>"So...how do you want to do this?", Celestia asks.
>"Uhm." You haven't really ever thought about the logistics of a threesome before.
>"Let's see," Luna says. "You wanted the same treatment that I just got?"
>Celestia nods hesitantly. You'll never understand how the ruler of an entire nation can be so cute.
>"Well, he's never done that to me," she says, blushing. "I want to know how it feels."
>"Trust me, you'll like it," Luna says. "Okay, so that's your part. I want to ride Anon, like you did."
>You nearly throw out your neck turning towards her.
>"What?"
>"I- nothing, I just didn't expect you to be so...direct."
>Luna shrugs. "Maybe it's the pleasure talking. What have you done to me, Anon?" She feigns shock, but starts giggling.
>You cough. "Anyway, I'm down for anything. Arrange yourself how you want."
>Celestia taps her fingers thinking. "I think what Luna meant was...I sit on your face?"
>You act like that image didn't just take your breath away.
>"Sounds good," Luna says. "Maybe we can have some fun with each other, too." Her grin reminds you of a shark. A sexy, sexy shark.
>Who said you were good with metaphors?
>Celestia chews on her lip. "Oh my, that is an interesting idea." Her eyes lose focus. "Anon below me, you there and..."
>"Stop drooling, Tia."
 
>Luna hauls herself into a sitting position.
>She leans on your shoulder.
>"There is one thing that annoys me about this, though."
>You frown. "What is it?"
>"I won't get to have you pound me from behind the way I wanted."
>You sputter.
>"Oh well, there's always tomorrow."
>You try to regain your bravado. "The night is long."
>Anon, a true poet.
>"Your persistence is admirable, Anon, but-"
>She puts her lips to your ear.
>"-if this goes the way that I, that we want, I doubt we'll have the energy."
>"I see." You try to calm your heart down.
>Now Celestia puts her head on your other shoulder, laying a hand on your chest.
>"Besides, wouldn't this make a perfect end to a lovely evening?"
>"Agreed," Luna says. They're both running their hands along your body now.
>The slight touches are electrifying.
>You respond by letting your hands dance up and down their sides.
>Celestia leans into your touch, while Luna starts giggling.
>Oh, right. Ticklish.
 
>While you still marvel at how soft skin can feel, Luna's hand travels deeper.
>Meanwhile, Celestia guides your head towards hers and kisses you.
>It starts out slow. Somehow, your lips fit perfectly together.
>Soon Celestia's tongue finds yours, however, and starts exploring your mouth almost frantically.
>The simple kiss becomes a wet, heated affair.
>She pulls away again, arching an eyebrow.
>"You taste different."
>"Oh," you say. "That-"
>Luna laughs. "Must've been me. Sorry."
>Celestia smiles. "Oh, it's fine." She smacks her lips. "I rather like it, in fact."
>You swallow heavily.
>Celestia gives you a heavenly smile, and looks over to her sister.
>Luna is still stroking you slowly. Up. Down. Up. Down.
>You could stay that way for a while. You wouldn't mind.
>But there are other things to be done. Things that make your heart go faster and set your imagination on fire.
>"Can we?", Celestia asks.
>Luna nods. So do you.
>They push you on your back.
>Luna gets into position, hovering over your hips again.
>Celestia holds back.
>"Anon, are you sure you want to?"
>"Celestia," you say. Your voice sounds a bit rougher, more guturral than usual. "I am living every man's dream. Get over here."
>She beams at you and settles over your face, kneeling.
>Inches above you floats a pink, wet dream.
>The heat on your skin. The tangy scent, so like Luna and yet so different.
>It makes you want to weep, and sing, and make her scream your name.
>However, for the moment she's still poised over you, just like Luna.
>A moment passes between the sisters, as far as you can tell.
>"One. Two. Three," you hear them count.
>They lower themselves.
>Bliss.
 
>After a few seconds in shock, your brain tries to sort out the sensory overload.
>Celestia is all around you. You probe with your tongue, making her jolt in surprise, her legs squeezing on the side of your head.
>You do it again, slower this time.
>She doesn't expect it. Another jerk, an accompanying gasp.
>Her taste is everything. Harsher than Luna, not quite as sweet, but just as incredible.
>Speaking of Luna. Your senses shift focus.
>Luna has you inside her, slowly rocking back and forth, just getting started.
>She feels just like you remember, slick and hot and unbelievably soft.
>She completes you. There is no other way to say it.
>You only wish you could see their faces.
>You know how they'd look: Luna with that slightly dazed, blissful expression, breathing hard, Celestia with her eyes closed, biting her lip, savoring the moment.
>Some of the tension has left Celestia's legs.
>That also means that she is pressing down on you more now.
>You decide to make sure she won't regret it.
>You try sucking at her, you haven't done that so far.
>"Anon!" She squeezes again.
 
