The last case of the evening was the simple affair of a stallion wishing to propose to one of the clerk staff. Luna did reprimand him slightly for using court time for personal business. However, she softened after she made her point and congratulated the new couple. She even gave the clerk the next day off before calling the Night-court, adjourned.

As the crowds filtered out, Luna lifted herself from the throne and stretched her hind-legs with a frustrated groan. “Alas, Tia was never one to pick comfortable thrones.” She shook out her wings and arced her back to work out the kinks.

StarStep glanced about to ensure they were relatively alone and smiled to the Princess, “Perhaps, it's that way on purpose?”

Luna paused in her stretching, arcing an eyebrow at the pegasus, “If thou sayth tis to remind a ruler of the weight of the crown, I shalt recast that awkward curse upon thy head, ensuring only pleasure from a male will release thou." Lighthoof coughed as he tried to hide a laugh.

"I am quite aware of mine duties. Tia simply likes hard chairs.” She grumbled under her breath for a moment as she finished shaking out her stiffness, “Attend me guards.” She regally walked down from the dais, StarStep and Lighthoof on each side of her, just a few steps behind. As they left the room she relaxed her posture slightly. “Back in the old castle, the throne was made of stone. Tia likes the firmness under her plush rump.”

Lighthoof snickered but quickly silenced at glare from Luna. “I for one, would adore a throne of clouds. Tia thinks it's too racial.” She rolled her eyes. “But I digress. Away with those thoughts, and onwards to refreshments!” She picked up her pace to a slight canter, the two pegasi quickening their legs to match the longer alicorn's gait.

_____________________________________________________________

StarStep looked about the lavish room. It was regal and private. A personal sitting room for the Princesses. The massive windows draped in fine violet velvets, a flicking fire crackled in it's hearth set in the middle of one wall. It's dancing flames illuminating what the moonlight from the windows could not. Above the mantle was a framed painting of Celestia in a regal pose, looking towards the sunrise. There was a long red velvet couch, perfectly sized for alicorns to lay on. Which Princess Luna now occupied, a cool drink in a glass hovering near her via her magic hold. She took a sip and calmly regarded StarStep as he stood at attention nearby.

After getting something to drink and a quick snack at the dining hall. Luna had dismissed Lighthoof for the evening, and wished him well on his out-of-town trip with his mare. Star was pretty certain neither of them had discussed Light's plans around Luna. He began to wonder just how much the sisters knew of what actually went on in the palace. She told Lighthoof to return in three day's time, assuring him she would work out the particulars with Captain Shining and Celestia.

So that's how he ended up alone, standing in a corner of the sitting room at attention, long after his shift was to end. She had not dismissed him, nor told him more than to attend her as she had walked into the room. So he did as she commanded. His limbs beginning to ache after the long day of standing so rigidly. He flexed his hooves a little against the floor, hoping to work out a little of the tension. Time passed, she sipped her drink, watching him or the fire. Her mane and tail in continual motion while the rest of her seemed at rest, sprawled out on her side with her upper-body supported against the backrest.

Another hour passed by. Luna had retrieved a book from under the couch, quietly reading as the clock above the mantle ticked on endlessly. He swayed a little, fighting off drowsiness and a terrible case of boredom. He had already sung every song he knew in his head, thrice. Winter Wrap-up was starting to get old. Then he staggered a little, before shaking his head free of the cobwebs and resuming his stance. Luna glanced up at his movement, simply watching him with her beautiful teal-green eyes for long seconds, before returning to her book.

Finally, he couldn't stand it any longer. He didn't understand why she hadn't dismissed him yet. Was she punishing him for defying her desire to know who he had rutted with? Perhaps some other offense he wasn't yet aware of. He cleared his dry throat, catching her full attention.

“Princess...”

“Yes StarStep?” She marked her place in the book with a velvet strap and shut it. One hoof resting on it's cover as she coolly eyed him.

“Have I done something wrong?”

She raised an eyebrow, “Not that I am aware of. Why dost thou ask?”

“Then uh, am I being punished, Princess?”

She blinked and laughed, the edges of her mouth turning up, “Punished? Neigh, StarStep. Thou art not being punished in the least.”

He frowned, turning his head to look at her fully, “Then why am I still here, at attention, in your sitting room in the wee hours of the morning?”

She looked down, opening her book again and smirked, “Why indeed?”

Tick, Tick, Tick. The clock counted on as StarStep blinked and forced his tired mind to wrap around that question. Finally, tired of the games, he asked, “Princess Luna, may I be relieved of my post for the evening and sit with you?”

Her smile broadened, and she glanced up, a bit of amusement glimmered in her eyes, “Thou art relieved of thy duty for the evening.”

