Starstep felt a little of the Luna's juices run down the sides of his muzzle, gather and drip off the end of his chin. Yet it registered in the far corners of his mind as he stared in silence at the eight Night-Guard lieutenants and Lighthoof, hovering in the doorway to Luna's office. Cold panic gripped his heart as he resisted the sudden impulse to hide his face behind Luna's flanks.

The Princess simply smiled at the intruding ponies, but it wasn't a pleasant expression. Tight-lipped, with her brow lowering every so slightly. “While I thank thou for reacting to my scream, thou shalt now depart and speak not of what thou hath witnessed.” Her eyes narrowed. “Else I shalt reveal thy darkest dream fantasies.”

One of the male griffons, Kurt, smirked. “Maybe you can threaten the ponies with that but-”

“Foursome.” Luna said sharply.

The griffon blinked, nervously glancing at the lieutenants next to him. “Well, uh, what guy wouldn't want three female-”

“Strap-ons” Luna interrupted, narrowing her eyes. Kurt's beak snapped shut as his eyes widened. “Dost we have an understanding now?” Star could only watch in wonder as the regal blue alicorn stared down the Night-Guards, all the while, still in the stance he left her in. Fore-hooves curled up on the desk, hind-legs spread wide with clear liquids running furrows through her inner thigh fur. “Splendid. Thou hath five seconds to return to thy duties before I start naming off thy fantasies.” She grinned wickedly. “One...Two.” The crowd in the doorway hurriedly dispersed in twos and threes down each side of the hall, leaving Lighthoof grinning like a fool. Luna raised an eyebrow at him. “Three...Four...”

Lighthoof gave a wink, reaching out to pull the door closed just as Luna was about to count off five. Alone in the stillness of the cramped office, the alicorn gave a heavy sigh and buried her head in her fore-hooves. “My first climax in a thousand years and I am not allowed to enjoy the after-glow.” She groaned into her hooves.

Hesitantly, Star reached up to run a hoof through her starry, ever flowing mane, caressing her slender blue neck and feeling the ethereal tendrils of the hairs curl around his hoof with every stroke. “I'm sorry, Princess. I didn't expect we'd get interrupted like that. I...I just wanted to make you feel good.”

Luna tilted her head so she could eye the pony, a slight smile upon her lips. “Indeed. I know thy intentions.” She wiggled her flank, knocking a few lingering drops from her hindquarters to the polished floor. “I suppose thou wilst owe me another at a later time. For now, wouldst thou be so kind as to fetch a wash-cloth from the restroom? I'm certain I am quite the mess and I hath work to attend to.”

The pegasus grinned and gave a little eye-wiggle. “I could clean it with my tongue.”

She laughed lightly, curling her tail around to swat her colt on the flank. “Neigh, thy naughty pony. Such a cleaning would only serve to create more mess.” She hesitated, looking into his icy blue eyes before gesturing towards him with a hoof. He leaned closer, meeting her kiss, feeling the sticky mess on his lip cover her's as his tongue lightly caressed her own. The alicorn withdrew first, a sultry smile on her damp lips. “Despite thy inexperience, twas a wonderful feeling. I thank thee, Star.” She gave him a playful swat on the rump with her tail. “Now go, fetch the cloth.”

Dancing on his hooves, the colt rounded the desk and swung open the door, glancing over his shoulder at the loving look his Princess was giving him. He returned it before slipping out into the hallway, clicking the door closed behind him. With a quick glance down both sides, he was relieved to see a sign pointing towards the bathrooms, sparing him an awkward conversation, covered in Luna's excitement.

The bathroom had a black-tile floor with the same awful bleached yellow painted brick walls. White ceramic sinks lined one side, stalls with simple latch doors along the other, one specifically large enough for an alicorn.

Star turned off the faucet, face dripping wet, eyes closed as he reached out blindly for the hanging towel. He felt somepony place it in his hoof and nodded. “Thanks”

“Anytime, dude.” Lighthoof answered at his side.

Using the towel to dry off his cleaned face, he lowered it so he could see his friend. “Enjoying the show?”

The tan pegasus laughed. “Yeah, actually. Not many ponies have made it to the surface of the moon.”

Star chuckled. “Uh-huh. You know, I'm surprised you're not sun-burnt.”