>Good work.
>Meanwhile, Luna has sped up, and has started bobbing up and down.
>You match her movements, slow at first.
>Soon, you are moving as one, lost in the feeling of perfect unison.
>It takes a moment for Celestia to get used to the new rhythm, but she manages.
>She moves a little on top of you, pushing her folds further into your face.
>Your vision is filled with her, and every inch of her is glorious.
>Out of the corner of your awareness, through the wall of taste and touch and emotion, you hear something.
>Muffled moans, and a characteristic wet sound.
>It would appear the sisters are sharing a kiss.
>The image makes you run hot and cold all over.
>They must have seperated now, judging from the way the weight has shifted.
>You push your head up as much as you can, trying to reach as much of Celestia as possible.
>She flinches when you do, but pushes into your motion right after.
>"More," she pleads. "Oh, Anon..."
>You squeeze your face into her.
 
>She needs more. You give her what you can.
>More tongue, more lips, more everything.
>Celestia surges with the movement, trying to stay upright.
>It lets you explore her further, reaching spots that make her jump.
>You need something to hold onto, right now.
>Your hands search, and grasp Luna's bottom.
>Soft flesh beneath your fingers gives you exactly what you wanted.
>Your grip makes Luna bounce stronger than before.
>You jerk upwards in response, encouraging her.
>She continues, fiercer every moment.
>Her heat grows more intense, traveling up and down your length, demanding.
>Every time she reaches the bottom, the impact of her flesh on yours shakes you to the core.
>You can hear her panting, mixed with Celestia's.
>Somewhere at the back of your mind, you note that you're just as breathless as they are.
>A poet would say something about a symphony of ecstasy, but between frantic breaths, all you can think of is how much you love these two women.
 
>Celestia's legs press tighter again, shaking.
>She's keeping you right where she wants you to, and you hit exactly the right spot.
>She deserves everything you can give her.
>Her whole body is quivering. You don't let up.
>You hear her suck in a sharp breath.
>She hisses something, but you can't focus on the words.
>The sound of it is more important - need, desire, demand.
>"Keep going," Luna grunts. "A little longer-"
>You don't know how much longer you can hold on.
>Or Celestia, for that matter.
>As Luna's movements get more desperate and erratic, however, you realize it might be time for her too.
>Tiny twitches crawl along her body, and her tension grows.
>No, you want to go on a little longer.
>This needs to go on forever.
 
>You try to slow down a little, but the sisters barely let up.
>You settle for slower, but stronger.
>Luna approves, matching your new rhythm quickly.
>Still, you can feel her tensing every time you're fully inside her.
>Celestia, on the other hand, has given herself to you completely, grinding on your face and muttering breathlessly.
>Pressure starts building inside you.
>You try to crush it. You need to last a while yet, for them.
>"Tia," Luna moans. "Come here."
>Celestia utters a sound of agreement, shifting her weight forward.
>Arms wrap around each other.
>"Together, Tia," Luna says, or tries to say. The words fly out tangled, coated in lust.
>Celestia is barely capable of responding, writhing on top of you.
>"Yes, together, finally, oh, Anon..."
>You put everything you have into this moment.
>You're close, too.
>You have to make these final seconds count.
>Celestia is first to reach the finish.
>You keep going for her, licking, sucking, prolonging her pleasure.
>Her sharp gasp turns into a moan, which turns into a frantic litany of your name.
>Her final cry of "Anon!" resounds throughout the chamber.
>Luna follows just as Celestia's climax subsides, pushing herself down one last time, raking your stomach.
>She doesn't even form words. It's just a vocalization of pure, unadultered bliss.
>As she rides the waves of passion, the tension inside you that has you taut like a bowstring snaps.
>You empty yourself inside Luna, her insides milking you, lights dancing before your eyes.
 
>It takes a moment for the world to come back into focus.
>Luna and Celestia have climbed off of you, apparently.
>You don't look, but you can hear heavy breathing on your side.
>You lie there, trying to catch your breath as well.
>Your head is spinning, and you feel like you're dreaming.
>You blink a few times.
>"Luna? Celestia?"
>They don't react.
>You prop yourself up - slowly, carefully - and see them next to you.
>Celestia looks dazed, eyes unfocused, her chest rising and falling heavily.
>Luna stares off into the distance, a woozy smile on her face.
>Sweat glints on their bodies.
>Looks like you did good, Anon.
>Luna snaps out of it, noticing you.
>"That...wow," she says. "Anon, I don't know how you do it."
>You grin. "I try."
 
