Three days prior to Hearth’s Warming:

“Seriously!?” Thomas gasped as he looked at the numbers presented to him. “You’ve sold that many units?”

“I most certainly did,” Game Plan answered with barely contained glee. “I’ve had to double my workforce just to keep up with the demand.”

“I had a feeling these would sell well,” Silver began, “but this just boggles the mind.”

Thomas and company had met up with an earth stallion named Game Plan, owner of a small toy store called ‘Plan to Game’. The meeting was to discuss the latest sales reports of Twister, Canterlot’s latest and most popular game.

“Looks like you were right,” Moonlight admitted. “All we had to do was namedrop Halloween and the customers went wild.”

“I’ll say,” Game Plan chuckled, clutching his sides. “We’ve nearly made more in the last few weeks than our net income for the last three years combined. My herd mate’s got her eye on this nice place up the road. It’s vacant, but also twice the size of our current store,” he giggled like a schoolgirl. “We’re moving up in the world, ma!”

“I feel safe in saying we are all just delighted to hear that,” Silver informed as she picked up the papers. “However, I’m afraid I’m not terribly familiar with this manner of form. Could you be a dear and direct me to where it describes our cut?”

“Oh,” Game Plan collected himself. “Of course. Here ya go.”

Thomas stared mouth agape at the spot the stallion had pointed. “And all of that in just a few weeks.”

“No,” Game Plan crowed as he flipped the forms over for those near the back. “That figure doesn’t include out-of-town orders. This does.”

The trio beheld the new number set before them. However, while Thomas and Moonlight were busy gawking, Silver was running her finger over the spreadsheet, muttering as she added up the numbers.

“Something wrong?” Game Plan asked.

Silver made a thoughtful sound. “It might be a trick of the light, but I fear these numbers are simply not adding up for me.”

Game Plan frowned and leaned over. “Really? Where?”

“Silver?” Thomas asked in concern.

“One moment, Thomas,” Silver informed as she guided the store owner through the spread sheet. “Here, and here too. You see what I mean?”

With a frown, Game Plan retrieved a piece of scratch paper and began adding up the numbers one at a time so Silver could follow. In the end, he came out with the same total as the spread sheet. “See,” he said hopefully. “It all adds up.”

“Even so,” Silver continued, still wearing a concerned frown as she gestured at Thomas. “My friend here was taken in by your story, a struggling family of earth ponies trying to make it in a predominately unicorn city, and Canterlot at that. His exact words were ‘give the little guy a fighting chance’. And while I’m certain there was no ill intent on your part, I would feel more comfortable if my family accountant had a look at these numbers, if that’s alright with you?” It was clear from her tone that she wasn’t asking.

Now visibly apprehensive, Game Plan gave a weak nod. “O-of course. Bring in anypony you like, but I’m telling you the numbers add up.”

“I’m sure they will,” Silver said with a gracious bow. “Until then, we shall accept the amount you have presented to us.”

The check and a copy of the forms were handed over and the trio departed after some final well wishes.

“Was that really necessary,” Thomas asked.

“Getting an outside and expert perspective on financial matters?” she asked back. “I cannot imagine the answer being anything but ‘yes’.”

“She has a point,” Moonlight interjected. “He had a pretty convincing sob story, but you shouldn’t let that blind you. Businesses is a cutthroat, well, business, and you can’t let sympathies cloud your judgment.”

Thomas frowned. “Okay, maybe I’d gotten a bit of a red flag when he started talking about how his son had just gotten out of the hospital, but the kid had a cast back when we were just scoping the place out,” he relented. “And everything else seemed legit.”

“We’ll know for certain when my family accountant arrives,” Silver replied evenly. “I do not want to run the risk of interception if we send the forms by magic.” She held up the papers for emphasis. “I do not think he was necessarily lying either, and this may just be a typo. However, better safe than sorry.”

**********

Two days to Hearth’s Warming

A sizable tree had been set up in the throne room, which had been closed until the end of the holiday. There the royal presents had all been laid out for everyone’s viewing pleasure. At least, that would be the case if the house guards, a mix of lunar and solar, weren’t currently engaged in a standoff between Celestia and some of her concubines.

“Just a peek?” Talon pleaded. “I just want to hold one of mine and maybe give it a little shake.”