The pegasus slumped to the ground and groaned. His legs tingling in protest of their long day. The Princess laughed lightly as she slid her book under the pillow upon which she reclined. She leaned forward to pat the ground in front of the couch. Thinking it an invitation, he wobbled his way over to sit in front of her, leaning back against the soft fabric. The Princess leaned forward to whisper in his ear, “I hath thought, thou learned that lesson already.”

Star rolled his head back on the couch cushion, looking up at the blue alicorn with a smirk. “Apologizes my Princess. I'm not the sharpest pony on the block.”

Luna smiled warmly down at him, “Nor art thou the dullest. Thou art not the first to stand in that very spot. Surprising numbers fail to learn at all.” She reached out one of her crystal-shod hooves to lightly caress his cheek, “Being the brightest is not always the best. Often those with very quick wits, out-think themselves. They tend to become arrogant and resistant to my lessons.” She sighed softly laying her head down so her check rested against the side of his head. “I doth not instruct out of cruelty, but out of compassion. Thou must understand how many lifetimes I hath lived. How many lessons I hath learned and seek to pass them on to those I feel would benefit the most.”

Star nodded slightly, loving the feeling of the Princess's soft cheek against his head, “Yeah. I can see that. Sorry for being a blockhead at times. I mean no offense.”

The moon-goddess giggled and pulled her head up to look back down on him, “Tis quite alright. Thou hath taken my pranks in relatively good sport and often walked away a better pony for it. Tis how I am. If thou cannot deal with my nature, I suggest thou leave whilst one can.”

The pegasus shook his head, “No Princess. I get it. I only ask for your patience. Compared to you, I'm just a young foal.”

Luna nodded, smiling, “Thy bearing at tonight's court was proper and befitting my guards. I ask that thou continue to represent me in such a professional manner.” She paused in thought, “As such, I wish to offer thou an opportunity to further thyself in pursuit of my attentions.”

StarStep sat up and turned to face Luna, while still resting on his haunches. “What would you have of me Princess? I'll do anything!”

She smirked, “Careful with thy phrasing, StarStep. Lest I use it against thou.” She giggled and lightly patted his cheek. “I am hosting a small party in the Royal Gardens. Tis a diplomatic gathering with dignitaries from the griffon kingdoms and ambassadors of our own. Tia hath allowed me the chance to host this without her. A gesture on her part to show her trust in my ability to rule. It will begin at dusk and extend till about this hour.” She paused to let the pegasus take in all the info and continued, “I would offer thou an invitation to be my personal guard escort for the evening. I am certain Shining Armor will refuse to allow such a young guard the honor, but his wife will smooth it over.”

StarStep's blinked in disbelief. It was one thing to have the honor of being her guard during court, surrounded by twenty other guards in the room. But to be her personal escort for an entire evening? He had the urge to shout his glee to the heavens. As he opened his mouth to take the job, she placed her crystal-shod hoof to his lips, “Be still a moment, StarStep. Listen before thou taketh this responsibility.” He nodded, staring up into her eyes, “Griffons are rather impulsive, arrogant and only the elders have sense enough to hold their tongues. A lot of this comes from their warrior-styled society and is reflected in their dealings with other races.” She smiled and caressed his cheek, “Dost thou observe my reluctance of thou being in a garden full of them?” He considered, then nodded in agreement.

“Good, if thy response was neigh, I would hath retracted mine offer.” She placed a hoof on either side of his head to hold him still as she peered down into his eyes. “If thou accepts, thou art to be my shadow. My protector from hidden threats. A deterrence from those that wish to harm. A symbol of trust in our subjects.” Her hooves seemed to squeeze slightly and her eyes raged with a terrifying storm. “Embarrass me or cause an unwarranted incident...” The cold fury in her eyes said more than any words could.

StarStep swallowed and nodded in understanding against the vice-like hooves. She sighed, relaxing her grip, her expression softening and gave an apologetic stroke of his cheek. “I dost not mean to frighten thou, my little blade, but thou must understand the gravity of the situation. If thou dost not feel ready for this, there will be other chances. Do not leap from the precipice till thy wings are ready.”

The Princess looked down at him expectantly. Star's eyes flickered side to side as he debated the pros and cons. This was a huge opportunity, but if he bucked this up, he'd never have a chance to court Luna. He could wait for another chance, but that might be months or even years. However, if he did this job right...

The pegasus smiled up at the Princess, “M'lady, I would be delighted to humbly accept your gracious invitation. Swearing to protect you from all threats and proudly uphold the honor of the Royal Guard.”

Luna looked down at him, her expression seemed...considerate. Eventually she smiled, “I see...” They looked at each other in quiet silence, the ticking of the clock above the mantle marking time.