>Celestia registers your presence now, too.
>"I..." She puts a hand to her forehead, smiling. "That was better than I could've imagined."
>"Well, you told me what you wanted." You're still grinning like an idiot. "I obliged."
>The three of you break out into giggles.
>"A worthy finish to the night, I say," Luna announces, stretching. "I'd love another round, but I don't think I can take any more."
>Celestia nods. "I doubt I could even keep myself upright right now."
>She lifts her arm, and she really is shaking.
>"Oh my," Luna says. "Did I look like that too?"
>"You did, sister. I feel so..."
>"Weak?", Luna asks, grinning. "Satisfied? Whole?"
>"All of that."
>You try not to look too proud of yourself.
>"Me too," Luna says. "All thanks to you, Anon."
>"Always," you say.
>You flop down on your back again.
>"You two are beautiful, have I ever told you that?"
>Both of them go "awww" and giggle like schoolgirls.
>How very dignified these princesses are.
>A deep feeling of comfortableness and satisfaction spreads through your body.
>"I'd say we're done for the night," Luna says.
>"I agree," Celestia says. "I don't think there'S anything that can top that."
>"Well, at least in our current state," you say. "But...there's always tomorrow, right?", you say.
>The three of you look at each other in amusement.
>"Definitely," the sisters say.
 
>A slightly-longer-than-strictly-necessary shower later (who even knew three people could fit inside there?), you set about gathering your clothes.
>"Anon, what are you doing?", Celestia asks.
>You shrug. "I need to get my room."
>"Nonsense." Celestia swats your pants out of your hand. "You're staying here tonight."
>Is that so.
>"You can't walk out on us now, Anon," Luna says. "Please, stay."
>From sexy to adorable, just like that. How do they do it?
>You weigh your options. It could be a scandal if somebody finds the princesses (both of them!) in bed with the valet.
>On the other hand, you would /really/ love to spend the night with them. Well, the rest of it.
>You're not even banking on any more sex. You just want to be with them.
>You sigh. "Thanks. I'd love to stay."
>They both give you a long, loving hug.
>You settle down on the bed, a princess cuddling up on either side of you.
>Life is good.
 
>You awake first, still firmly in the arms of Luna and Celestia.
>The sun has just risen, judging from the warm glow coming in the window.
>You don't move for a bit, after all you don't want to wake them.
>Besides, it feels strangely comfortable. Like you've been waking up like this for years.
>Yep, you could get used to it.
>Celestia's hair has fallen over her face. You brush it away.
>She stirs. It makes sense that she'd be an early riser, you think.
>"Morning, Anon." She blinks the sleep out of her eyes.
>"Morning." Your voice has that just-woke-up growl.
>Celestia stretches and sits up. The cover slips a little.
>"Already leaving?", you ask.
>"I don't want to," she says. "But business calls, unfortunately."
>She walks over to her wardrobe. "We've scheduled official diplomatic talks with the Crystal Empire today."
>You sigh. "Always working. Come back, you should get a few more minutes."
>"Why do I feel like it's going to be more than that?" She smiles.
>"Guilty," you say, grinning.
>"You can stay here for a while," Celestia says. "Besides, you should probably wake Luna at some point."
>You look over to said princess. She looks far too peaceful to be disturbed.
>"I'll get to that," you say. "Eventually."
 
>Celestia has grabbed a dress by now and slips it on.
>"Need some help?"
>She shakes her hair out, making it fall across her back.
>Straight out of bed and already gorgeous.
>"Thanks, but I'll manage." Looks like it: the dress is a simple, tight one.
>Also a tad too short for official business, you think, but just enough to give you some ideas.
>"You like this one?" Celestia has noticed you staring and seems to enjoy it.
>"It does go well with your everything," you say.
>She giggles. "Such a charmer, Anon."
>It's true, though: You've never exactly seen an outfit that could be described as /hugging/ curves, but this one positively clings to them.
>And Celestia has enough curves to make it count.
>She disappears into an adjacent chamber. Something about makeup.
>Oh well, you got several eyefuls.
>You turn towards Luna.
>She's still deep asleep, mouth half open.
>If you listen closely, you can even hear something that could be construed as snoring.
>The very picture of dignified relaxation.
>You chuckle. Still, she's really cute this way. So different from the vamp you're used to.
>You touch her shoulder. "Luna? Luna, wake up."
>"Mrrrmphshutup."
>"Luna, you should get up."
>"Grrmsleep."
>"Luna, if you don't wake up, my boner is going to go to waste."
>Cyan eyes snap open.
 
>"That is blackmail." She sticks out her tongue at you.
>"Well, I had to get you awake somehow," you say. "Seems to have worked."
>You feel a little smug, to be honest. Who knew that'd have that effect on her?
>"Well, were you serious or was it just a ploy to steal my well-earned sleep?"
>You shrug. "Can't it be both?"
>She laughs at that. "I'm flattered, Anon, but I think if we start again, I might not be able to sit today. And Tia might get jealous."
>"I heard that!"
>You grin. Yes, you feel some of last night's aftershocks too.
>Not that it would let that interfere, but it's understandable that Luna doesn't want to appear at the talks all disheveled.
>And sweaty.
>And out of breath.
>And with that flush along her throat and cheeks and...
>You reign your imagination back in. Down, boy.
>"You'd better get ready, Luna," Celestia calls from the other room. "We have a busy schedule today."
>"I know," Luna shouts back. "Don't worry, I'll get to it."
>"And you're going to help me, Anon." She gets up.
>"Help-help?"
>She giggles. "I hate to disappoint you, but you /are/ still my valet. Come on, let's get going."
 
