Starstep paced up and down the hall outside of the dining room. Morning light filtered in from the newly installed windows dotting the length, highlighting the little bits of dust that flew up in his wake. His hooves thumping softly on the white and gold-trimmed rug that ran the length of the passageway. Head-down, ears lowered, flicking his eyes to the sealed doors every time he passed by.

Across the hall from the dining room, Lighthoof leaned against the grey stone wall, watching his friend and brother pace anxiously. His tan ears perked at a renewed bout of arguing echoing through the thick oak doors, the individual words muffled by the wood. After yet another circuit by Star, the colt rolled his eyes and sighed.

“Pro-tip, dude. When a Princess calls you her husband, you nod and smile.”

Starstep did not pause his pacing as he replied, frustration tinting his voice. “How the buck was I suppose to know Luna wasn't just making a joke?”

“You should have rolled with it.” The tan pegasus leaned his head back against the cool wall. He pitched his voice up a notch to imitate Star's. “Why yes, Princess Celestia, Luna is my wifey. We're in wuv.” He made kissing sounds, ignoring the fiery glare from his buddy. After a moment he gave a slow shake of his head with a low chuckle. “But instead you said, 'Husband? But we're not married.” He shivered. “That look that crawled across Princess Luna's face will haunt my nightmares forever.”

The blue-grey colt stopped between the doors and the other pegasus. “Buck you, Light. Not like you're helping me understand royal customs. You and Celestia have been rutting every night since we got here.”

“Princess Celestia, dude. And yeah, we have.”

“Well, I don't see you two married or even seem to want to be. So why does one night with Luna mean we're suddenly Mare and Stallion forever?”

“You tell me. You went to the moon...twice, or was it three times?.” He snickered ignoring the death-glare he received for the bad joke. “Four? Ok, seriously, Bro. Without the naughty bits, unless you want to share, what happened up there?”

Star sighed, rolling his eyes up as he gathered his thoughts of the evening. “Well...went to the moon. Ran about on the white plains, stars and blackness stretching on forever.” He paused to smile fondly. “That was pretty bucking awesome, by the way.” The pegasus tapped his chin in thought. “Ah...well, after that she led me to her sanctuary, we chatted a bit, she made sure she understood what it meant to be with her and we spent the night...well...you know.” He cleared his throat uncomfortably.

“So...she never said anything about marriage or husband or none of that?” Another burst of arguing behind the door cause them both to glance towards it.

“No. Just the usual being her consort stuff and rules about being her lover. But as far as I know, lover is not the same as husband. I feel like I skipped to the end of a book.”

Lighthoof shrugged. “Maybe it's an old royal custom? You go to the moon, you rut the moon, you live on the moon.”

Star ignored Light's little jab. “After that whole giant Cadance wedding, you'd think the Princess would know our modern customs for that sort of thing. I am seriously thrown for a loop here.”

“That such a bad thing, dude? You know, being the husband to Princess Luna?”

The blue-grey pegasus lowered his head, shaking it lightly, his spiky charcoal mane bouncing a bit. “No...I want that.” His gaze lifted to the sealed door. “But not like this. Why are they fighting in there over it?”

His friend shrugged. “Buck if I know. I get to make Princess Celestia happy, but she don't tell me much. I'm just kinda...there, yah know?”

“How can you deal with that? Don't you feel used? I mean, what about Sherry and Peach Blossom? How are they going to compare to a Princess now that you've had a...” He almost said taste and realized the horrible reference. “Er, had nights with her?”

Light gave another shrug. “I get you're worried about me, but hey. It's fun, and I'm not deludin' myself about where I stand. Difference is, dude, that Sherry and Peach love me, and I love them. The Princess loves me too, but not like they do. It's not the same. I'm not gonna lose sleep over it...er...well I am cause we're bumping flanks, but not cause I'm stressing over it.”

Star groaned and rolled his eyes. Light would always be Light. Princess or not. A thought occurred to him. “I wonder if I could do that.”

The other pegasus smirked, an eyebrow raised. “Do Princess Celestia? Sure with a foot-stool.”

“No, Light. I mean, if Luna only wanted a companion and offered only sex and nothing more, would I be happy with that?”