“Princess. What's the attire for the evening? I only have my Sun-Guard armor. Is that ok?”

She giggled, “Neigh, thou will be fitted for a dashing outfit, as to not offend the guests. Too much armor about, tends to make the griffons...flighty.” She grinned down at him, “Besides, my dear shadow. I believe thou will look stunning in thy new attire. The Royal tailor will see to thy needs at noon”

The decision made, he turned back around, haunches on the floor. He wiggled his back into the couch as he watched the flickering flames, heart thumping as he imagined how close he was to the Princess in this relaxed environment. Luna pulled out her book and returned to her story. Tick, tick, tick. Time marched on as the two ponies enjoyed the quiet company of each other. Then an idea struck the tired pegasus.

“Princess?”

She looked up from her book, “Mmmh? Yes, StarStep?”

“Would you brush my mane?”

There was a long pause. Her book closed with a soft thump. He could hear her coat slide on the silk as she adjusted her position on the couch. “No. I will not. However, I will do this.” He noticed motion out of the corner of his eye and saw her set her crystal slippers to the floor next to him. Magic tingled his coat as his armor buckles were loosened and slid free. Then the golden plates were lifted away and tucked neatly under the couch. He wondered what she was up to when her unadorned hooves began to softly rub at his shoulders and back of his neck, causing a shiver to jolt down his spine. He groaned and did his best to lean into it as the Princess helped to work out the painful kinks he'd forgotten about.

As his eyelids drooped, and his stiff neck began to loosen, she whispered softly into his ear, “I may not honor all thy requests. But dost thou remember how I rule my court?”

He nodded softly, so as not to pull from her magical hooves. “Yes Princess. With fairness and a quirky sense of reward and punishment.”

She giggled very lightly, a twinkle of a sound, “Indeed. Be not afraid to ask. But never assume, and never ever demand.”

She worked her hooves a little harder into his shoulder blade above the wing-bases, making the pegasus groan at the terrible knots of tension there. However, her practiced hooves, aided by her magic, made quick work of it. Against his better wishes, he nodded off to sleep in her capable hooves.

____________________________________________________________

Chirping birds outside the window and daylight beaming through, stirred the pegasus from his blissful sleep. He yawned and slowly opened his eyes, surveying his surroundings. He panicked for a moment, realizing he wasn't in his bed, but relaxed as his eyes noted the red velvet couch he was curled upon. There was a light-blue blanket across his body and his heart warmed to think of Luna looking out for him. He stretched, feeling very sore in his legs. Luna was no longer present, the fire had since cooled to embers and the clock marked it a little before noon. As he rolled off the tall couch to his hooves, a folded note tumbled to the polished floor. Noticing it addressed in beautiful script to himself, he hurriedly picked it up and flipped open the single page.

To StarStep,

I did not wish to awaken, as thou slumbered quite peacefully. Tis with joy I report thou dost not snore. I have informed the Royal Tailor of thy current whereabouts and she shalt attend to thy measurements at noon in this sitting room. I very much look forward to seeing thou in the outfit I hath picked to match my own. Additionally, I hath arranged an appointment for thou at one of the local Spa's, the Tiger Lily. Tis a delightful establishment I feel thou will enjoy. The appointment is at your convenience after the measurements are through. I know that many guards are reluctant to accept pampering, but do not dismiss my generosity. If thou art to be mine escort, thou will look the part, and thou will feel the part. Thou art free to partake in any extra services they may offer beyond the massage and cleaning I hath scheduled. A recommendation if I may, ask for the mint-oil treatment. As a pegasus, thou will thank me. Or if thou art feeling adventurous, ask for the Lunar Treatment, my usual. Tis a complete package and a blissful relief after an all day session attending court. Enjoy thy day off, I shalt meet thou at my chamber doors tomorrow evening at seven.

-Princess Luna-

He reread the note again and chuckled. It must be a good spot for the Princess to ramble on as she did. He'd never been to a spa but after how good that tiny bit of shoulder rubbing felt? It seemed like a fantastic idea. Plus, it was free. Let the other colts rib him about getting pampered. The Princess asked him to go, so he was going. Besides, the idea of having a filly fawn over him for an afternoon, helping him look and feel good for Luna? That sounded glorious.

His thoughts were scattered by a polite knock. The sitting room door swung slightly open and a white unicorn mare with a stylish purple mane poked her head around the edge, “Oh, darling! There you are! I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever find you.” She wandered in, followed by a few bags of materials and a measuring tape floating in her magic. She nudged the door close and trotted over to him.