“How was the dark side of the moon, did you explore her crater?”

“You know what they say about pegasi who fly too close to the sun.”

“Have you managed to plant your flag-post? Or is that rocky surface too tough?”

“Did the sun's nectar taste like a red-hot candy or a habanero?”

“Did the moon's taste like cheese or dust?”

“Eww...Light...just...no.” Star's nose scrunched up at the thought. “It's not like I milked her.” He glanced at his friend, a sly smirk on his lips.

“Erm...yeah...” The tan pegasus was looking away nervously.

Star reached out and patted Light's shoulder. “About tonight. I know it might sound like I'm trying to tell you what to do, but I'm worried about you. We're practically brothers, we can talk to each other about everything. I mean, for buck's sake, you let me rut your mare-friend with you. The more I'm with Luna, the more I begin to understand just how meaningful that is. It wasn't for me, you did it for Sherry's fantasy, right?”

A long pause, just the steady drip of water into the sink, then Lighthoof let out a heavy sigh. “Yeah...I know. I get what you're saying.” He leaned against the wall next to the sink and threw up his fore-hooves. “But, dude. It's Princess Celestia. She needs somepony. What am I suppose to tell her? Sorry Princess, but I'm not interested in making you happy? I'm not stupid, dude. I love her and the other Princesses too, but not like what you feel for Luna. I love what they do for us, for all ponies...don't they deserve to be happy too?” The colt looked his friend, pleading for understanding.

Star met his gaze. “Yes, they do. I'll be honest, it's one of the first reasons I got it into my head that I wanted to be Luna's special some-pony. As I got older I began to understand it was more than just a crush. Scoots understood it from the beginning. All of my friends did. Sweetie, AB, Scoots, even my teacher Cheerilee. I'm not with Luna because it's my duty. I'm with her because it makes us both happy.” He shook his head. “Look, Light. I can't begin to tell you how Princess Celestia thinks, or feels, but it's pretty clear from Luna that you're not going to fulfill what she needs. The longer you do your...duty...for the Princess, the more I worry that you're going to screw up your relationship with Sherry and Peach Blossom.”

Again the silence stretched as Lighthoof thought about it. Star took the moment to fetch a clean wash-cloth and began soaking it in hot water. After he turned off the faucet he glanced up at his friend. Light seemed conflicted, pain of indecision on his face. “You love Sherry and Peach a lot, right?”

The tan pegasus nodded, staring down at the black-tiled floor.

“Who knows, they might be ok with you and Princess Celestia. But, between your job and keeping the Princess pleasured, will you have time to keep those two mares happy?”

“No...probably not.” Light gave a cry of frustration and kicked a hoof against the wall. “I'm usually better than this, dude. I like solving problems, so why is this so hard?”

“I can't say, brother.” Star draped a wing over his friend's back. “Torn between duty and love, I guess.” He gave a heavy sigh. “If the Princess is just looking to have a bit of companionship, why not help her find another guard to take your place?”

Lighthoof shook his head. “Dude, you've seen how most of the others act around her. It's damn near worship. The rest would try to use their new position as a way to get power, rank or favors.”

“Oh come on, Light. Not all of the guards are like that. Just look at us two.” He shook his friend gently with the outstretched wing.

“Star?”

“Yeah?”

“No offense, dude, but your wing is kinda creeping me out. New feather growth and all that makes you look like a molting bird.”

“Oh...sorry.” He withdrew his wing and replaced it with a fore-limb. “Better?”

“Ha-ha. Yeah.” He gave a sigh. “You're right, not all the guards are like that but...how many bad ones would she have to go through to get to one like us? Somepony who cares more about making her happy than what they get outta it.”

Star thought for a long moment. “If you could walk away, knowing somepony was looking out for Princess Celestia. Would you step back? Put all your attention on those two beautiful mares waiting for you back home?”

“I...I...yeah...I guess if somepony else could take over. I'm not foolin myself, dude. I know the Princess is just using me. But somepony should do it. It's not like she's being cruel about it. She's just lonely. She doesn't deserve to be lonely.” He hesitated. “You have somepony in mind?”