Lighthoof pushed off the wall to stand next to his friend. He put a fore-leg around his shoulder and gave Star a friendly shake. “No way, brother. You got too much heart. You're one of those colts who needs to feel loved. You need that personal touch. Look at the ponies you've been with. Scootaloo, Cheerilee, and now Luna. You've a connection with each one.”

“There was that night with Sherry...” Star added.

“Ah, well, that was a bit of an emergency and a favor for a friend. I don't really count that.” He ruffled Star's mane. “Look, bro. You're not like me. I could rut any mare who wanted a bit of fun and not feel shame if it was a one time deal. Hey, don't get me wrong, I'm happy Sherry and Peach want something more long term and I'm happy to give it. But you, not you dude. Never you. You're too...” He searched for the right word.

“Goody-goody? Old-fashioned?” Starstep offered.

Light chuckled, “Compassionate and loyal. You wouldn't enjoy breaking ties with somepony after one night.”

“So how do you explain Sherry?”

“Hey, you still talk with her, right? She considers you a friend.” He sighed as he spared a glance towards the doors. “And I'll bet she'll need your support after I tell her about the new royal duties.”

“Not going to go well, is it?”

Lighthoof laughed sourly. “If I'm lucky, she wont blacken both my eyes. But, hey dude, it'll work out. Besides, this is about you, not me.”

Starstep swiveled his ears around, noticing the sudden silence. Moments passed and nothing changed, perhaps the fighting was over. He shook his head, redirecting his attention to Lighthoof. “Any advice on how to smooth this whole thing over?”

The other pegasus gave a half-shrug. “Hey, you know more about Princess Luna. What does she want from you?”

“Truth and to not be so impulsive. I think that's all she's ever asked of me.”

They were interrupted as the double door to the dining room creaked open enough for Princess Celestia to peek out. She gave her usual official smile, pastel mane framing her glowing face. Her eyes flickered briefly between the two colts. “Starstep, dear. May I have a word with you inside?”

The colts exchanged glances before separating. After Star reached the door, he looked over his shoulder at Light, who offered a reassuring smile. No matter what happened, at least Star could count on his brother to be there. As the blue-grey pegasus slipped inside, he heard Princess Celestia give Lighthoof leave to spend the day in town before closing the heavy oak door shut. Inside, morning light filtered into the room via the large ceiling high windows, dust dancing about the sunbeams in the tension filled air. A heavy old grandfather clock marked time in the corner, the only sound in the stillness. Luna was staring intently out of one of the windows, ignoring his presence as Celestia's white wing draped over his back and ushered him towards the table. She waited for him to take a seat before claiming her own across from him. The ever present smile wasn't very reassuring. He could see the tightness in her jaw and corners of her eyes.

Star cleared his throat, turning his head to look at the blue alicorn across the room. “Luna, I'm sorr-” He halted mid-word as Celestia raised a hoof to silence him.

“Be still, my little pony. You have nothing to apologize for. I only wish to ask a few questions to clear things up. Is that okay?” When Star finally dragged his blue eyes from Luna's tense body, Celestia nodded, still smiling. “Do you think you're married to Luna?”

“I...don't know, Princess?” He fumbled his words, attempting to piece together what he missed during his trip with Luna to the moon. “I mean, I guess? Maybe? I love her, is that enough? We uh, made love, does that count?”

Celestia's smile warmed slightly, more genuine as she noted the faint blush on the pegasus' cheeks. “Not entirely my dear.” She poured herself tea, pausing to sip the steaming liquid from the cup held in her magic. “If I was to say you were married, do you believe you were tricked into it in any way?”

Star's head-shake was immediate. “No! I'd be happy to be Luna's husband, I'm just a little shocked. I didn't expect it.”

“Why is that dear?” Her eyes flicked over to her brooding sister before back to the flustered colt.

“Well, there was no wedding.”

Luna spun her head around, cold fury in her eyes and opened her mouth to speak when Celestia held a hoof, silencing them both. She glanced over at her sister again. “Lu-lu, you agreed to let us talk first.” With that, the night-goddess shut her muzzle stubbornly and returned to staring out the window.

She smiled to Starstep. “So, you don't believe you're married?”

“Excuse me for saying, but um...Lighthoof and you aren't married and you've been uh...bumping flanks for days, as he put it.” He could hear the faint snort as Luna fought back a laugh. It warmed his heart to know she wasn't beyond a good joke.