“No!” a guard answered defiantly, his spear drawn and pointed at the griffon’s chest as his fellows backed him up. “By royal decree, there will be no peeks, peeps, ganders, low level scans, or anything else until the designated hour.”

“Come now, sergeant,” Celestia cooed teasingly as she ran her fingers through her waving mane. “Couldn’t you make a little exception, just this once?”

Nervously the guard adjusted his spear to point, not directly at the Princess, but in her general direction. “I’m sorry, Your Highness. This may be a royal decree, but my orders come directly from Captain Armor. You’ll have to take it up with him.”

“Don’t bother,” Cadence said disparagingly as she strode into the room and approached her aunt. “I just spent the last hour persuading him, and he still refused.”

“You?” Celestia asked in disbelief. “He refused you?”

Cadence nodded mournfully.

“Did you try that thing with your-”

“Yes!” Cadence cut the other alicorn off before she could finish, her cheeks flushing. The Princess of Love was arguably as far from being a prude as one could be without going full slut, but there were things that even she was uncomfortable discussing in front of strangers. “I tried every trick in my arsenal, but he still refused.”

Celestia regarded her niece. “I don’t know where to be impressed, or terrified.”

Cadence spread her wings and lightly flapped them, creating a cool breeze. “I know how it makes me feel,” she admitted, her cheeks flushing even redder, especially when she saw the way her aunt was looking at her. It was the same look of triumph Celestia wore whenever any of her students accomplished something. As their teacher, she felt entitled to share in their victories. Cadence seizing upon Celestia’s romantic advice and finding the love of her life was no exception. “Shut up.”

“I didn’t say anything,” Celestia teased in a sing-song voice.

“Fucker!”

All eyes turned on the swearer and the following thud. Talon had found herself pinned several burly looking guards, and not in the way she liked.

“Gah!” the griffon grunted. “Watch where you’re digging that knee, jackass.”

“Impressive,” Celestia noted nonchalantly. “Taking advantage of the distraction to sneak past the guards was quite clever.”

“Former RGR, remember?” Talon huffed. “Can ya get these guys off me, now. Better hurry or I’ll be tempted to show this mare what it’s like to have a knee guard grounded into her privates.”

Celestia ordered the prisoner be set free and Talon snapped her beak aggressively at the mare she’d decided to be the focus of her aggression. The Princess gave a carefree smile as she imagined all the ways her dear griffon would seek revenge, but that was for another time. For now, the taller alicorn set a gentle hand on her niece’s shoulder and escorted her out of the throne room. It was nearing lunch, after all.

**********

It was the evening shift and Thomas was circling along the perimeter of the presents, looking past the towering guards as he eyed the multi-colored packages.

“What are you thinking?” Moonlight asked as she followed beside him.

“That’s quite an impressive pile,” Thomas remarked with a grin. “Reminds me of Christmas back home.”

“Tell me about it?” Moonlight asked quietly.

Thomas nodded and they moved away from the eavesdropping guards. “My grandmother’s house was huge,” he recounted nostalgically. “We went there every year for Christmas since it was the only one that could handle the whole family. Even when I got a job in retail, my folks and I still managed to make it for a few days each year and see that big pile.”

“How big was your family?” Moonlight asked.

“Big,” Thomas replied. “Last time I was there, there were four generations of, like, thirty people.”

Moonlight smiled softly. “Is that an unusual size for human families?”

Thomas chortled. “I’d say about ten is above average. My grandma had a lot of kids, most of which went on to start families of their own.”

“Not counting grandparents, I’d say the average size of a family at Hearth’s Warming is a little over ten,” Moonlight informed. “Big families make the holiday better, in my opinion.”

“Preaching to the choir,” Thomas said as he eyed the presents from afar. “Remind me again, when was your day off?”

“Two days after Hearth’s Warming,” she reminded. “I’ll head to my folks’ place and spend the day with them.” She grabbed hold of his shoulder and pulled him in close. “We both will, won’t we?”

Thomas smiled back at her. “Do I actually have a choice?”

“Considering you’re my stallion, if I have to suffer through my family, then you do to.”

“Duely noted,” Thomas nodded. “Oh. And before I forget, did that… thing arrive?”

Moonlight grinned her affirmation.

