Courtship in the Lunar Court

I suppose from the start I should try to begin,
Of my interesting discoveries and questions now swirling within.
For tonight as I once more approached Luna’s door,
Nightshade greeted me and told me that the Princess was still at court.

To be honest at first I was quite stumped,
As Luna and I had yet to explore certain codes of conduct.
I pondered if I should make my way to the throne,
I am only her nighttime attendant, but should I strive to do more?

Nightshade seemed to sense my hesitation,
And swept his wing to indicate the space next to him.
I nodded and moved to the other side of the door,
And then slid down and slumped to the floor.

“I suppose it would be best to sit and wait,
I just hope I am not making a terrible mistake.”
Nightshade snorted in what sounded a laugh,
“Do not worry about facing any wrath.”

Such a simple statement yet spoken with confidence,
It made me feel better that I would indeed face no consequence.
And thus I found that, while stallion of words few,
Nightshade provided an effortless comfort not many could do.

As silence descended I began to wonder,
Whether twas possible his heart felt the same flutter?
Ah such a hopeless romantic you must think me,
But truth be told, anything else I could not pretend to be.

I was tempted then to steal a look,
And tried my best to appear calm and aloof.
But luck was not on my side it seems,
For as soon as I glanced up I met his eyes, bright green.

It was startling, the intensity of his gaze,
I was utterly transfixed, unable to look away.
Never had I been so raptly held,
And I truly began to hope that he might feel what I felt.

Ah, but just as soon as those thoughts began,
Did I begin to see the cracks and flaws in my plan.
I am unsure how it never occurred to me before,
That it might be inappropriate to court a coworker.

Oh! Whatever misery and rising and dashing of hopes was this?
That I might still entertain the thought of coupling bliss.
My mind and heart were, and are still, conflicted so,
Is it possible I might have the best of both worlds?

Perhaps if he did return my fondness,
We might plead our case and be granted kindness.
All of this, of course, could only come to pass,
If I gained courage and vocalize the question I needed to ask.

A forward stallion I have rarely been,
But it was clear I could not rely on my stoic companion.
No, it would have to be me to break the ice,
And so I cleared my throat and to my hooves did rise.

“Nightshade, it’s only been a few nights since we met,
But, if I may ask, would you ever consider dating a stallion?”
I made myself look at him to anxiously await,
Whatever his response was that might seal both our fates.

His expression suddenly turned more watchful,
“I would. I am not that partial.”
His answer, honestly, left something to be desired,
But sadly I did not get a chance to further pry.

For it was then that Luna had come to call,
As I heard my name echoed from down the hall.
Nightshade and I exchanged professional nods,
And back to my duties did I trod.