Celestia's cheeks reddened ever so slightly. “Ahem, yes. This is true, dear. Lighthoof and I are not wed, and I do not suspect we ever shall.” She paused. “Mating does not automatically mean you're married to royalty. Lu-lu and I have both had sexual consorts before. There is certainly nothing wrong with it. During certain eras of Equestrian history, we were forced to take what companionship we could get.” She waved a hoof dismissively. “But this is not that era.”

“Ok, I get why Luna might be mad at me if I completely missed something obvious during our trip to the moon, but why are you angry at each other, Princess? I mean, if she really is married, shouldn't you be happy for her?” Celestia's raised eyebrow caused him concern. “Um...no disrespect intended, Princess.” He added quickly.

“You're right, I should be happy.” She hesitated, glancing over at her sister. “Before I explain why I'm concerned, I want to ensure you understand why there is a little confusion between the two of you.” She smiled warmly at the colt. “As you know, Lu-lu enjoys traditional ceremonies and such. They comfort her because they are most familiar to her.” She gave her sister a look that bordered on pity. “And so, I fear she unintentionally tricked you into marriage. She thought that you had read up on old customs and assumed too much.”

“I still don't get it. If, ah, sex doesn't make you wed to royalty, what does?”

Celestia smiled patiently before sipping her tea. “Tell me of your trip to the moon, minus the more private moments.”

Star looked to his Moon-goddess, bathed as she was in sun-light. To other eyes, she was simply staying out of the conversation, but he knew that look behind the royal mask. The slight tenseness in her shoulders and ever so slight down-turn at the edges of her lips. She was furious.

The pegasus looked back to the awaiting white alicorn and frowned. “This is silly. If we're wed, we're wed. Why does it matter? I love Luna, and she loves me. So what's the problem?”

“One problem, my dear pony, is that you do not truly believe it. You only wish it to be true. For now, let us see if I cannot help explain it. My sister's intentions were heart-felt, but I wish you to understand. Please, Starstep.” She gave him a reassuring smile.

“Alright, Princess.” He took a deep breath. “We went to the moon, ran around with me chasing her about till we got to the sanctuary.” He paused. “Inside was indescribable. A little world tucked away on the white plains. And up above, the whole world.” He thought he saw Luna smile faintly. “We chatted for a bit, she gave me a choice to be her lover and consort or just a good friends that would share nights together. She explained that it would be tough as her lover and a little of what to expect. But...”

He smiled at the blue-alicorn. “I accept what may come. I just want to be with her. I told her as much.” Luna turned her head to meet his gaze, smiling in return, abet briefly as her eyes flickered to her sister and she turned back to the window angrily. “And well...then we...you know.” He blushed and looked away, faint memories of their very intimate moments dancing in his thoughts and threatening to stiffen his wings.

Celestia tilted her head, smiling warmly. “I see.” She spared a look for her sister. “Tell me, Starstep. What are the parts of a modern wedding?”

The colt tapped his chin in though. “Hmm...ceremony, reception, honey-moon?”

The alicorn gave a soft laugh. “Well...yes. A little more detailed than that my dear.”

“During the ceremony there’s the preacher bit. The vows. Exchange of tokens. A kiss. Oh and witnesses.”

“Go on.”

“And at the reception there's dancing, cake, and photos. Then the honey-moon er...” He coughed lightly.

“That's quite enough, dear.” She smirked. “Did you know that the term 'honey-moon' comes from my sister?” That perked Star's ears. “Oh yes. Because the first night that Luna had with her new Mare or Stallion, she would spend with them on the moon.” The blue alicorn simply glared at her older sister.

“Now, try to imagine all those things, but out of order, and perhaps not what they appear at first glance.”

Star furrowed his brow. “Out of order? Like, what?” Tia simply smiled at him so he looked to Luna, who continued her staring contest with the window. “No help, huh?” He tapped his chin. “I'm not seeing a lot of that from last night.”

“Are you certain, Starstep? What if some of these things happened prior?”

“Prior?” Fragments of ideas fluttered at the edges of his mind. “Wait...” His hoof strayed to the feather resting against his chest, then his eyes sought out its owner. “We exchanged feathers. But that was quite a while ago.”

“What did Luna say it was for?”

“A token of courtship?” The light went on in his head. “Oh...I see.”

“A long time ago, tokens were given early in a relationship, and if the bond was broken, they were given back. They are your link to each other, a promise to do your best for the other.”