**********

The day before Hearth’s Warming

“You’re going to wear a hole in the floor,” Thomas warned as he sat on the edge of his and Moonlight’s bed, watching the mare pace to and fro.

“I cannot help it,” Silver admitted as her wings fidgeted at her sides. “I just keep wondering if she will like it or not.”

With a sigh, Thomas hopped from the bed and placed a hand reassuringly over Silver’s shoulder, holding her close. “We’ve been practicing all week. Performance anxiety is perfectly normal, but if you keep this up then I’m gonna start getting antsy and then no one’s gonna sleep.”

Moonlight set a hand under her chin as she eyed her friend and coltfriend. “No offense, but since when are you the voice of reason?”

Thomas smiled serenely. “Since I’ve decided we’ve all done everything we can and there’s nothing else to do but leave it up to the fates.”

Silver began to snicker. “I swear your words almost sound wise.”

“Love you too,” Thomas answered, followed by a kiss to her cheek.

Silver exhaled serenely as she pondered Thomas’ words. “We’ve done everything we can,” she stated resolutely. “All that’s left is to wait.”

“Nope,” Thomas said flatly and released the mare.

Silver puzzled as she watched Thomas walk past the bed and over to the cabinet.

“Waiting is boring,” Thomas informed as he fished through the box. “We need to do something to make time pass faster.”

As Thomas bent over and propped his rear up to search deeper, Silver and Moonlight exchanged knowing smiles. They knew perfectly well where the other’s eyes were looking. The only thing they didn’t know was whether Thomas’ shakes were deliberate.

“Ah ha!” the human proclaimed as he held out the spoils of his search, a rolled up matt and a very familiar spinner. “Found ‘em. Now we can-”

“Hello?” a male voice called, followed by a knock to the door. “Is anypony in there?”

Thomas felt his pulse spike as he turned an eye to Moonlight, needing to know where she was. Thankfully, the guard had already sprung into position between him and the door. Quickly she levitated a few pieces of armor onto her bare form, bracing herself for the worst should he try something.

“Hello?” the stallion called again. “Auntie said we had to have a talk before Hearth’s Warming.”

Frowning as she glanced between the still closed door and her friends, Silver stepped forward and asked, “Prince Blueblood?”

“The one and only,” he answered boastfully. An awkward pause followed. “You know, as much fun as it is to talk to a door, I’d really rather appreciate it if you would let me in so we can talk like civilized ponies.”

“It’s quite alright,” another stallion spoke up, sounding quite old.

“Sir Kibitz?” Silver asked.

“Indeed,” the stallion replied. “There are some things Her Highness wishes you to understand before this year’s Hearth’s Warming. And do not fret about the Prince trying anything untoward. I was asked to accompany him as a chaperone of sorts. You have my word, and that of Princess Celestia, that he will be on his best behavior.”

Moonlight looked back at Thomas, her eyes asking for his decision.

Thomas wanted to say ‘no’ to decline the Prince’s request as politely as possible and just make up some excuse to put this off indefinitely. However, as he thought, he remembered his discussion with Grace about how much he’d grown. If he made some promise to see Blueblood later, a promise his procrastinating past self would never intend to honor, then that would be like a step backwards, wouldn’t it? He’d be the same timid, conflict avoiding little worm he’d always been. Steeling his nerves and reminding himself that he was among friends, Thomas readied himself for his answer.

“Fine,” he called out. “You may come in.”

The door creaked open and the two stallions entered. Blueblood was as immaculate and nude as ever. Unfortunately, despite Thomas’ internal encouragement, the sight of the impressively masculine stallion still left him feeling small and intimidated. Beside him stood a much shorter unicorn stallion with bushy eyebrows and an impressive moustache. His gray mane and tail were tied back in ponytails. He wore a dark red coat with a gray cravat and undersized glasses upon his snout. He wore no bottoms, leaving his stopwatch cutie mark visible on his pale coat.

“Hello all. Thank you for agreeing to this little meetup,” Kibitz greeted formally and motioned to the table and chairs in the corner. “Might we have a seat?”

With a hesitant nod, the five of them made for the table where all but one sat. Moonlight stood defensively behind Thomas, her posture showing she was ready to jump at a moment’s notice.

“Very well,” Kibitz said with a nod as he made himself comfortable. “If we’re ready, I do believe the Prince has something to say.” He gestured at the white stallion.