Star slid his arm from Light's shoulder, picked up the warm, damp wash-cloth from the sink's rim and draped it over his charcoal mane. “Yeah, I do. Anyhoof, I gotta get back. There's a sticky blue Princess who's probably wondering if I fell in.” With a smirk to his friend, he trotted out of the restroom and down the hall.

___________________________________________________________________

Copper was staring Star, surprise on his face as the pegasus stepped off the end of the plank of wood, sending him flailing into the air. Fire and black rock surrounded them, with only a river of bubbling magma far below. Heat and pressure bore down, causing tightening in his chest as he walked to the edge, watching the rust colored unicorn tumble in slow-motion. The unicorn slammed down the sides of the black gorge, bouncing along the sloped surface till he came to rest on a rocky outcropping, just a few feet above the glowing river, his legs twisted and broken. He looked up at Star, hate and blame evident on his face.

“You did this! You let me fall! Murderer!” The unicorn screeched as his flesh began to bubble.

Star could feel a wicked smile creep up his muzzle, eyes narrowing as he watched the wretched pony below meet his end. The smile only broadened as ponies made of magma and fire reached out to drag Cooper screaming into their burning embrace. Something in his gut told him to glance up from the death playing out below.

Just above him, on the opposite side of the gorge stood two alicorns. Luna and Celestia were watching him with stern, disapproving stares. Their regal bearing made him feel small and insignificant. Doubt and fear rolled over him as he prostrated himself before them. “Please, I'm sorry. I did it for the other ponies. I had to!” The white alicorn of the sun sneered it disgust before turning away, vanishing into the shadows. Star reached a hoof up towards his blue Princess. “Luna! I'm so sorry, Luna!”

“No. Thou art not.” The alicorn responded before she too, turned her back on him, vanishing into shadows. Leaving the pitiful colt alone on the ledge, weeping in despair.

There was a gentle touch on his back, a sense of a presence at his side. Eyes blurred with tears, the colt turned his head up, noticing a shadowy form next to him. It's broad wing spread out over his back, pulling him close to it's side. Star wiped away his tears, curious at this strange comforter. Cyan eyes with cat-like pupils greeted him with a flash of vicious teeth. He didn't have to see to know who it was and he screamed as her embrace tightened.

“STAR!” A voice crashed into the dream fragmenting it like a broken mirror.

The pegasus blinked, his eyes coming into focus in dim lighting. He gasped and shivered, pieces of the dream riding the coattails of his waking mind. Fearfully, he looked around, afraid to move any part of his body as Luna's concerned face moved over his own.

“Tis just me, dear Starstep.” She reached out to pull his trembling form into her fore-hooves, tucking his head against her neck. “Be still. Twas a nightmare.”

“You...you were there.” He suddenly found himself sobbing into her coat. “I'm sorry Princess. I really am. Please don't walk away. Don't hate me. I had to let him die. I'm sorry. So sorry.” His body shuddered at the sobbing, her embrace tightened.

“Twas not I.” She rocked him gently, hoof stroking his mane. “Be still, Star. I know thou art sorry. Tis never easy to do what thou hath done. It may haunt thou for a time.” He gave a slight nod, nuzzling into her coat, her gentle cool scent helped to stead his nerves.

“Nightmare Moon was there...” He whispered, shivering at the remembrance of her dark touch.

“Neigh, she was not. Just as I was not. If I ever appear in thy dreams, I wilst tell thee.” She continued stroking his mane.

After a few minutes of Luna's soothing touch, Star began to piece together what had happened. He'd come in, cleaned up Luna, watched her work for a while then must have dozed off at her side. He gave a heavy sigh, glancing up at the clock on the wall, almost dawn. He felt calmer, though still shaken as he nuzzled at the alicorn's silky coat. “I'm sorry, Princess. I guess I was tired.”

She gave a light giggle, her magic rolling up a parchment and sealing it with wax. “Tis quite alright. Paper-work is rather monotonous.” With her magic she cleaned up the loose dust, tucked away her quills and straightened her stack of finished forms. “I fear it took much longer than I hath expected. Come, let us be away.” She raised up out of her seat, releasing the colt from her grasp before giving her long sleek legs a stretch. Star couldn't help but admire those limbs, catching the Princess smirking at his gaze afterwords.

