their long awaited honeymoon.
The doors to the dining room opened, and in trotted Celestia. Cadance smiled at her aunt. "Hello, auntie." She greeted, then noted the troubled expression on Celestia's face. "What's wrong?"
At first it didn't seem Celestia had heard her, but as she sat down, she looked at her. "Oh, uhm... A friend of mine usually comes by at this time, but he hasn't shown up. I'm worried he might have been hurt during the attack."
Cadance frowned. "Are you sure he isn't just traveling?"
"I hope so," Celestia admitted. "But for ten years he has shown up without fail..."
Cadance's eyes widened slightly. "T-ten years? Wait, is it that mysterious stallion that keeps asking you to marry him?"
Celestia couldn't help but smile a little. "Hardly mysterious. His name is Solar Comet, and yes, he is the one who keeps asking me to marry him."
Unlike Twilight, Cadance didn't look worried. She trusted her aunt's judgment. She doubted Celestia would allow him to continue these proposals, if she thought he was a crazy obsessed stallion.
"Ten years..." Cadance said, sounding thoughtful. "That is some dedication." Celestia chuckled, nodding. "I don't think I've ever seen him though..." Cadance said, thinking. Then a sly smirk played on her lips, as she leaned forward and looked at Celestia. "Is he handsome?"
Celestia had to think for a moment.
When she first met Solar Comet, he was too young for her to really consider handsome. At least in the way Cadance was implying. But he certainly wasn't a bad looking stallion. Age suited him, although he was very much still in his prime. His muscles had grown, and he had a more mature air about him.
She hadn't really thought about it, perhaps because she saw him so often, she simply didn't notice his changes before she thought about it. As Celestia finished considering, she gave a nod.
"Yes, I think he is handsome."
Thinking it, and saying it out loud, were two different things. As soon as the admission left her lips, she couldn't help but blush a little, although she quickly regained her composure.
The blush didn't go unnoticed by the princess of love however. She grinned at her aunt. "He is, is he?" She giggled. "Auntie, there is nothing wrong with finding a stallion handsome." She assured, finding her aunt's reactions adorable. "What is he like?"
"Well," Celestia considered for a short moment. "He is charming. VERY confident." She said with a smirk, and Cadance giggled.
"I guess he would be since he keeps proposing to you."
Celestia chuckled warmly. "Indeed," she nodded. "He is also very intelligent, and insightful. During the years, we have talked about Twilight now and again, and he gave me some good advice from time to time."
"Really?" Cadance asked.
Celestia nodded. "He once suggested Twilight should get some more real hood experience in order to come out of her shell." Celestia remembered that day. Celestia had been worried Twilight was becoming too sheltered, and she had let it slip to Comet. Instantly, he suggested pushing her a bit to go out into the bigger world, in order to get some experience. "It didn't go very well at first, but then I managed to push her to Ponyville, and you know the rest."
Cadance smiled. "You sound really close to him, auntie."
Was she? Perhaps in a way she was, but still...
Celestia sighed, her smile fading a little. "I don't know about that, Cadance. After ten years, it seems he has learned more about me, than me about him."
There was a moment of silence as the staff brought in their lunch, placing the dishes in front of them before leaving once again.
"I know some stuff, of course. He went to university here in Canterlot, he owns a shop, and he travels a lot." She frowned, poking the food in front of her with her fork. "I don't know where he is from, about his family, his hobbies, nothing really personal."
Cadance regarded Celestia for a moment. It was the first time she had seen her like this. "It isn't too late to ask him."
Celestia smiled a little, giving a nod. "Yes, you're right... I just hope he is okay..."
The two princesses decided to let the topic rest, and continued to enjoy their lunch. Shining Armor didn't join them, he'd fallen asleep, and Cadance didn't want to wake him. They talked about this and that, with Celestia also happy to inform Cadance that Luna would be back any day now from her trip.
Despite the pleasant and relaxing lunch, Celestia couldn't help but still worry for Solar Comet in the back of her mind. Of course she cared for all her little ponies, but only now that Comet hadn't shown up as he usually did, did she realize how attached she had become.
It wasn't love, but she could deny she had grown closer to him over the years. Now she only hoped they might explore that attachment some more in the future. Perhaps it would amount to nothing more than friendship, but that would be a treasured relationship nonetheless.
First things first though, she needed to find him...
It wasn't until early afternoon Celestia saw Wysteria again. She knocked on the door to her study, and trotted inside with a slight frown. Celestia felt that knot form once more in her stomach.
"Did you find him?" She heard herself ask before anything else.
Wysteria nodded. "Yes, Princess. He is alright, but..."
"But what, Wysteria?" Celestia pressed.
It was late evening, and Canterlot Hospital had gone quiet.
The days had been hectic, with ponies coming in after the Canterlot attack, some of them hurt, others needed help after having been trapped by changelings. But it had gotten more calm, and a sense of normality seemed to have slowly returned to the hospital.
It was here Solar Comet was. Celestia frowned as she stepped closer to the entrance. No pony was around at this time, other than the night staff. When entered, and the nurses behind the reception desk spotted her, they looked very surprised, and were quick to get up to bow.
Celestia however held up a hoof. "Please don't, my little ponies. The night is long, and you have more important matters to tend to, than to fuzz about me." She said respectfully. "Thank you for all your hard work these past few days."