“Indeed,” Blueblood said as he brought his hands up and light clapped them together before setting them on the table. “Let’s get the obvious out of the way first, shall we?” he asked, but did not wait for a reply. “I can only imagine you,” he addressed to Thomas, “took a fair amount of offense from our last few meetings.”

Thomas narrowed his eyes on the Prince as he gave a curt nod.

“Quite,” Blueblood acknowledged with a casual smile. “Well, while you may be expecting some sort of apology for my behavior, I’m afraid to say that I have none to offer.”

“Excuse me?” Moonlight growled.

“Sir Moonlight,” Blueblood continued with an amused smirk. “I will no more apologize for our last encounters than you would for assaulting somepony with ill intent to your lovely little charge, there,” he said confidently, showing no trace of remorse or concern.

“You threatened to,” Thomas stammered, unable to bring himself to say the exact word. “To take me to your room and-”

“Of course I did,” Blueblood laughed. “That’s my job.”

That was not an answer Luna’s harem expected to hear, as was apparent by their expressions.

“It’s your job to take stallions against their will?” Silver asked.

“In a manner,” Blueblood said as smugly as ever. “One of my duties involves testing the resolve of those Auntie takes an interest in.”

Kibitz raised his hand. “Allow me to clarify. I shouldn’t need to remind you, but Princess Luna was in a considerably weakened state upon her return. Her purification by the Elements of Harmony left her quite vulnerable; physically, mentally, and emotionally. The attendants preceding the induction of Sir Thomas were meant to act as a familiar element to Princess Luna, but there was never much hope for them actually becoming concubines. In fact, had Sir Thomas not shown up when he did, Private Moonlight Shield was slated to be Princess Luna’s first, as she was the nearest pony Princess Celestia could identify as having a prior connection.”

Moonlight blinked in surprise at that. “Me?” She exchanged puzzled looks with the others.

“Indeed,” Kibitz nodded. “It was all quite planned out. Alas Sir Thomas’ appearance and subsequent bonding with Princess Luna, as the young ponies say, threw the entire plan out of whack. Lady Attentive and myself have been working diligently to adjust ever since.”

“Private Moonlight,” Blueblood spoke up. “I trust you recall news of my less-than-private breakup with my harem some months back?”

The mare nodded. “My father seemed to think the whole thing was planned out to keep the papers distracted from Thomas.”

The Prince smirked as if he were proud of himself. “And did it ever,” he crowed jovially. “But really, the papers didn’t do those suck ups justice. The things they said,” he snickered, “made even Auntie blush. Now that’s an accomplishment.”

As Thomas and Moonlight’s minds reeled at realizing what Moonlight’s family had said about the stallion was true, Silver was feeling a little lost.

“Just to be clear,” the bat interjected. “You deliberately contrived a conspiracy for the purpose of distracting the public from Thomas?”

“Contrived is such a dirty word,” Blueblood dismissed. “I prefer to think of it as performance art for the security of the crown,” he said with a chuckle.

Thomas shook his head in disbelief. “But then, if you were just following orders, then those other times were-”

“A test conceived by Auntie?” Blueblood finished. “Yes. It was uncertain how well you and the Private would get along,” he explained, gesturing at Moonlight, “especially given your difference of species, not to mention cultural values. So I was asked to come in and perform a simple test to see how well the two of you were, well, bonding,” he finished with a casual shrug.

“So, we were being manipulated?” Thomas asked in growing anger.

“Tested,” Blueblood corrected, sounding much more serious. “Albeit an unconventional test, but one befitting unconventional circumstances.”

“It was a valid concern at the time, especially given your description of human monogamous values,” Kibitz cut in. “Thankfully your willingness to assimilate to Equestrian culture managed to simplify matters.”

Thomas narrowed his eyes on the old stallion. “Simplify? What would have happened if things weren’t so simple?”

“We would not have asked Princess Luna to choose between yourself and the harem, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Kibitz assured. “If your monogamous beliefs proved too stubborn, Princess Cadence would have been called in to act as a marriage counselor.” The stallion adjusted his tiny glasses. “The dear considers therapy a natural extension of her love magic, bringing ponies together and helping them stay together.”