The two left the room, trotting down to the command center. The hustle was much more subdued at this near-dawn hour. A few ponies sat at desks, illuminated by personal lanterns, at least two of them were lieutenants.

“Bluebell, Sunspot, I thank thee for thy diligence and look forward to seeing thou tonight at the summit.” She gave them both a smile and a nod, who returned it before returning to their work.

Down the quiet tunnel of carved rock, Star trotted at Luna's side. “Hey, where's Lighthoof?” He asked, glancing back towards the command center.

“Attending my sister's sun-raising, I expect.” She noticed his slight frown. “Something amiss?”

“I had a chat with Lighthoof about all that. Told him it would be better to find another pony to take his place. He belongs with Sherry and Peach.”

Luna smiled slightly. “Indeed...on this we agree. While I...admire his dedication to his duties, despite the cost, I feel tis unnecessary and unwise. I suppose I shalt begin poking about for a suitable match for mine sister. I only fear we may have trouble getting thy brother in arms to accept the new arrangement.”

The pair reached the start of a spiral stair-case, leading upwards through the rock and earth. “Yeeeah. About that. I think he's fine with stepping aside if we find a good pony. What will your sister have to say about all this? Aren't we kinda meddling in her love life?”

Luna laughed, bright and cheerful. “Oh, dear Starstep. My sister hath meddled in mine far too often. Tis time for a bit of pay-back. Besides, tis not done in spite, but to prevent harm to Lighthoof and his loving mares.” She sighed, beginning the climb up the steep spiraling stone stairs. “For the long-term will be up to mine sister to decide who and when she wishes to court. For the short-term, however...” She frowned, crystal slipped clicking sharply on the stone steps.

“I...had an idea about that.” Star offered, keeping pace with her long legged strides.

“Oh? Do tell.”

“What if I took over?”

Luna stopped suddenly, catching Star by surprise. He halted a step above her so that they looked at each other in the eyes. “I must admit, I am not sure how to feel about such an arrangement.” A faint smile flickered on her lips. “While, tis true that thou seeks not to use her affections for thy personal gain, it may prove impossible.” She tilted her head. “Dost thou have feelings for Tia?”

“Erm...well...she's pretty and everything.” He blinked. “Oh, but you're more beautiful, Princess.”

“So thou sayth.” The alicorn smirked.

“But do I love her like I love you? No. I just want to help Light out of the situation and I figured-”

“Thou hath one Princess, why not two?” Luna laughed mischievously.

“Not...quite like that, Princess.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I mean, I'm happy with being by your side. I don't want power or money or fame. I just want to be with you. And I know you're very busy and it wont be fun and games all the time. But I accept that. So why not do something for your sister too?”

The alicorn started up the steps again, letting the colt fall in beside her. “Thy intentions art kind. Though perhaps for not the right reasons.” She shook her head. “If thou desired my sister's love at even a fraction of thy desires for me, I wouldst not be against this idea. However, thou respects Tia, but thou dost not love her more than one may love a mother.” She gave a soft laugh. “Believe it or not, Tia and I hath been down this very road before.”

“So we're not even going to try?” He could hear muffled voices and clopping of hooves echoing above them. They were near the street level.

The alicorn stopped them in front of a steel door. “Dost thou wish to rut mine sister?”

Star grimaced a little at the awkwardness of the question. “I donno. I can't say I'm against it.”

She pressed a cool hoof to his chest, her and Scootaloo's feather rubbing against his coat. “Tis not mine question. Dost thou lust after mine sister, even a little? Yay or neigh?”

He shook his head. “No, Princess.”

“Then the matter is settled. Thou cannot satisfy her and it would cause thou harm to pretend. I shalt confer with Tia and we shalt deal with it.” She kissed him gently as her magic turned the handle. “I do thank thee for attempting to help Tia and Lighthoof. The gesture was sweet.” She smiled at him before the door swung open, revealing a stockroom filled to the brim with sacks of flour, boxes of baking soda and various baking ingredients like chocolate chips. He glanced behind him as the door closed, the steel vanishing behind a wall of off-white paint, leaving no evidence there was ever an entrance. Curious, he followed the alicorn out into the main store-room of a bakery. Loaves of fresh baked goods sat in display cases. From croissant to cakes.