Emboldened, the colt thought on it in a broader sense. “Okay, so, the promises we gave each other last night...vows? I mean, I just said those on the spot. I didn't rehearse or write anything out.”

“Did you mean every word?” Celestia's smile began to reach her eyes.

“Yeah, every word.”

“That seems a very honest and heart-felt exchanging of vows then.”

“Okay, so, vows, tokens, plenty of kissing...” He looked away blushing slightly. “Umm...but no preacher and no witnesses.”

“Are you certain? Who conducted the ceremony for Cadance and who will take the role for Twilight Sparkle and Cheerilee?”

“You and...oh...okay, and witnesses? Wait...” He remembered the world looking down on them as he made love to the alicorn. The entire world as a witness, the thought was certainly enough to form a nervous knot in his belly. “The world.”

Celestia nodded and even Luna was watching them now, though hiding behind her regal mask.

“But...no reception. Sure we've danced before but...”

The while alicorn giggled. “Starstep dear, now you're over-thinking it. Does a reception make a pony couple married?”

“Well...no, I guess it's just a celebration of the union.”

“Exactly.”

“So...I guess I'm married. Huh.”

“Guess, dear?”

“Hah, okay, sorry. I AM married.” He caught Luna's cyan eyes watching him, and smiled lovingly to the alicorn. “To the most wonderful mare in the world.” She returned the smile and gave the gentlest of nods towards him.

“I can see that you believe it now.” Celestia set aside her empty tea-cup. “I hope you're not upset with me, Starstep. I only wished for you to understand and not just think it so because you were told to do so.”

“No, I get it, Princess. I was a just little confused.”

“I'm glad. However, I'm certain you are still wondering why Lu-lu and I have been fighting over this matter.” She shared a look with her sister. “May I tell him the story.”

“Doeth as thou wishes, Tia. Thou wilst anyway.”

Tia gave a patient sigh and placed her fore-hooves together as she stared across the table at the pegasus. “What I am to tell you does not leave your lips to any other being.” She spoke softer. “A long, long time ago, when we were fillies and still very new to love, there was a young rogue of a colt who roamed the lands, wooing the hearts of any filly who caught his eye. Travelers were rare in those days, and so his tales of far-off lands and adventures caught many ponies in his grasp. A gypsy, a drifter, he never stayed in town more than a few days, content to spend his life on the road and in many beds. We would occasionally see him pass through, entranced as much as the other young fillies at his exciting stories. He was charming, handsome, and truth be told, very passionate. In fact, so much the other stallions in town were quite jealous.” She smiled at the memory for a brief moment.

“A certain young lady had it in her head that she wanted to keep this colt for herself.” Her eyes slid to the sulking blue-alicorn. “So she concocted a plan to trick the gypsy colt into marring her. Thinking that by wedding him, it would force the pony to stay and love only her.” The memory shifted from a smile to one of regret. “Despite my warnings, the filly went ahead with the plan and succeeded in wedding and bedding the colt. Come the following morning, the ruse was reveled and the colt became furious. He screamed and raged that he was too free to be tied down to one pony. Too adventurous to stay in one place. However, he was too proud to break the vows he had spoken, despite being drunk at the time.” The white alicorn shook her head sadly.

“He kept his word, living in town with the filly, being the best husband he knew how to be. But as the years passed, it took a toll on him, leaving him a shell of his former self. Bitter and angry. He ate less and less and drank more and more, yet always returning to his wife. His word was all that remained to him.” She sighed, looking to Luna, who averted her eyes.

She didn't have to say who the filly was, it was pretty obvious to Star. He willed his love for Luna telepathically, hoping she would take some comfort from it. The alicorn raised her head suddenly, giving him a thankful smile. “So..what happened to him?”

Luna held up her hoof to halt her sister. “Enough, Tia. I shalt finish the tale.” She turned from the window to gracefully walk across the room, sliding into the seat at the head of the table between Star and Celestia. “My heart was torn. To see the fiery colt I hath loved turned to a bitter stallion. So I offered him freedom, a chance to leave. He doth refused, stubborn to kepth his vows.” She shook her head and closed her eyes, the regret worming its way through the link she shared with Star. “I broketh my vow instead. Taking another lover.”