>The two of you set off towards Luna's room.
>She's recovered her robe from last night, while you have to rely on your crumpled pants and shirt.
>"You seem to be in a good mood," you say. Luna is bouncing more than she's walking.
>"Why wouldn't I be?", she says, grinning. "Have you ever woken up and everything was beautiful?"
>Well, today came close. "I seem to have a positive effect on people, Lu-"
>A maid rounds the corner. "-Your Highness." The maid doesn't seem to notice that Her Highness is still very much bedheaded, and continues on her way after a bow.
>Luna nods. "It would appear so."
>"I'll have to make use of your services as often as I can."
>You feel a bit of heat creeping into your cheeks. "Glad to be of service."
>You reach her chambers and enter.
>Luna throws her robe off - you feel something tighten below your waistline - and walks over to the wardrobe.
>She rummages around, and apparently the dress she's looking for is at the very bottom of the cabinet.
>And she has to search for quite some time.
>Very thoroughly, moving mainly from the hips.
>"There it is!" She pulls out a deep blue dress and holds it out to you. "What do you think, Anon?"
>It's barely long enough to count as formal, just like Celestia's.
>And it appears to lace up on the back. No straps, sleeves or anything.
>"Looks nice," you say. "I like it."
>"How very eloquent of you," Luna says. Still, she takes the dress behind her dressing screen.
 
>"Could you help me with this, Anon?"
>You step behind the screen. Luna is half inside the dress, but the laces are out of her reach.
>"Hold on," you say. You take the corset-like construction and start lacing her up.
>You use the opportunity to run your hand down her back. She shivers, muscles rippling beneath her silky smooth skin.
>Also, you note, the way the dress is cut makes it kind of impossible to wear a bra with it.
>You approve. Vigorously.
>"Focus, Anon." She tries to sound indignant.
>"Sorry," you say. "You're just so fascinating." You continue tying.
>"Tighter," Luna says, sucking in a breath. "I like it...tight..."
>"Like this?" You draw once more.
>"Perfect." She takes a deep breath. "Just enough wiggle room."
>She turns around. "How do I look?"
>"Perfect." The word comes out before your brain can get in the way. "I mean, you already looked perfect the way you got up, but this..."
>She giggles. "Thank you."
>You give her a kiss. Not a very intense one, just to show her you meant what you said.
>She reciprocates.
>Your hands travel down that stunning back and come to rest on her buttocks.
 
>You don't fondle. Okay, maybe a little.
>Luna smiles against your lips. "Anon, I need to get ready."
>You hush her. "This is a magic moment. Don't ruin it."
>You squeeze. Luna's butt is just the right size, the right mix between firm and jiggly.
>Your fingers run along the fabric. The feeling of softness has nothing to do with the cloth.
>"Really, Anon, I need to get going."
>You sigh. "Fine."
>"Maybe I'll let you have your moment later." She gives a peck on the cheek. "I can take care of the rest myself. You can rest in your room until this diplomacy business is over."
>"You won't need me at all?"
>"Well, it's only Tia, me, Cadance and Shining Armor. But I'll be thinking of you." She squeezes past you.
>Oh, you can't let her get the last laugh like that.
>Instead, as she passes you, you give her a slap on the butt.
>It really does jiggle.
>Beautiful.
>You retreat from the room, hearing Luna's giggles behind you.
 
>Once you reach your room,  you toss away your old clothes.
>Freedom.
>You can't remember the last time you had a morning this good.
>Admittedly, you'd have liked to stay with the sisters a little more, but business is business.
>And maybe you can catch up on some sleep before they need you again.
>Whichever way the may have need of you.
>The words "tomorrow night" resound through your mind.
>You're not sure whether you can top last night, but you're always down to try.
>Aside from that, Luna has already told you she wanted to try different things-
>"I wanted you to pound me from behind, Anon."
>Your mouth feels very dry suddenly.
>-and Celestia seems to like experimenting.
>You should definitely help them with that.
>Nothing like a new experience.
>You notice a cooler on your small nightstand, with a bottle of sparkling wine sitting in it.
>You take it out. The ice is gone, and the bottle is still unopened.
>It wasn't here when you left your room last night.
>Who left it here, then? Can't be the princesses, they were...busy.
>There is a small note next to the bucket.
>"I've waited for you, Anon. I assume you were busy, but I would still love to hear some of your stories. - C"
>Next to the C, there is a red outline of...
>Oh.
>Someone - and you have a pretty good idea who - pressed their lips on the paper to leave that trace.
>Maybe she signs all her letters like that?
 