Thomas blinked. “I guess that’s better than what I was imagining, but I still don’t-”

“And what, might I ask, were you imagining?” Kibitz interrupted, sounding faintly offended. “Because if you were thinking that Princess Cadence would actually use her magic to manipulate your feelings for the crown’s convenience; I should warn you that she absolutely loathes that rumor.”

Thomas was taken aback by the subdued anger in Kibitz’ tone, all while Blueblood seemed quite amused by it.

“It’s still manipulation, though,” Moonlight spoke up. “You’ve been… testing us, all of us,” she gestured between herself and her loves, “just to-”

“Ensure your compatibility,” Kibitz interrupted once more, adjusting his glasses. “If you’ll recall, the concubine application system is littered with tests to ensure not only loving devotion to the Princess, but also to your fellow concubines. Because of the inherent differences between each applicant, each test is carefully crafted to match the individual.”

“Normally that’s the job of the senior concubine,” Blueblood added, fixing his gaze on Thomas. “However, given the unusual nature of your induction into the role, recent tests have needed the cooperation of many different departments, including myself,” the Prince said, turning his chin up in a less than modest pose. His eyes then turned on Silver. “For instance: Auntie Lulu may have had her suspicions, but I’m the one who had you pegged as a dom from day one.”

Silver blinked her surprise, unable to give a response. This was a lot for all of them to take in.

Yet amidst it all, one question managed to bubble its way up through Thomas’ mind. “Why?”

Blueblood tilted his head curiously. “Why what?”

“Why are you doing this?”

Blueblood pursed his lips. “Me personally, or do you mean the crown?” he asked with a wave of his hand. “To answer the former, it’s simply because I like it. I thrive on negative attention,” he admitted proudly. “Some might consider it unhealthy, but it made me a prime candidate for the crown’s semi-official distraction. And when Auntie Celestia heard of my cutie mark and talent for throwing things off course,” he sat up a little and gestured down to his flank, “then she began my training to keep prying eyes distracted while she kept the kingdom on course.

“It’s funny when you think about it,” he laughed. “Cadi specializes in helping ponies see what’s right in front of them, while I do the opposite.” The Prince leaned back in his seat. “It’s not a glamorous job, like that of a guard or concubine,” he said with the faintest hint of resentment, “but it’s mine. I serve the crown as faithfully as any other, doing whatever is asked of me. And if that means seeing my name in the headlines, then so much more the better.”

“So Luna knew?” Moonlight asked. “That night when you came in to Luna’s chambers and demanded Thomas go with you, she knew?”

Blueblood shrugged. “In as much as she knew Shining Armor was Captain of the royal guard.”

“Talon too?” Thomas asked.

“As part of the test,” Kibitz began. “She was instructed to keep silent on Prince Blueblood’s position and intentions.” He adjusted his glasses again. “In the months following this order, I was made quite aware of the wren’s impressive capacity for vulgarities,” he said with a shudder. “She was never fond of secrets.”

Blueblood snickered. “I managed to save a transcript if you’re interested. But I warn you, you might never be able to look at ice cream the same again.”

“So why now?” Silver asked, straightening in her seat. “Why do you choose to inform us now?”

“Because Hearth’s Warming is upon us,” Kibitz informed matter-of-factly. “And while your relationship began under less than ideal circumstances, Princess Celestia hopes that the truth will help you two make amends and at least behave civilly.”

A long pause followed with the members of Luna’s harem unable to think of anything to say. Thomas and Moonlight were a stunned, unable to decide whether or not they should feel hurt at what they’d just learned. Silver kept her eyes focused on the two stallions. Kibitz’ expression was unreadable, but Blueblood looked entirely bored. It seemed the situation had lost all entertainment value for him.

“Can we assume,” Silver began, “that while we are privy to the nature of Blueblood’s position, we may not inform others?”

“You assume correctly,” Kibitz nodded. “It is vital that the Prince’s duties remain top secret. If any but the Princesses’ most trusted were to learn of this, it would be devastating to the crown.”

“And you never know when my services might be needed once more,” Blueblood added suggestively.

“We won’t,” Thomas deadpanned.

“Pardon?” Blueblood asked.