Star reached a hoof out to rest upon hers. She flinched, as though to pull back but hesitated and left it still. “The pact of marriage now ended, the pony did pack his things and departed the land. To this day, I knowth not his final fate.” She gave a heavy sigh. “I was young and foalish.” Her bitterness turned to anger as she faced her sister. “And I am no longer. There art no reason to bring this old tale up to argue against mine marriage to Starstep.”

Celestia sighed.

The pegasus looked between them, a little confused. “Okay, I think I missed something. I'm not a gypsy pony, I'm not even an adventurer. So what if Luna and I got married? Not like I have a town full of fillies I'm trying to bed.” His tone snapped.

“No, my dear pony?” Celestia raised an eyebrow, ignoring the warning stare from her sister. “Scootaloo, Cheerilee with child, potential lovers waiting in the wings that you are quite aware of. Let us not forget the very forward griffon mistress, and a certain unicorn that you owe a favor or two.” She gave a knowing smile. “You are certainly not as...promiscuous as your friend, but you are young, and still new to love and relationships. This is my fear. That being tied to my sister in such a way will harm you.”

He cringed at the names she rattled off, knowing she wasn't entirely off the mark. “Well...yeah, but Luna even said that as long as she okays it, that other relationships are not out of the question.”

“Let us be honest, dear. If you are Lu-lu's personal guard, and her husband. Will you realisticly have time to pursue other long-term relationships? Your entire life would revolve around her. Even if you managed a fling or two that she approved of.” She sighed. “We were fighting dear, because I did not wish for you to be wed so young without knowing the full consequences. Without knowing absolutely what it means. Lu-lu believes you are ready. I disagree.”

The pegasus blinked, staring into the serious and concerned pale magenta eyes of Celestia. Long moments passed before he found his sight drifting across the table to the deep pools that were Luna's. Her eyes were intense and filled with love they drew him in to drown in their depths.

“Starstep? Star, Star, dear.” Celestia's voice pulled him from the other alicorn's cyan gaze. He blinked a couple of times, shaking his head clear, before noting that Luna had returned to her glaring at her sister. “I know it's all very abrupt.” She slid from her chair and walked around the table to drape a comforting wing over his shoulders. “Perhaps it is best if you took time to clear your head and think on it.”

He tilted his head up at her, a bit of Luna's cold rage gathered in his belly. “What's there to think on, Princess? We're married. I love her, the end. I swore I'd be Luna's special somepony, and now that I'm here, buck the consequences.”

The alicorn gave a soft laugh. “It appears my sister's stubbornness has rubbed off on you. Very well my dear pony. If this is what choose.” She shook her head and sighed in defeat before gesturing to Luna to join them. Reluctantly, the other alicorn slid from her chair to stand at Tia's side. The sun-goddess used her wings to pull them to her chest and gave them both a nuzzle, which surprised Star and caused Luna to look away embarrassed.

“Lu-lu and Star, I'm sorry to cast doubt on a day which should be of celebration.” She nuzzled her sister's cheek. “Sister, please understand my concern. Please forgive me.”

Luna exhaled heavily before she returned the nuzzling. “Tia, thou art forgiven. I understand thy fears and swear that I wilst not allow history to repeat. Thou art my loving big sister, and know thou hath mine best interests at heart.”

Celestia turned her head to nuzzle the smaller pegasus. “Starstep, allow me to be the first to welcome you to the family. When we return to Canterlot, I'll be certain to set up a very nice reception for you two. And, forgive me for being skeptical. You are so young and I was only attempting to look out for your well-being.”

Star returned the nuzzle and gave the sun-goddess a kiss on the cheek, which surprised her, but left her smiling warmly. “Thank you, Princess. I know you two have a lot of history and have been through things I can only imagine, but...this is my life and it's what I want most. It'll be fine.”

“Very well.” She gave them both a kiss on the cheek and pushed them towards the doors with her wings. “I suppose I'd best not keep you longer. Go, enjoy your day together.” The newlyweds smiled and nodded towards Celestia before leaving the room side by side. As the heavy doors clicked shut, the alicorn's expression fell. “I wont let you break your vows again, Lu-lu. I love you too much. It almost crushed you, and I refuse to see it happen again.”

Far down the passages and many intersections away from the dining room, Starstep exhaled and shook his wings out before glancing at Luna out of the corner of his eye as the pair of ponies walked side-by-side together. “Okay, seriously, what the buck was that all about, Princess?”

