Luna stood at the open windows, inhaling a deep breath of the melancholy night air. The sun had just sunk beneath the Western horizon, painting the sky a sultry shade of cinnamon that lent a highlighted feature to the rest of the purple-mantled vista. She stared in wide wonder at the sky before her, a mixture of day and night that felt like home to her. It was the start of a new night, with new mysteries and wonders to behold. She had no appointments, no courts, no necessary meeting to attend; it was just her and the stars.

Like so many thousands of nights before, she stood watching as the dusky red faded from the West, yielding at long last to a royal purple, and then pure blackness bedecked with a million glimmering, flickering pinpricks of light that she was oh so familiar with. It felt not unlike an old friend’s face, smiling and warm as they moved to embrace in greeting. It was a comfortable night, with no chill in the air, only the passing breeze serving to remind her that she was, indeed, still on Equestria and not wheeling among the constellations in a free flight of fancy.

But even the best things weren’t designed to last. It was some time around midnight when a solemn visitor entered her chambers. Typically, a messenger or aide would knock before entering. There were only three ponies in all of Equestria who would deign to open that door unannounced. One was asleep, one was in the Crystal Kingdom, and one was in Ponyville.

At least, she would have thought as much.

“You’re back early.”

“I missed you that much.” Twilight’s voice whispered across her ear, and not unlike the glimmering stars above, the sensation was a welcome one to behold. Luna tore her gaze away from the magisterial night to look at Twilight’s beautiful face. She looked just the same as Luna had remembered her. But there was one thing missing; one intrinsic detail that nagged at Luna.

“Where is your pendant?”

“Oh, Rarity said it needed cleaning, and she wanted to design the veil to match it.” Twilight muttered, raising a hoof to her breast, where the missing pendant would have hung normally. There was a compassion in her eyes, like she was missing a close friend or a part of herself. But it faded quickly as her amethyst gaze rose to meet Luna’s. The worry and tension melted from her in those cyan irises, and Luna felt a similar wave of relief flood through her. She would miss the way their necklaces snapped together, but she didn’t have to miss embracing Twilight.

“Five days seems like such a long time to go without you.” Luna nuzzled into Twilight’s mane as the smaller unicorn wound her hooves around the princess’ neck, inhaling the scent of her deeply. She smelled of paper and ink, a faint wisp of conservative perfume, and the utilitarian shampoo she used frequently. It was a comforting smell, very ‘Twilight’ in its essence. Luna truly had missed it dearly.

“I couldn’t wait any longer, and the girls were all busy with their own things. I saw no need in staying in Ponyville any longer. It’s not like it’ll be the last time I’ll see them anyways.” Twilight buried her muzzled into Luna’s mane, inhaling her scent as well. She knew Twilight loved the smell of her enchanted hair, and rather liked the way she nuzzled into the ephemeral strands like a young filly holding their parent close, or more accurately, a lover trying to memorize every nuance of their partner. Luna slowly sat on her haunches, looping her forelegs around Twilight and pulling the smaller pony into a more tender, heartfelt embrace. The lack of their necklaces pressed together seemed a touch wrong to Luna, but not in a worrying manner. It sounded like Rarity had a gorgeous plan for the veil, and Twilight would be nothing if not forthcoming with help. That might also explain why she was back so early. Without the necklace, Twilight effectively was without Luna herself.

The thought of being alone send a shudder down her spine. She had spent a millennium alone. She didn’t want Twilight to feel the same; even if for a paltry two days.

“I do hope you’re not planning anything untoward between now and the ceremony.” Luna’s voice turned from heartfelt to devious in a moment. Some small part of her psyche was seriously considering letting Twilight do what she would, or maybe taking some pleasure of her own. But she did love teasing Twilight, and knew that not making love between now and the ceremony would mean much to the younger pony. She could handle two more nights without the ravenous bookworm between her thighs; even if she did tease her about it.

“I hadn’t, but you’re making me consider it.” Twilight moaned, giving Luna the lightest of kisses on the back of her neck. That small touch sent an electric shock through the princess, making her haunches contract and her tail swish across the floor.

’Thousands of years of experience under my belt, and I’m still reduced to a puddle by the gentlest of kisses… Twilight truly knows me like no other. Oh how I love her.’ The thought echoed through Luna’s body, triggering a response that drew Twilight ever-closer, until she could feel almost every curve of her lover.

“I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t allow you to… To think, five days without you and I’m reduced to a pining young filly once more.” Twilight breathed, sending another electric shock through Luna’s body with a tender kiss, even more passionate and needy than the last. Luna felt the haze of desire descend around her consciousness, muddling her thoughts and increasing her heartbeat.

’She’s right here in your hooves, Luna… Just let it happen. Nothing wrong with partaking; we’ve made love dozens… Nay, hundreds of times before now. What’s the harm in one more good romp before we make it official?’

“Luna…” Twilight panted, her lips tracing along her jawline. Her thoughts plunged into the downright dirty as those kisses proceeded, working their way up to her own slightly-parted lips. Twilight hovered there, her hot, breathy pants mingling with Luna’s own. “I want you so badly.”

“And I you, Twilight.” Luna moaned, clutching Twilight ever-closer. She indulged in one quick, ravenous kiss, her tongue darting out to tease Twilight’s before she pulled away. “Take me. One last time before we’re together forever.” She laid back, pulling the smaller unicorn with her until Twilight straddled her. Luna’s wings splayed out on the floor of their shared bedroom, her haunches open wide.

“I love you, Twilight.”

There was a flash of green, and above Luna stood… Luna.

“I know you do.”