A white-brown spotted painted mare beamed a smile at the pair as the handful of early morning customers raised their eyebrows at the alicorn exiting the store-room. “Oh, Princess, dear. Did you find the liquorish?”

“Alas, Mrs. Butterbottom, thou doth appear to be out of stock.”

“Oh, I'm so sorry, Princess. I'll be sure to get more in. Thank you again for going to look, I'm always so busy in the mornings.” She scooted a bag full of donuts and a coffee to a colt in a fine suit and bowler hat.

“Tis quite alright. I know thou art short-hooved at dawn. Thy baked goods attract ponies far and wide.” She trotted over to the exit, swinging it open with her magic to allow a young mare in, smiling at her astonished face. “I wish thee all a wonderful day.” The ponies in the shop managed to shake off their surprise long enough to wish her one as well before the alicorn led her colt outside.

“What the tartarus was that?” Star whispered to Luna as they wandered down the cobble-stone street in the early hours of dawn.

“A bakery?”

“Yeeeah, I get that, Princess. But that wasn't where we went in.”

She giggled. “Indeed. One may become suspicious if ponies are mysteriously entering and leaving the same location at dawn and dusk. Besides, the fountain is always very crowded in the morning.”

“I assume the baker was in on it?”

“Of course. She keeps an ear out for gossip and covers for any ponies that use that exit. Also makes a delightful bear-claw.” Luna licked her lips.

“Uh-huh...then I'm going to also assume there's lots of exits in town?” At the Luna's nod, Star shook his head with a laugh. “It'd be crazy if there was a set-up like this in Canterlot.” He glanced up, catching the alicorn smile, leaving him wondering as they journeyed back to the fortress on the hill.

Shockingly, the two mare Trottingham guards at Luna's bedroom doors only smiled and saluted them as Luna led Star inside. No smirks, no winks, no side glances at each other. The alicorn directed him to brush his teeth as she removed her regalia. Slippers placed carefully under her bed, crown on a plain marble bust, about the shape of her head, the black neck plate slid over it's slender sculpted stone neck. As Star finished up, a little surprised to find all his bathroom items had been moved into hers, she slipped by him, nudging him outside with her forehead and prodding horn. He laughed and danced away as she got one good poke between his flanks. The door clicked shut and he was left alone in her bedroom with the crackling blue fire and ticking grandfather clock to keep him company as he wandered in a circle, admiring the old paintings that hung over the mantel.

After a while, the bathroom door clicked open, drawing his attention. The Princess stepped out, a long silky black robe on her, tied about her waist with a blue velvet belt. She smiled warmly to the colt. “Tis time for sleep, go on.” She gesture with a hoof.

Fighting back a yawn, Star slid up onto the soft bed, wiggling his back into the mattress as he watched the Princess crawl up beside him. She smiled down at the pony, reaching out a hoof to caress his cheek. For some reason, exhaustion clawed at his eyelids. “Princ...Luna” He mumbled as the alicorn rolled onto her side, pulling him into her fore-legs. He nuzzled into her soft chest, just above where her robe came together in a V. She was so beautiful, so lovely, he wanted to shower her with affections, but sleep ended up winning, comforted as he was in her embrace.

_____________________________________________________________________

Star took a deep breath to steady his nerves. The Summit party had already started just on the other side of the double oak doors. He was back in his attire from the previous ambassador's meeting, causing him just a little bit of deja vu. Somehow the Princess had managed to have it retrieved from his room in Canterlot and shipped overseas before the party. He just chalked it up to magic. A glance in the window to his left let him admire the outfit.

A bold-cut black shirt with a high-neck that left just a place at his throat exposed. The cuff-links silver crescent moons. A wide black leather belt, tooled in silver studs and embossed with Night-Lillies, wrapped around his mid-section, giving something the shirt could tuck into. This time his ceremonial pegasus blade was sheathed and clipped to the belt, balanced on the other-side by a pouch full of coins. Why coins? Luna had assured him it was a good counterweight to wear for the evening.

Over the shirt a long vest that slightly draped onto his rump, the split just at the tail-base. It was a deep blue, a perfect match to Luna's mane. A single vest pocket at his upper chest, had a silver pocket-watch tucked inside with a thick chain running from it to a holding pin. The buttons on the vest were also silver crescent moons on onyx disks. Around his neck hung the elegant silver chain, two long feathers resting against his chest, one orange, one deep blue. He stroked them against the vest, smiling. At least this part of the outfit was new.