The alicorn gave giggle. “Twas just as it appeared. Tia being rather motherly and overbearing.”

“You didn't seem too happy about her a few minutes ago. I swear you were going to bore a hole in her head with those stares.”

Luna smirked. “Indeed. While I very much loveth my sister, she can be quite a pain in the rump.” She sighed. “Twas necessary to allow her to air her concerns. Due to thy...reaction this morning at breakfast, she was immediately reminded of that past incident.”

The pegasus looked away, his ears wilting faintly. “Yeah...sorry about that Princess. I-erK.” He was jolted out of his explanation as the Princess picked him up and pinned him with her fore-hooves on his shoulders, pressing his back into the stone wall.

“Starstep, doth not apologize! Whilst I seek truth from thy lips, I wilst not have thee become a simpering lap-dog. Twas mine own fault for not insuring thou knewst what I was about last night.” Her expression softened as she leaned in to nuzzle along is cheek. “Twas...impulsive of me. I felt the time was right. Tis I who should apologize to thou.” She tucked her head under his, nuzzling at his neck.

“Er...okay. Let me down and I forgive you.” The alicorn giggled as she gently placed him back on all fours. “So uh...has your sister always been like this?”

Luna turned and continued on with the pegasus at her side. “To me? Indeed. To others she doth put on a show.”

“I see where you learned it.”

The alicorn smirked. “She dost mean well. I doth not mean to be cross with her, but her worries over thy being bound to me art most unnecessary. She hath not seen into thy heart.” Luna draped a wing across her colt. “I knowth that thou loveth me with all thy being.” She looked down into Star's smiling face. “And knowth that I love thou with all mine.” Their lips met briefly, a spark of passion ran down Star's spine.

“Mmm...Luna. Would you like to...you know...slip off somewhere private?” He jerked his head in the general direction of her quarters.

The mare giggled and blushed. “That wouldst be most pleasant. Alas, two things prevent such activities.”

Star gently grasped her head in his hooves and kissed along her jaw-line, eliciting soft sounds of pleasure from the Princess. “Oh? Do tell.”

“The first, the side-effects of the spell from our...honey-moon.”

Her words caused the colt to halt his teasing. “Um...what would that be?”

“Shalt I demonstrate? Mmm...tis most tempting.” She pondered, a wicked grin upon her muzzle. “Yes, I believe I shalt.” Before the pegasus could protest, she bit down on his wing and flicked her tongue between the feathers.

Starstep shivered, groaning from the sensation. She knew exactly where to tease him to quickly get him....aroused? Something wasn't right. Confused, he turned his head to watch her play with his black wings. No wing-boner and nothing down below. “Oh sweet Celestia, what have you done!”

Luna relented, laughing and bounding out of his reach. “Magic always has a price, my love. One evening of endless mounting of thy mare, one day of rest.” She wiggled a hoof at him, sticking out her tongue playfully.

The pegasus frowned at her, but his eyes sparked mischievously. “Oh, is that right? So why is it I'm the only one that has to suffer? You enjoyed being filled as I recall.” He grinned. “What were your words?” He pitched his voice high. “Oh, stallion, thy seed fills mine belly and runs down mine thighs!” He darted back as Luna took a playful swat at him. “Oh, stallion, again, again, gush it out upon mine neck and face. Coat me with thy love!” He used his wings to spring out another swat, laughing at her attempt. “OH, place thy hoof within me! Gently, oh so gently. Oh my, tis going everywhere!”

“Haha, enough thy foolish colt!” She tackled him to the floor, staring down at him with a playful grin. “I knowth well enough of our evening. Twas there, was I not? Hold thy tongue lest thou wishes ALL the maids to know of thy...fetish.” That caused the pegasus to squirm. “Oh, yes. I quite enjoyed it my love.” She leaned in, kissing along his jaw. “And verily, so didth thou.” She whispered into his ear.

He grinned up at the beautiful mare before touching noses with her and sharing a deep, tongue teasing kiss. At last they parted lips, both panting ever so slightly.

“Thou knowest they dost watch us around corners. Afraid to interrupt the Princess of the Night and her consort.”

“I'm not embarrassed. I'd rut you right here if I could.”

“Oh-ho!” She grinned wickedly. “Perhaps we shalt test that at some point. I am quite curious to seeth if thou can withstand the gossip that comes with such acts.”