>You decide to think about the implications later, because you're still missing some sleep.
>You flop down on your bed, and the world turns black soon after.
>Someone knocks on your door.
>You peer out the window. The sun is now high in the sky, and you feel rested.
>The person outside keeps knocking.
>"Who is it?", you shout.
>"The princesses sent me, Sir," someone answers. A woman's voice.
>You meander over to the door and pull it open.
>One of the maids stands there. Lilac hair, violet eyes.
>She even wears one of those little bonnet things.
>"What did they say?", you ask.
>The maid blushes furiously.
>You look down.
>Right, you're still shirtless.
>And pantsless, for that matter.
>At least you had the presence of mind to put on a pair of boxers before sleeping.
>"Hello?", you say.
>The maid is captivated.
>You clear your throat. She snaps back into reality.
>"Pardon me, Sir. They wanted me to tell you that you should come to the council hall in half an hour."
>"I see," you say. "Thank you, uhm..."
>She bows her head. "Amethyst Star, Sir."
>"Amethyst." You smile. "Pretty name. Excuse...this." You wave towards your half-naked body. "I should have gotten decent before opening."
>Amethyst turns an even deeper shade of red. "Oh, it's fine, Sir, I should have..."
>She shuts up, apparently fearing to say something stupid, and turns around.
>Before she starts walking, however, she looks at you over her shoulder.
>"My shift ends in three hours. I'll be working in the Great Hall until then."
>And then she vanishes.
>You retreat back into your room to get ready for work.
>Anon. Women. Honey. Flies.
 
>Half an hour later, you stand in front of an unassuming door that is guarded by two mountainous guards you've never seen before.
>You're wearing a new suit, this one black.
>"Hot in those armors, boys?"
>Neither Mountain One nor Mountain Two respond.
>"Had to wear one of these back when I was a guard."
>You roll your shoulders. "I prefer suits. More breathing room."
>"Besides, I don't have to throw myself at every lunatic that enters the castle unauthorized now."
>You throw yourself at different things, but you probably shouldn't tell them that.
>Still no reaction - oh wait, Mountain One's left nostril flickered.
>You're getting to them.
>Before you can continue annoying them, the doors open and the guards step aside.
>The four royals walk out.
>You bow to them. "Your Highnesses."
>Shining Armor gets a salute, both from you and the Mountains. "Sir."
>"It's 'Your Majesty'".
>Sure it is.
>"How may I be of service?", you ask.
 
>"We've decided to go for a ride this afternoon," Luna says. "You'll need to make sure the horses are prepared."
>"Also, you're going to be accompanying us," Celesia says. "Making sure that our guests are appropriately provided for."
>Swell. You haven't been on a horse since forever.
>Still, you bow, because that's what a good valet does. "Of course, your Majesty. I'll get right to it."
>You leave them to their royalty stuff, and catch Luna winking at you before she disappears around the corner.
>Does she know something you  don't, or was it just Luna being Luna?
>Isn't that one and the same, anyway?
>You push that out of your mind and contact the stableboys to ensure that everyone has an appropriate mount.
>Your mind briefly goes "How about letting Luna ride you hurhur", but you ignore it for once.
>You continue towards the kitchens. You should drum up some food, who knows how long they intend on riding.
>The kitchens, as it happens, are near the Great Hall.
>You turn a corner and nearly run into Amethyst Star.
>"Whoah, sorry," you say. "Hi, Amethyst."
>"Mr Anon, Sir!" She seems cheery. "I didn't know you'd be here already!"
>You throw your hands up. "Oh, no, you see, this, I..."
>She pulls you in close. "I still have another two hours, but there's a small closet two rooms over. What do you say?"
>The way she's leaning forward, you get to see far more of her cleavage than intended.
>Since when can maids afford red lace?
>You push her away.
>"Amethyst, I'm flattered, really, but that's not what I'm here for."
>She frowns for a moment, but then her face lights up again.
>"Oh, you want it right here? I see. How daring."
>She starts massaging your crotch.
>You tell your body to knock it off, but everything below your neck finds this development far too interesting to listen to your brain.
 
>"Amethyst, really, this is a misunderstanding." You finally manage to push her away, after a few more seconds of increasingly desperate groping on her part.
>"I don't know what you think, but I'm just trying to do my job here."
>She shrinks away at that.
>"Y-you're not here for me? But I thought..."
>You sigh. "Listen. I'm sure you're a great person and all, but I can't do this, alright?"
>"All I wanted is to get a message to the kitchen. I just ran into you on accident."
>"I see." Amethyst crosses her arms and looks away. "Sorry. When I saw you, I...nevermind. What did you want them to know?"
>"The royals are going for a ride today. They need some food prepared."
>"I'll tell them," she says. "Wait, 'the royals'? Including Shining Armor?"
>You arch an eyebrow. "Yes, including him. Why do you ask?"
>"Oh, well, he and I, you see-" Amethyst starts coughing a lot. "It's not important. I'll relay your message, Sir."
>She gives you a half-hearted smile and walks back towards the kitchen.
>You turn around as well, but from far away you hear someone whisper "He called me a great person!"
>Oh boy.
 
