Courtship in the Lunar Court

Oh sweet stars and all in the heavens above,
Is it truly my turn now to experience love?
I’m sure it’s silly to be thinking that deep this soon,
But I like to believe in fate and soulmates true.

I need to calm myself and steady my mind,
So that I may properly recount the events of tonight.
As the dawn came to end my shift,
Nightshade asked me to wait until he too was dismissed.

I was a little confused but quite curious too,
So I shrugged and replied that wait I would.
As the three of us turned towards the hall to Luna’s room,
She turned to us both and motioned her hoof in a shoo.

“We are quite able to make Our way,
Please, take your leave and enjoy your day.”
Nightshade saluted her with a snap of his hoof,
And then to me, “May I walk back with you?”

I half feared at that point my coat should stay a bright pink,
As even that simple question left me furiously blushing.
I stuttered and stumbled and fumbled over myself,
And the stifled laughter from Luna did not at all help.

Not trusting my voice I managed a nod,
And after a quick bow to Luna I turned down the hall.
I heard Nightshade follow behind,
And within a few steps he had caught up to my side.

The trip to my quarters was fairly short,
And for some reason that saddened my heart.
I suppose it’s because walking together felt like taking a step further,
Beyond the casual friendship of simple coworkers.

I stopped at my door and hesitated,
Whether I should invite him in internally debated.
Before I had decided and could open my lips,
He surprised me by asking, “May I come in?”

I nodded before he even finished the question,
And before I could lose my nerve, opened the door and stepped in.
Nightshade seemed surprised as he took in my room.
“Is this space only for you?”

I flopped on my bed as at my desk he sat down,
“My family have long been servants for the crown.
And since I work through the night,
I was given this room for the lack of natural light.”

Nightshade nodded as he sat and then looked at me.
“Silver, might I speak plainly?”
Instantly trapped again by his piercing gaze,
I could only mumble, “I would have it no other way.”

A fanged smile appeared at my words,
And then he cleared his throat and seemed to steel his own nerves.
“I know little of Equestrian courtship rituals,
The way I was raised leaned much more practical.”

“Yet, when I look at you I feel my heart burn,
And I wonder if this is the ‘love’ I’ve heard about from others.
Princess Luna herself has given her blessing,
So, Silver, would you be interested in dating?”

My eyes widened and my heart beat madly,
As I wondered whether my ears had betrayed me.
I couldn’t believe it had actually happened,
And never would have thought inside my own bedroom!

“Yes! Yes, I would like that a lot,
For a date, did you have any thoughts?”
Nightshade’s smile grew with my answer and his eyes shined,
“I was actually hoping you might be my guide.”

“I haven’t had a chance to explore Canterlot,
And I hoped that you would know some good spots.”
I clapped my hooves and then cooed,
“Of course! I’d be very happy to show you.”

“It’s settled then, when our next nights off align,
I will come around and fetch you for a date divine.”
I giggled like a colt and then grew serious,
“Are you truly sure it would be okay for us to pursue this?”

Nightshade shrugged. “I had the same worries I’ll admit,
But even her highness thinks we will be a good fit.”
The mischief and tease in his tone made me laugh,
“Alright, alright. We probably wouldn’t be the first in the staff.”

He laughed as well, “I should imagine not.
Back in my colony it was quite common.”
I perked up at this new information,
Quickly absorbing every new thing I learned about him.

Nightshade glanced at the clock on the wall,
“Hmm. As much as I would like to continue to talk,
I should probably take my leave,
And let you get some sleep.”

I looked at the clock as well and sighed,
But I could not deny that he was right.
“As much as I hate to say it,
It probably is for the best.”

He stood from the chair and bowed his head,
“Until tomorrow night then.”
He then left with one more smile cast my way,
As I called out after him, “Until the morrow, rest well this day.”