He sniffed the air. “You're wet right now, aren't you?”

The alicorn slapped him playfully on the chest. “Sir, thou art a most terrible pony to ask such a thing of a lady! Terrible indeed.”

Star caught her fore-leg in his and kissed her crystal-shod hoof. “Yet you're not denying it.” That caused the mare to look away, blushing.

“T-thy boldness has grown much.”

He wiggled under her larger form, ignoring the slight pain of being on his back on the cold-stone floor. “So, if I can't have any fun for the day, how should you suffer too?”

The alicorn smirked. “Pray-tell, why shouldth I?”

“Well, we're married right. And you know what they say about a couple sharing burdens.”

Luna tilted her head and gave a little laugh. “Tis quite true.” She gave a sigh as she slid off his body, offering her colt a hoof up.

Back on all fours, he nuzzled at her neck. “Any ideas?”

“If thou art suggesting that I use magic to push aside mine own feelings of arousal, thou art most deluded.” She used her wing to coax him into walking at her side once more. “Besides, we've an appointment to attend. The second reason we hath no time to 'rut' in the hallway.” She paused in her thoughts. “Though, a third would be the rather nasty mess to leave for the poor maid staff.”

“True.” He bumped his flank with Luna's. “You're avoiding the question.”

Luna blushed and intently looked elsewhere as they walked. “I hath no ideas. I suppose thou wilst just mark it up to the downsides to being a colt.”

“Hmm...no....no...you have ideas.” He grinned, leaning out his neck to nip at her shoulder. “You just don't want to voice them. Are they that bad?”

The alicorn's cheeks darkened a shade more. “Tis...nothing. Really. Perhaps a promise to allow though to try any fantasy in thy head is a sufficient payment?”

“You'd let me try anyway. You did say you wanted me to learn.” He gave a quick glance around, noting the hallways were surprisingly deserted for this time of day.

She laughed softly. “Tis true.” She sighed heavily, halting for a moment to lean down and whisper into his ear. “What is it thy wish of me then?”

Star grinned, a thought forming in his mind. “Well...remember when I nuzzled into your mane without permission?” The alicorn's eyebrow raised. “You kinda used that spell on me without asking. Seems like it's payback time.”

“Thou art not serious.” She hissed.

“Maybe. Tell me what you were thinking when you were blushing so hard.”

She hesitated.

“Luna, my love? I wont ask you to do anything you don't want to.”

She laughed at that, placing a hoof to her lips to snort back intense giggling.

“What? What?”

After she got her giggling fit under control, the moon-goddess nuzzled him. “Starstep, my love. Thou art most amusing. There art very little I wouldst not do with the right companion. Thou on the other hoof...” She smirked. After a few moments though she sighed and rolled her eyes. “Very well. The thought I had was of a ancient bit of...clothing from long ago.”

“Oh?”

Luna's wing prompted him to get moving again, the pair making their way down the quiet sun-filled hallway. “Indeed. Twas called a chastity belt. The intended use was to prevent a mare from being bred. It was suppose to...preserve their honor or some nonsense. Needless to say, the item didth not last long within society.”

“So...it's just like underwear that prevents you from mating. Seems kinda silly.”

“Mmm...indeed. Though...it has...evolved over the years in underground circles.” Her cheeks darkened again.

“Let me guess. Bondage?”

“Of a sorts.”

Star pondered the implications for a moment. Then a terrible thought began to form in his mind. “And I suppose there are versions that are used to keep toys inside a pony?”

Luna blinked at him. “Oh-ho. Who hath thou been speaking with? I thought thou new to such play?”

“Erm...well...Some of Lighthoof's magazines...” He coughed into his hoof.

She hesitated before the doors to the main study. “Is that thy wish to share thy burden, by asking me to wear such a thing?” She smirked. “I would of course, insist on must wear formal attire during such naughty punishment. Explaining to griffons why I am wearing a chastity belt whilst having a consort and husband would be...most irritating. At least mine dress would hide it from sight.”

Star tilted his head. “Is...that okay? I mean, it just seemed like a playful idea. You did kinda cause this.”

Luna laughed brightly. “Oh, wouldst be a most tormenting day to wear such a thing. Perhaps in some ways, pleasurable.” Her eyes narrowed and her smile darkened as her voice lowered. “But I warn thou. There wilst be consequences if thou insist upon this punishment.” Her hoof traced along his cheek. “Terrible, wonderful consequences.”

