Chapter 3

Burnie’s mind is still reeling even though they’ve long ascended the stairwell, making their way through the castle walls. Towards the royal gardens. Because Luna wants to read with him, Burnie, of all people. He hadn't even proposed the idea, mainly out of fear that she'd think him a fool for even considering it.

But she had brought it up herself, while Burnie was tucked against her side and internally screaming. She had led him to her library, she picked out her own books, while grabbing a few for Burnie. And together, they walked. Together, that idea is still foreign in Burnie’s mind. He doesn't consider himself a together person, he spent his childhood, and every other part of his life, alone. He hadn't had friends in the academy, and he doesn't have friends here.

Maybe, he'd be able to consider Luna a friend, at some point. But Burnie isn't trusting, not to that level. Sure, she’s the princess, an alicorn with power beyond comprehension. Burnie allows surface level contact, light conversation. But anything deeper makes his skin crawl and his gut churn. As a filly, he learned early on no one cared to learn about his life and struggles, so he stopped talking about them. Became loud and funny to make up for that silence.

He's snapped out of his thoughts when they reach the royal gardens, Luna guiding him towards a willow tree, sitting below it and gesturing for Burnie to do the same. And he does, easily, because despite his fears and apprehension this is a dream come true. He’ll allow himself this, this moment, this closeness. And maybe his hooves tremble as he gets comfortable, but Luna doesn't say anything. In fact, neither of them speak much.

Reading doesn't leave much space for conversation, both of them have books in front of them, the sound of turning pages fills the space. But Burnie isn't really reading, he can't focus. He stares at the words, turns pages and pretends to read, but he isn't at all. All he can focus on is Luna, his gaze flickering up every so often, pausing to watch her. The focus in her gaze, the glow of her magic as she turns pages. He can't help it, not when she's so close, not when she's right there.

He knows this is all It’ll ever be, someone like Brunie would never be able to have someone like her. It's not a dream because it's utterly unreachable, it's just a fantasy. His heart can ache as much as it wants, but this will never change. Burnie will remain by her side, as her assistant, but that's it. It’ll probably hurt more, if Burnie continues like this. Stealing glances, relishing in the feeling of her touch, but he's okay with that. He’s dealt with a lot more hurt than just this. It's fine, he’s fine, he always is.

“Is your book boring you?” Luna asks, and Burnie realizes he's been staring far too long. His shoulders tense and his cheeks grow hot in embarrassment.

“Ah- No, sorry Princess.” He mutters, his gaze falling back to his pages, back to the words he isn't reading. He doesn't look back up, does not see her frown at his seemingly darkened eyes.

“It's fine.” She assures him, his apology unnecessary “Are you alright?” She asks, her tone careful. She knows she could just demand an answer out of him, but it clearly looks as though he is genuinely troubled.

“Yes Princess.” He says, her frown only deepens. And suddenly, Burnie feels an invisible force tipping his head up, raising his gaze to hers.

“You need not lie to me, Burnie,” she says. “I can tell something is bothering you, though you are not obligated to share.” She says, the weight dropping from his chin as she does. The tension in Burnie’s shoulders loosen slightly at her words, they’re reassuring.

“I guess I’m a bit homesick.” He says, which is partly a lie. He misses his bed. “Er- I mean, not that I regret coming here or anything!” Burnie amends, realizing how his words may have come off as rude. And he starts to ramble, a bad habit he's not quite grown out of.

“I am glad to be here, really I am! The- the castle is lovely, and I'm excited to start my work, don't get me wrong. It's just- the castle is very far from my home town so it's weird. I mean- the castle isn't weird, it's just-” She cuts him off before he can dig himself into an even deeper hole, and Burnie is grateful for that.

“I understand what you mean, Burnie.” She says with a light chuckle, amusement dancing in her eyes. And that’s enough for Burnie’s legs to feel weak, for his head to feel fuzzy.

So he doesn't respond, instead turns his gaze back to his book with a curt nod. This time, he forces himself to read, not wanting to subject himself to the embarrassment of zoning out while staring at Luna. or gods forbid rambling like that again.

Eventually, he gets lost in the book, devouring every word on the pages. It's from Luna’s last assistant that stayed for more than a few months. Detailing tasks, somewhat like a diary. With needed information Burnie would not have known without it, so he silently thanks whoever wrote this.

The sun starts to lower in the sky, the gentle lighting in the garden flickering to life. And only when stars start to peak through the clouds does Burnie look up, only to find Luna is asleep. In front of him.

He's immediately panicking, looking around for some form of help, because he isn't sure what to do. He can't leave her here, but is it a good idea to wake her up? Burnie has no clue.

He glances down at his book, hoping there might be an answer there. Something about Luna’s preferences when it comes to this thing, if this has even happened before.

He freezes at what he reads.

‘Do not interact with Princess Luna while she is asleep, she sleepwalks. Her room is spelled to keep her in at night due to the fact that when she is sleep walking, she attacks unprovoked. Believed to be a lingering effect of Nightmare moon.’

Burnie is panicking even more now, his heart pounding in his chest. And he doesn't dare move an inch. Maybe her sleeping mind won't notice him if he doesn't move.

Slowly, he can hear her rise, and he lifts his gaze. Watching as, with closed eyes, Luna stands. Her horn flickering to life with magic, her body taut and tense.

And she steps towards Burnie with the gait of a lion hunting its prey. Crap.