Thomas’ voice was devoid of his earlier intimidation. “The things you said to me…” he shuddered. “I’m not certain I’ll ever be able to forgive them. If I’m the senior concubine, and I’m supposed to be the one making these dumb tests, then I can safely say we won’t be putting anyone else through what you put me through.” And though the human was aware of the eyes upon him, judging him, he knew this was something he couldn’t back down from.

The mares stared in quiet awe at Thomas’ assertive tone and resolute expression. For a race where the females were generally regarded as the more dominant, these qualities were rarely witnessed in males. Naturally, their semi-exotic nature not only impressed the mares, but left them feeling a little tingly. They exchanged knowing looks and understood they’d have to make Thomas talk like this again.

With the harem distracted, Kibitz and Blueblood briefly exchanged knowing glances of their own.

“If there is nothing else,” Kibitz resumed as he stood, “I will be off to inform Lady Talon and let her know that this particular secret is out in the open.” He bowed his head lightly as he and Blueblood began their exit.

“And I think I’ll go tell cousin Cadi,” Blueblood added with a faint quiver in his voice. “See if I can’t get another rise out of her.” Thankfully the door shut before the harem could see the results of the Prince’s excitement over messing with his cousin.

Roughly five minutes later, Talon burst into the room and began apologizing profusely to her friends, vowing to do whatever it took to earn back their trust.

**********

Hearth’s Warming

It was a scene that would look most welcome in a typical Christmas special, assuming one could ignore all the naked anthropomorphic myths. Ponies of every age, tribe, and color had swarmed the throne room. The concubines had brought in their families to partake in the holiday spirit. Combined with the Princesses’ most trusted servants and their families, this left the throne room nearly packed. It was a cacophony of noise as adults tried to have civil conversations while small foals screamed and ran about under hoof.

Although he was fairly certain he wouldn’t be getting an erection at an inopportune moment, Thomas still didn’t like the idea of being naked in front of strangers and thus was one of the few actually wearing clothes. Even the Princesses were fully nude, wanting to relax for the festivities. He and the rest of Luna’s house had been properly enchanted so they could stay awake during the day. As events proceeded as usual, the human did his best to make polite conversation with the adults who came forward, although most who approached were foals who mistook him for their age and wanted him to join in their play. Seeing naked children was still a little awkward for him.

Eventually things began to quiet down and the mass ponies and other Equestrians congregated around the tree. Luna and Celestia shared the role of gift givers and began calling out names as they sifted through the piles of presents.

While Thomas spent most of his time zoning out and just staring at the presents, he was drawn back to reality when he heard the names of those on his list. Moonlight squealed upon receiving her chocolates, vowing to share them if he asked politely. Silver was also quite taken with her record, though she managed to keep a much cooler head. Talon just stared at her perfume with a deadpan glare before nodded resolutely and muttering, “I deserved this.”

Thomas was just as pleased with his gifts. From Moonlight he received several sets of new clothes, ranging from formal, to casual, to weather resistant. That earned her a kiss. Silver gave him a book on Equestrian etiquette. While Thomas would have likely taken this as some sort of backhanded compliment from anyone else, he knew that Silver had given this book with sincerity, and so booped her on the nose. And when he opened Talon’s gift, which was a band for his cock, a gift which had earned hoots and cheers from spectators, Thomas motioned for her to follow him away from the crowd. There, hidden behind her wing, he pulled his loincloth down and slipped the band on while she watched before they returned to the crowd.

After over an hour had passed, the tree was devoid of presents and the floor overflowing with their shredded remains. All that was left were the gifts for the Princesses, which had to be done in a separate ceremony as their presents were hidden elsewhere, for security purposes.

The Princesses quickly took their posts on specially sized chairs that would serve as thrones on level with their obscenely extended family, not the real thrones positioned on high. It was a tradition dating back to the harem’s early days, when the Princesses’ loved ones wanted to show them a more personal devotion, despite their insistence to be treated more ordinary. It had taken considerable convincing on Luna’s part to keep the custom from being suspended this year, what with Celestia’s concerns for her sister’s feelings. It went without saying that Celestia would receive more, but Luna’s loyalists had vowed that their quality would trump any quantity as they made their discrete exit.