The nurses bowed their heads. "Thank you, Princess." One of them said, "Who are you here to see?" Celestia didn't have to say it. The nurses had seen plenty of worried ponies to know she was here to visit some pony she knew.
Celestia was impressed by the nurses, and thankful that she didn't need to explain. "I'm here to see a pegasus stallion called Solar Comet."
The nurses checked their patient lists, and nodded. "Please, I'll take you to his room." Said one of the nurses, and Celestia followed.
The nurse led her up some floors, keeping quiet so as not to disturb any patients. Celestia followed her example, and kept quiet as much as needed. She did want to ask about Solar Comet, but she did not dare. Wysteria hadn't told her much, only that Comet was in the hospital, and while he wasn't in any mortal danger, his injuries were serious.
Of course Celestia wanted to go to him right away, but she didn't want to disturb the hospital staff or patients with her arrival. So instead, she waited until now, when the hospital was quiet. Of course they did pass doctors, nurses, and some patients. All of them bowed their heads, but it was nothing compared to the disturbance if she'd showed up during day time.
The nurse stopped in front of one of the doors, and turned to face Celestia. "I must warn you, Princess. His injuries were quite severe..."
Celestia steeled herself, giving a nod. "I understand, thank you, nurse."
The nurse nodded, and stepped away from the door as Celestia opened it with her magic carefully. What she saw made her heart almost break...
There in the single bed laid Solar Comet. Several bandages had been applied around his body. His wings looked broken, with feathers missing. One of his legs was trapped in a cast, meaning that it was broken too. A bandage moved around his head, and down to cover his left eye, and she could tell he had been in a rough fight.
Still, he didn't move, in fact as Celestia stepped closer she realized he was sleeping. She trotted all the way up to him, looking him over. He had several wounds and self defense marks. She didn't need to ask the staff to know he had been fighting in the Canterlot attack.
A small groan from behind finally made Celestia take her eyes off him. She looked behind her, and found a mare laying on the couch. She sat up, rubbing her eyes as she looked up at her.
"Princess Celestia..?" She mumbled.
"Please, don't get up." Celestia said gently, turning to her fully. "I'm sorry, I didn't know he had visitors."
The mare shook her head. "No need to apologize, Princess." The mare said, then yawned. "I didn't mean to stay this long, I just fell asleep." She said and stretched. "I'm glad you're here though..."
"Oh?" Celestia raised an eyebrow, and the mare nodded.
"Comet would have wanted me to contact you. Let you know he would not be able to make it today..." She sighed and shook his head. "With everything, it just slipped my mind."
"It's alright, I understand." Celestia assured the mare. "What is your name?"
"River Song, Princess. But ponies just call me River." She gestured at Comet. "I run a store with him."
Celestia nodded. "I see, you must be close then."
River chuckled. "Guess we are. We have been together ever since we were foals. We're not related, but he is the closest thing to a family I have." The mare stood up, and stretched again, before looking at Celestia with a small tired smile. "Must say, I never expected to actually meet you." She chuckled. "Then again, I never imagined he would actually try to propose to you, but I guess life is just full of little surprises."
"So you know about that?" Celestia asked.
River let out a small laugh. "Know about it? I was there when he first declared his love for you." She shook his head. "I thought he was crazy, but he never let up."
Celestia found herself blushing, just a little. "Has he really been harboring such feelings for so long?"
River smirked and gave a firm nod. "You have no idea, Princess." Then she looked towards her friend, her smile fading a little. "But perhaps it is better he tells you about all that himself when he wakes up."
Celestia looked back towards Comet. "What happened to him?"
"Fighting changelings, what else?" River sighed. "He never hesitated for even a second. When the shield broke around Canterlot, he rushed ahead and tried to defend ponies. Did a smashing job too, but he was overwhelmed... I couldn't get to him in time." River frowned, a pained expression spread across her face as she looked away. "The doctors put him under a spell so he can sleep through the pain. They say he should recover fully, but they are unsure about his eye..."
"Oh no..."
Celestia frowned, looking at Comet. He looked so peaceful, but his body betrayed the look. She could only imagine the pain he must have been in when he was injured. Despite that, she was proud he had tried so hard to defend his fellow ponies, she just hoped it didn't come at too high a cost for him.
River looked at Celestia, smiling just a little. "Don't worry, Princess. Comet is tough, he'll pull through, I know he will."
Celestia looked at her, smiling sadly. "You sound very confident of that."
"Have faith in him." River told him. "You must know this by now, Princess. But there is no stallion more stubborn than this dolt. If any pony can recover from this, it is him." River quickly removed a tiny tear from her eye. Then she let out a cough, trying to cover up her own emotions. "I better go home and get some sleep. I have to open the shop tomorrow, or Comet will be throwing a fit."
Celestia chuckled. "Get home safely, River Song. It was nice meeting you."
River bowed. "It was nice to meet you too, Princess Celestia. Please watch over him." With a wink, River turned and left the room.
Celestia sighed, turning her attention back to Comet. This stallion, he was something else. As she watched him sleep, she promised once he woke up, she would do her best to get to know him. After ten years, she owed him that.
She lifted one of her wings, stroking his cheek very gently. "Recover fast, Comet... Please..."
Author's Note
Here you are guys!
A little longer chapter today, I'm happy with how it turned out. And I hope you enjoyed it.