“What do you mean? I've been here all morning.” Star looked the unicorn over, she was cute, though reminded him way too much of the nobility of Upper Canterlot. A vibrant white coat with three blue diamonds for a cutie mark. Purple mane and tail that she'd clearly used most of the morning to style. A pair of glasses perched on the end of that cute white muzzle. Then, he realized, this was Sweetie Belles sister, Rarity! As he studied her, she set up a foot stool and pointed to is as she used her magic to sift through fabric swatches.

“Hmmm? Oh, well darling there's like eight sitting rooms scattered across this massive castle. Dear Princess Luna forgot to say which you would be in.” She used a hoof to nudge him towards the stool, “Up you go dear. Not much time to get you an outfit ready by tomorrow. Thankfully I was in town, finishing up the Princess's splendid new dress. Oh it is to DIE for!” She giggled and bounced on her hooves in giddy excitement, “Old style with new flare.”

She circled him, her tape measure in her magic darted to his side, “Stand up tall, mustn’t slouch so.” He sighed, going to 'at-attention'. The little tool whipped about, beginning her measurements with shoulders, haunches, leg lengths and flanks. It was all so fast he had no time to argue as she directed him to lift various limbs, prodding that cold little end of the tool in much more ticklish and sensitive areas. All the while reminding him to keep still. He felt like an animal at a pet-show with the way she seemed to check and double check all the measurements. Poking and prodding the whole time.

She scribbled down the last of her notes on a pad as her magic plucked color patterns from a bag, “So darling, what's your name?”

“StarStep. I guess you don't remember me from PonyVille. How's Sweetie Belle?”

She blinked, and seemed to really see him for the first time, “Oh, Oh my, StarStep. My you've grown into quite the stallion. I'm afraid I didn't recognize you. I sincerely apologize.” She gave him a good look over, a sly smile on her lips as she lingered on his sleek pegasus flank. “Oh yes, Sweetie is doing wonderful, darling. She's a singer here in Canterlot, you really must go visit sometime. I'll write down her address for you before I leave. She misses her old friends from PonyVille terribly so. The poor dear.”

At last the unicorn placed a few swatches of colors to his blue-grey coat, “Oh no no no, grey and white will not do at all. Perhaps a fine royal blue? Hmm...Something not to contrast too much with the Princess. IDEEEEAAA!” She pulled out a three swatches and placed them against his flank, “AH HAH, yes splendid if I do say so myself!”

StarStep rolled his eyes and gave a defeated sigh.

“Now now dear, mustn’t be like that. I'm only trying to help.”

“I know Rarity, I apologize. I'm not used to this.” he started to slouch.

She tutted and lifted his chin to help him keep standing straight, “You may not be nobility, but the Princess will expect you to be on your best behavior. You are going as her escort, after all. I suggest you act the part. And, if the rumors I hear in the castle are true, and they usually are...” She set aside the color swatches as she lifted a few large strips of cloth, pinning it on him to check the style, “...You are attempting to court the Princess. I must say, it's a very romantic thing to do.”

She nodded to herself after pinning on the last of her templates, “When I am through, this outfit will make you quite the dashing stallion. I must get pictures of the two of you together when I am done. Oh absolutely marvelous!”

“So Rarity, you're the Court-Tailor now? I thought you still ran that shop in PonyVille?”

The white unicorn was putting her materials carefully back in her bags, “Mmm? Yes dear. I only travel up here when the Princesses request a new outfit. Thankfully, their commission has allowed me to bring the business to me, instead of forcing me to move to Canterlot. I'm far happier being there with my friends and family.” She finished packing and beamed a smile up at the pegasus, “You've come a long way from that little gangly colt declaring his love for the Princess in front of everypony.”

StarStep blinked and looked down. “You knew I wasn't joking, huh?”

She giggled softly and levitated her things, “I knew you were serious dear, however, I simply thought you had your head in the clouds. I must say I never expected you to come so close to grasping your dream.” She reached out to pat his cheek, “Bravo, dear, bravo. You really must come visit us soon. There's a few there who miss you terribly. Promise you will?” he nodded.

“Well, before I go.” She levitated up his note from Luna, scribbled an address on the back and floated the note to him, “Ta-ta dear! Perhaps next time I fit you, it will be for a wedding tuxedo.” She giggled with a wink and trotted out the sitting room, materials in tow.

StarStep sighed and hopped off the stool. Rarity was right about a few things. If he was going to be serious about dating Luna, he needed to brush up on etiquette. He didn't want to embarrass her at fancy dinners or social events where he wasn't in a guard capacity. He glanced at the address, noting it was in Old Canterlot. That seemed odd for Sweetie Belle. With her talent he expected nothing but high class for the filly.

Shrugging it off for later he gathered up his armor and stored it in his room along with the note. Then a quick lunch in the dining hall and out of the castle for his appointment at the Tiger Lily. At the back of his mind, he wondered, just what was the Lunar Treatment?