Luna curiously watched her harem leave, but trusted it wasn’t just because they’d all forgotten to get her anything. That would be silly and illogical; a feat of such thoughtlessness that was simply beyond her treasured special someponies and special someone were capable of; so of course she never even considered it, not even a little bit. Thankfully, she was able to distract herself with the gifts given by the foals, whose parents had no doubt browbeaten them into getting something for all three Princesses to look polite. It was a formality Luna didn’t necessarily like, but she understood it was part of a lesson for the foals and so tolerated it. Mostly they’d gotten toys and memorabilia themed to each alicorn, which Luna accepted with a grace befitting her station; although, after all the time she’d spent in Thomas’ dreams, she couldn’t deny her urge to take a closer look at the video games she’d received.

The Princess of the Night exhaled heavily as she watched her sister quickly become laden with presents. From handmade to store-bought, Celestia’s form was soon eclipsed by tools, toys, pictures, music, jewelry, makeup, clothes, a couple books plus the one from Twilight, and, somehow, even a gift card. Cadence’s gifts were much more modest by comparison. From Twilight, who was spending the holidays in Ponyville, a rare first edition autobiography on Clover the Clever. From Shining, matching shirts with the words ‘Property of’ and each other’s cutie marks imprinted below.

Luna considered Shining’s gift a little on the cheap side. However, she also considered the stallion’s lungs to be top notch with how long and heavily Cadence was kissing him. Is she trying to suffocate him? Then again, Luna supposed she didn’t have much room to criticize. While Twilight’s four part book series on ‘The History of Lunar Art’ were touching and Talon’s jewel encrusted bracelets were lovely, she couldn’t shake the anxiety at not actually receiving anything from her still absent harem.

Don’t worry, came the familiar voice of Celestia in Luna’s mind. You’ll like what they have planned.

Your spies tell you that? Luna thought derisively as she smiled for the crowd.

If it’s not an order, Tali can’t keep a secret to save her life.

A brief chortle escaped the dark alicorn.

Although she couldn’t tell me everything, Celestia added. It seems there is a secret element that none but our niece has been able to discern.

It’s actually rather sweet, Cadence commented, somehow still smooching her coltfriend, who was somehow still conscious. I think Shiny and I might borrow it and make it a semi-regular thing.

Before Luna could inquire further, the doors to the throne room flew open as her harem pushed a large food tray through. On a lesser note, Shining seized upon the distraction to pull back and finally inhale. The crowd parted as the tray made its way through with only murmurs of wonder reflecting Luna’s. The mini procession soon came to a stop in front of Luna’s throne, where her harem of three took their positions around the lid covered tray.

“Luna,” Thomas began, forcing himself to ignore they eyes on his back. “If my past self were to see me today, I don’t think he’d recognize me. I’m more attentive to those around me, in the best shape of my life, and I’m not a virgin anymore.” This was naturally met by a round of laughter from the audience. “I’ve changed so much because of you, and I want you to know that, even when I’m being dumb and not saying it, I will thank you forever.”

Luna sniffled as her eyes began to water.

“Luna,” Moonlight spoke up. “I knew I wanted to be a guard since I was young, but I couldn’t imagine a post more fulfilling than in your service, protecting you and yours from any who would do you harm.” She glanced at Thomas. “It’s because of you that I met my stallion, and I can’t imagine I’ll ever have a day as happy when you and he became mine and I yours.”

“That’s my girl!” a stallion shouted from the crowd, earning another round of laughs and even a few cheers.

Luna did her best to steel herself, channeling centuries of alicorn discipline to keep from sobbing in front of her subjects. Such a thing was most unbecoming of an alicorn Princess.

“Luna.” It was finally Silver’s turn. “Since I was small, I have wanted nothing so much as I craved being with you. You are the idol and savior of my tribe, but also my deepest desire. Without you, I would probably just waste away in some music store, aching of a love most can only dream of. You, my Princess of the Night, complete me.”

That did it. Lighting her horn, Luna levitated her precious lovers into her grasp, using their bodies to hide her bawling like a baby. The four just embraced in relative silence as Luna got it out of her system before regaining her composure. When it passed, Luna looked as good as new, a benefit of centuries of needing to magically hide anything unsightly.

With their presentation delivered, Luna’s harem motioned for the still hidden tray. Luna giggled to herself for forgetting that she technically hadn’t received her present yet.

“You have no idea how much we were fretting over this,” Thomas informed as he and the others resumed their prior positions around the tray.