He flexed out his wings a little, still sore from his earlier exercises. Luna had been right, his lack of using his wings had made them weaker and less responsive. The moment he'd awoke that afternoon, she had insisted he exercise and one doesn't argue with the Princess of the Night.

The black feathers with their oil-like sheen glistened in the overhead chandler light. Clipped to his leading wing edges were scaled overlapping plates of engraved silver, polished to a shine. Reflecting sharply on the glossy new feathers. He still felt a little self-conscious of his wings appearance, wanting to hide them under a jacket or some kind of wrap, but Luna had claimed it would be taken as a sign of weakness. He trusted her judgment and had struggled to get the silver wing clips on just before dusk. Without his full plumes to pad them, they pinched at the skin. He simply did his best to ignore it, remembering a bit of advice Rarity had once given him, 'Sometimes looking fabulous, hurts.'

His mane had been tied back into a pony-tail with a thin deep blue ribbon, along with one more tied onto his tail. He really wasn't a fan of ribbons, but the alicorn had him turn around for her after she'd tied them in, watching him with a little lust. Perhaps the fashion stirred up old feelings she had for an era gone by? Whatever the case, she liked it, so he wore it. He'd wear a dress if it made her eyes drink him like a fine wine. Well...maybe he would.

The colt glanced to his right at his beautiful Princess. She was wearing the same Victorian styled dress from the previous ambassador party, cut into overlapping layers of rich violet that ended in a final layer of embroidered silk, draping just enough to cover her flanks and down to the middle of her hind-leg. Her tail drifted out the bottom like a starry train on a wedding dress, drifting about in an felt breeze. The collar of the dress rode high on her slender neck, accented by a black satin choker, the center-piece a polished onyx stone set into silver filigree.

Around her waist, a black corset, cut in such a way her wings were still free, trimmed this time by matching overlapping silver plates that Star wore on his wing-edges. Hers were larger, sleeker and far more engraved. Woven into her feathers were black satin ribbons. Over and under through the primaries. Gone were her normal crystal slippers, instead long shimmering black socks that rode to her knees, and onyx shoes that clicked firmly on the polished floor. From her ears hung a pair of heavy silver crescent moon earrings and a filigree of silver wire laced her long fluted horn. She still wore her onyx crown, forever a symbol of her station.

She had scooted him out when it was her turn to get dressed and so as his eyes wandered over her outfit to her covered rump, he remembered a conversation in the Canterlot gardens so long ago.

“Say...Princess?” He whispered as they awaited being announced to the party. She raised an eyebrow at him curiously. “Just what are you wearing under that dress? I never got to see last time.”

She giggled, an onyx slippered hoof coming to her lips. “Perhaps this is the evening thou shalt see.” She winked at him, gently bumping her flank to his before leaning her head down to nibble lightly on his ear. “And perhaps...” She whispered seductively. “Tis the evening thou officially becomes mine consort.” She grinned at his stunned expression. “Perhaps...” She trailed off, caressing his cheek with her onyx slipper. “Assuming thou dost not make quite the spectacle of thyself this time.”

His breath came in hurried gasps as he fought to control his wings. “Y-yes, Princess. Of course. I'll not embarrass you again.”

“Mmm...we shalt see.” An amused smile graced her lips. Her ears swiveled forward as they heard the herald on the other side of the door begin to announce them. “Remember everything I hath taught thou and everything thou hath learned on thy own. For these art not ambassadors, but the rulers of the griffons. Now come, tis time to put upon thy mask, my wonderful stallion.”

“-her Highness Princess Luna and her Shadow-Guard, Starstep.” The deep voiced herald announced beyond the double oak doors just as they creaked open with Luna's magic. The graceful, sleek Princess of the Night stepped through the doors into a massive feasting hall, Starstep only a stride behind and to her right. The center of attention in a room full of the most powerful leaders in the land. Him, nervous? Nah.

Author's Notes:

Decided this was a great break point before we get into the Summit dinner with the griffons. Didn't want to overwhelm you readers with too much info, cause the next scene has a LOT going on. Cross your hooves for Starstep!