>You feel kind of bad, you have to admit.
>Not for refusing her offer - you are in a committed relationship right now, after all - but for making her feel bad.
>The way she looked at you after you told her no felt like you just kicked a puppy.
>And what was that talk about Shining Armor? Did he do something to her?
>Either way, you should probably talk to her again, and talk her out of this idea she has about you.
>Else she might just jump you in a dark corner of the castle, which seems less appealing now than it might have a few days ago.
>You mentally schedule a talk with Amethyst Star. Topic: Do Not Hump Anon.
>Later, you find yourself astride a horse, following the royal procession out the castle gates.
>Apparently some stableboy thought it would be funny to saddle a devil for you.
>The beast is ill-tempered, shaggy and smells like it's been rolling around in its own manure.
>The horses the princesses are on, however, are the sort little fairytale horses want to be when they're grown up.
>Cadance and Shining Armor ride the horses they brought with them, which they've had forever, apparently.
>The party rides out the castle gates, taking a sharp left. After a short ride down the mountain, you end up in a relatively untouched strip of land.
>There were only five moments where your horse almost broke your neck.
>Cadance, who was a good bit ahead of you, slows down and pulls up at your side.
>"Why the long face, Anon?"
>Did she really just say that?
 
>You shrug. "Been thinking, your Majesty, that's all."
>"I see," Cadance says. "Thinking about what?"
>"Nothing important," you answer. Yeah, figuring out how to deal with Cadance and Amethyst Star and not fall off this fiend of a horse isn't /that/ important.
>"Of course." There is laughter in Cadance's voice. "May I take some of your time, then?"
>"I don't see why not," you say. "Your Highness."
>"I've been dying to hear some stories from your time in the military."
>The image of a certain letter creeps into your mind. "I remember that," you say. "It seems you tried to reach me yesterday already?"
>"So you got my letter?" Cadance seems more excited than anything. You'd have expected more of "caught with the hand in the cookie jar" reaction.
>Wait, that would make you the cookie jar. And then-
>You abort the thought immediately.
>"I did," you say. "And I have to admit, the way you signed it confused me."
>She giggles. "Why would that confuse you? I just wanted you to know I was sincerely interested in you."
>Is that what they're calling it now?
>"And the bottle?"
>"I left that there, didn't I? I'm sorry. But long talks make dry throats, and a drink loosens the tongue."
>"How thoughtful of you." You look ahead. The group has reached a wide, flower-dotted meadow by now.
>Cadnce gives no indication of wanting to catch up to her husband.
 
>It seems you'll have to entertain her a little longer.
>"So what kind of stories would you like to hear, your Majesty?"
>"Whatever comes to mind. I'm sure you have a tale or two to tell."
>"Well, there was an incident during basic training involving two spears, a jar of wood polish and my helmet..."
>Cadance laughs, but gestures for you to stop.
>"I'm sure that story is fascinating, but I'd prefer if you told me at a calmer time. When none of us are on horseback."
>Fair enough. You incline your head. "I'll wait until then, your Majesty. Remind me to tell you the one about your husband and the chicken in the barracks."
>Another laugh bursts out from her. "A chicken?"
>"Alive and everything. It knocked him out. He hasn't told you that one?"
>She shakes her head. "Never." And with that, she gives her horse the spores, setting off towards Shining Armor.
>From afar, you can hear her laughter. "A chicken!"
 
>You smile at her reaction. That was more harmless than you thought.
>If you take what she said at face value, there were no hidden motives behind that letter.
>Or behind the bottle of sparkling wine.
>The question is, can you believe her?
>Sure, she gave you a few reasons, but who says those were the real or the only ones?
>What if she shows up at your room again tonight?
>Should you really get drunk with the monarch of the Crystal Empire?
>If she mentions the chicken story to Shining Armor, how dead are you?
>You should have asked to not say anything to him.
>On the other hand, her not mentioning why she is so interested in you may not be the best option, either.
>Well, you can't change what Cadance does, so you might as well have that talk with her, hidden agenda or no.
 