“It was originally Thomas’ idea to make you something ourselves,” Moonlight informed. “But we had some pretty heated debates on exactly what it would be.”

“In the end, we settled on something not only meaningful, but something we could all be a part of,” Silver added with a devious grin.

Luna was on the verge of fidgeting in place as she watched her lovers’ hands mercilessly taunt her as they gripped the handles of the lid. Thankfully, her harem decided to cut her torture short and quickly removed the lid. The feat was met with puzzled murmurs from the audience.

“A sandwich?”

“They made her a sandwich?”

“After all that buildup, I was expecting something more.”

“Isn’t that a little plain for a Princess?”

In Luna’s modest opinion as a chef in training, this sandwich was on the large size. Not only was it thick, but the bread was unusually large as well. Carefully picking it up so as not to dislodge the ingredients, she held the concoction at eye level. Since opening it seemed rude to her, Luna made do with what she could see on the outside. Lettuce, a cooked beef patty, tomatoes, onions, a cooked fish patty with melted cheese, more lettuce, pickles, and interspersed between it all was the sheen of condiments she couldn’t quite recognize.

The Princess looked up from the sandwich to those who had made it, her fellow Princesses, and the expectant audience. It went without saying that Luna would eat the sandwich. It felt good to have so many eyes on her, waiting to see what she did, and she was loathe to even think of disappointing. Besides that, the scent of the cooked meat was tickling her nose in such a way to make her mouth water. Standing up so that all could see her, Luna held up her coveted present for all to see before lowering it back down and taking her first bite.

Luna’s harem and their fellow viewers watched with bated breath as the alicorn seemed to freeze. If it weren’t for the faint flaring of her nostrils, some might mistake her for a very lifelike statue. Thomas and company began to quietly panic as they feared the worst had come to pass, that Luna hated her gift. This fear seemed justified as they, as the closest, bore horrified witness to the tears returning to Luna’s eyes.

Well? Celestia asked, growing anxious at her sister’s lack of response. Cadence! What exactly did those three put in that thing?

Cadence just giggled softly, reassuring her aunt with her eyes. To show how grateful they are for what Luna has given them, they’ve decided to give a little of themselves.

Celestia glowered at her niece. Don’t you take that tone with me, young lady! I was giving cryptic half answers when your mother was just a sperm. Her nostrils flared angrily. Now tell me what was in that sandwich!?

Love.

Celestia blinked curiously at Luna. What was that, sister?

Luna had begun devouring the sandwich in earnest. “My loves,” she whispered between slow and deliberate chews. “You have made me this wonderful dish with your precious love, and I am so thankful!”

While Luna’s harem and the audience seemed pleased by this declaration, Celestia remained skeptical. In response, Luna linked her taste buds directly to her fellow alicorns.

Celestia’s eyes widened as it dawned on her. Oh. ‘That’ love. As the Princess ruminated on exactly what her sister was eating, and telepathically sharing with her, Celestia couldn’t help but analyze the exact flavors presented. She was no stranger to the taste of such substances, yet the idea of putting them into a dish, even one as simple as a sandwich, came across as impressively inspired. Thomas, I assume?

Don’t care! Luna snapped. Eating!

In any case, Celestia continued, focusing more on Cadence. I propose we consider introducing this concept to the masses as well.

Cadence gave a near imperceptible nod. Agreed, but save the business until after Hearth’s Warming.

Celestia conceded and the festivities were allowed to continue. A gut busting lunch was followed by a hardy snowball fight. It was the most vicious and unforgiving snowball fight that Thomas had ever seen, although it offered him a convenient opportunity to try his new coat. After which, beaten, bruised, and all the happier for it, the small army returned to the castle for the traditional telling of the first Hearth’s Warming. And as he cozied up to those he held dearest in his heart, Thomas had to concede that it wasn’t half bad.

And so concludes the Hearth’s Warming arc. As you might have guessed, I had a lot I wanted to do with this one. This chapter in particular was a bit of a mess with including both Blueblood’s reveal and the actual celebration. Though a little clunky, I think it turned out alright. I found that I was treating this as something of a milestone in the story, getting a bunch of ideas out of the way so that I could begin the new Equestrian year with something of a fresh start, being much looser with dates to allow a much freer pacing. But don’t worry, as there are still plenty of arcs in the works to make this passion project more than just another clop.