>You haven't been paying attention to your surroundings while thinking, so you almost miss it when Celestia and Luna - quite a ways ahead - stop near a few young birches.
>They get off their mounts, tying them to a tree each. The horses start grazing.
>Cadance and Shining Armor reach them next and do the same.
>You look behind you. The supply line - all on foot, with some mules carrying the food - is still in sight, but they're going to be a while.
>You reach the group of trees and try to get your hellhorse to stop.
>He does. You nearly fly out of the saddle.
>You climb off and grab the reins.
>You pull approximately half a ton of stubborn horse in the direction of a tree. Just a little more -
>The reins snap.
>The stallion neighs, sounding more like it's laughing at you, and storms off in the opposite direction.
>You start running after it, but you can't exactly keep up with a trained warhorse.
>As you stumble to a halt, you can hear Celestia's voice behind you.
>"Gram! Come back!"
>She comes to a halt next to you. "Anon, your horse!"
>"He tore himself free," you say. "Couldn't control him."
>She smiles crookedly. "That sounds like him. Didn't you tell me you could ride?"
>Great, that's what you need now.
>"I've been on a horse once or twice," you say. "Not on a mad one, though."
>"We have to catch him!", Shining Armor shouts from behind.
>You turn around. He's back at the trees, tying his own horse loose.
>Luna steps next to him and puts a hand on his arm. "Don't bother, he'll come back."
>She looks over to you. "Let's just enjoy the picnic for now. We'll deal with Anon's blunder later."
>You slump a little.
 
>You stand off to the side, not looking anybody in the eye.
>You stew in your hatred for the damned horse a while, until the rest of the servants - and the food - arrive.
>Apparently, 'picnic' means 'portable banquet' in Royalese.
>They even brought a table.
>The food and drink that gets is not quite at the level of last night's feast, but it's close.
>You slink over to the drinks and wait for someone to call you over.
>The royals talk amongst themselves, discussing the talks of this morning, the cheese selection and how nice it is to be outside a castle for once.
>You don't get involved in it, only nodding politely if someone orders a refill.
>Eventually, the decision to return to the castle is made.
>The servants and you pack up the remains.
>After everything is secured, the troop sets off, and you resign yourself to a long walk back to the castle.
>You feel a hand on your shoulder.
>"Where are you going, Anon?", Luna asks.
>"I'm going back to the castle," you say. "I seem to remember my horse running off."
>Luna yanks on your shoulder, and you turn around.
>She looks quite disgruntled.
>"I'm sorry?", you venture.
>"Oh, the horse is going to return to the stables, I'm sure," Luna says. "I'm more concerned about you running off like that."
>You arch an eyebrow. "Running off? I just meant to follow the servants."
>"Exactly." Luna crosses her arms. "My valet does not travel by foot like a common kitchen boy."
>"I see."
>"And since your horse has disappeared, you'll have to ride with one of us."
>"I do?"
>"Follow me, Anon, we're going to have to figure this out."
 
>You stand before the assembled royalty, trying to look innocent.
>"So one of us has to take him?", Shining Armor asks.
>"Yes," Celestia says. "We just need to figure out who he's going to ride with."
>"Not me," Luna says. If you listen closely, you can hear a little note of pity in her voice. "Shadow doesn't like other people."
>"Neither does Sunbeam," Celestia says. "Which leaves..."
>"Us." Cadance taps her chin in thought. "Well, I could take him..."
>You choose to not misinterpret that.
>It is somewhat sad that you won't get to grope Luna or Celestia during the way back.
>On the other hand, how bad can a ride with Cadance be?
>Close to her, arms around her for support...
>Or maybe you're supposed to ride in that case?
>Which would mean Cadance would be the one holding you from behind.
>Either way, you can deal with that.
>"He could also ride with me," Shining Armor says. "Lance is strong enough to carry two."
>Your fantasy shatters like a mirror someone threw a stone at.
>"That's settled, then," Celestia says. "Thank you, Shining Armor."
>The five of you walk over to the horses. As Shining Armor unties his horse and leads it over to you.
>"You should always get to know a horse before you ride it," he says. "Here, say hello to Lance."
>The horse - a big, white stallion - lowers its head to your height.
>You stare at its face.
>Who knew an animal could express so much hatred with its eyes alone?
>It takes a sniff and whickers.
>And then it tries to bite you.
>You take a quick step backwards, barely evading.
>"I think he doesn't like me," you say.
>"Apparently." Shining Armor looks far too pleased with himself.
>Or his horse. Whatever.
>"Try again. Maybe he'll like it if you pet him."
 
>"So he'll have to ride with me?", Cadance says. "I see."
>"It seems he'll have to," Shining Armor says.
>You stand next to them, frowning.
>Well, at least your hand is still attached.
>Had your reflexes been a little slower, it might not be anymore.
>Stupid horse.
>Shining Armor gives you a last deprecating look and gets on Devil Horse Number Two.
>"Be careful, Anon," he says before riding off.
>You can guess what he meant by that.
>You turn towards Cadance. "So, how do you want to do this?"
>"I think I'll be the one leading the horse," she says. "No offense." She smiles.
>"I'd be glad," you say. "So I'll be in the back?"
>Cadance nods. "Just try not to fall off."
>"Hey, I'm not that-"
>"That's not what I meant. Devotion, she can be a little wild."
>"You named your horse Devotion?"
>She sighs. "It was a gift. She only listens to that name."
>"Now come on, Anon, or we won't catch up."
>She swings herself into the saddle in a single, elegant motion.
>She extends a hand to you. You grab it and haul yourself up.
>A few readjustments later, you're in a passably upright sitting position behind Cadance.
>"Okay, now hold on, Anon," she says.
>You loop your arms around her, trying to touch her as little as possible.
>"No, not like this," she says. "You'll have to really grab me."
>The lazy afternoon breeze seems uncomfortably hot all of a sudden.
>"I am," you say. "See, my hands are firmly grasped together."
>Cadance sighs. "I appreciate the respect, Anon, but you'll have to do it this way."
>She grabs your arms, untangles them and yanks you forward.
>You are pressed firmly against her back, now.
>Her hair flutters around your face.
>It smells of fresh air and of flowers in the fields. Beneath that, you can detect a note of cocoa.
>She takes your hands and pushes them against her stomach.
>You can feel the firm muscles under the fabric of her riding coat.
>"And fold them there. See, now there's no way you'll fall off!"
>"I-I see," you say. "Thank you, your Highness."
>You relax your grip a little. The way you're pushed into her back, you can feel the warmth of her body through her clothes.
>You're a little taller than her, so you end up a little higher than is strictly appropriate, but you really are firm in the saddle now.
>Cadance snaps the reins. "Hi-ho, Devotion!"
>The mare dashes off.
>You supress a scream and hold onto Cadance a little tighter.
 
>Devotion speeds across the countryside, so you don't talk.
>It'd be a shame about your tongue.
>You can think of a few people who'd agree.
>Cadance, meanhwile, is laughing like mad.
>"This is living!", she shouts. "Faster!"
>No, please, anything but faster.
>You tighten your grip even more.
>Cadance doesn't even notice.
>You, on the other hand, can feel every motion of her, everytime she moves with the horse.
>From the tension in her shoulders to the adjustment of her back to the straining of her legs.
>Every time Devotion vaults over something, it drives Cadance's butt right in between your legs.
>She's basically using you as an additional leverage point by now.
>The horse jumps again, longer and higher this time, and the impact shakes the both of you severly.
>You lose your hold for a moment.
>As you reestablish your grasp, you recall that momentum is indeed a thing.
>Your hands have traveled upwards according to the laws of physics.
>The laws of anatomy, on the other hand, ensure that they are now resting securely on Cadance's breasts.
 
>"Anon? What are you doing?"
>You draw your hands back immediately.
>Cadance makes the horse slow down.
>"So very sorry, your Highness," you stammer. "I didn't mean to - we jumped, and..."
>She nudges you with her elbow. "No need for excuses, Anon. I think we both know how that happened."
>"No, that's not what-"
>"But realize that this is not proper."
>She's slowed down enough to risk a look over her shoulder at you. Her eyes sparkle in the sunlight. "You should have asked first."
>"By the way, how did they feel?"
>Before you can say "firm" or "great" or "I don't think I want to answer that", the reins snap again and you're back at the speed of please-don't-break-my-neck.
>You hold onto Cadance again, carefully this time, but she doesn't pay much attention to it.
>You cramp up, trying to move as little as humanly possible.
>Cadance's occasional butt-bump in your direction does not help.
 
>Why would she react like that? You'd have expected at least some outrage.
>Maybe it was the adrenaline from the ride?
>You might get outrage if Shining Armor finds out, however.
>You shudder at the thought.
>You have no idea how she is going to react if you bring this up, but you should talk to Cadance about this incident.
 
>A little while later, you reach the palace.
>You jump off Devotion, dust yourself off and give Cadance a hand to help her down.
>There is still protocol to be observed, after all.
>She takes your hand and gracefully swings out of the saddle.
>She doesn't let go of your hand as she stands before you.
>She's still breathing hard, and there is a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead.
>A gust of wind blows her hair in your face. You detect a new, earthy scent in it; must be from the exertion of the ride.
>"Thank you for taking me with you, your Highness," you say. Her hand is still in yours, soft and smooth.
>"You're welcome, Anon."
>She looks at you for a long moment.
>Then her gaze flicks to the side, and you pull your hand back.
>You knew it. Shining Armor saunters up to his wife, throwing an arm around her waist.
>"There you are! We've been waiting for you." He kisses her.
>"I trust Anon behaved, dear?", he asks after the kiss ends.
>"He was quite the gentleman," Cadance says, smiling. "He even helped me out of the saddle."
>"Always at your service, your Highness," you say. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to forget this afternoon ever happened."
>You bow and leave.
 
CHAPTER IV END