“Wait, how can it be both?”

The alicorn threw back her head and laughed wickedly before grinning like a cat with a mouse. “Oh-ho. My dear husband. Tis time thou learnth.”

“I-I'm not sure I want to go through with this now.” He took a step back from her wicked smile.

“Mmmm...too late. It sounds delightfully fun. Though I am most certain I wilst be cursing thy name during tonight's meeting with the griffons.” She licked her muzzle and stalked closer to the nervous pegasus. “As soon as we art done here, off to mine chambers. There, thou wilst place it in, and upon me. By thy hooves will I be bound in pleasure and torment.”

Despite her hungry, dangerous look and hints of repercussions afterwords, the thought rather excited Star. Well, it would if he wasn't magically fatigued. Still...Luna had suggested he try a little of everything. He'd probably learn a thing or two. Plus, hey, payback was a bitch.

“Alright, I'll do it.” Star attempted to smile back just as wickedly, though he fell a bit short. Luna giggled at his attempt and booped him on the nose.

“Splendid. Now, for our appointment and fulfilling a promise to thou from yesterday.” Her horn glowed as her magic turned the latch on the study doors and swung them in for the colt. “After thou my love.”

Star led the way into the study. The walls lined with bookshelves neatly filled with hardback novels of various colors and thickness. Towards the back of the room a crackling fire warded off the early morning chill and accented the pony-lounge benches that rested in front of it. Bright sun-light cascaded in from the east facing windows, momentarily blinding Star as they entered. Off in one corner away from the windows was a full set-up of photography lights with those little umbrellas and a very large, rather expensive looking camera.

The pegasus looked back at Luna as the doors swung shut. “Pictures?”

“Quite right my love. I hath always had portraits with those I doth care for. Though before these new cameras, it was hand painted. Twas a rather long process indeed.” She gave him a nuzzle as she passed by him to look over the camera. “And now, we mayth yet use these as reception invitations.”

A side door opened and a gangly, slightly cream colored pegasus with brownish-orange mane wandered in, dragging a bag full of equipment. He glanced up, noticing Star then Luna and bowed. “Oh, your highness. Sorry, I was just finishing setting up.”

Luna gave him a warm smile. It was the most expressive he remembered seeing her to new ponies. “Quite alright, Featherweight. I trust thou and thy assistant wilst be ready shortly?”

Featherweight...the name rung a bell in Star's head. “Wait...did you do the photography and then took over the Foal Free Press? Cheerilee's class?”

The gangly pegasus perked his ears and turned his head towards the other colt. “Yeah, Oh, hey! Starstep, right? Wow, it's been a few years.” He left his bag and trotted over to shake hooves with him.

Star looked him over. Yeah, it was the same colt, but he sure got tall. “So how's it going? I didn't know you lived in Spurlin now.”

“Huh? Oh no. I run out of Canterlot now. Photography business. I'm usually out in the wilderness taking snaps for Equestria Geographic, but hey, when Castle Canterlot sends you a commission to head out here to take pictures of a royal sister, you don't pass it up.” He smiled to the blue-alicorn. “I didn't know it was going to be you, Princess Luna. I wish I'd brought a night-backdrop or something. They just told me it was a Princess who needed pictures in a hurry.” He returned to his bag and dragged it the rest of the way to his other equipment. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he glanced back at the side door. “My assistant will be here in a sec with the extra bulbs and film and we can get started, Princess.”

Star smiled. “Assistant and everything.”

“Oh, yeah, she's awesome. Couldn't carry near this amount of gear on my own. Glad I got her on board a few months back.” The door latch turned and awkwardly opened as a orange rump pushed in backwards, a filly pegasus dragging a heavy sack with her teeth. “Speaking of. Hey Scoots, come on over and meet Princess Luna.”

Scootaloo froze, her back to the group as she let the strap slip from her mouth. She slowly turned her head, saw Luna standing near the lights, smiling. Star knew that smile. On the surface it was friendly, but underneath it promised things to come, and not the good kind. Scootaloo then noticed the blue-grey colt to her left. She gave him a nervous, lopsided grin, her wings giving a slight flutter.

“Uh...hey, Star.”

Author's Notes:

So, there we go. Chapter 45. I can't say it's the most exciting chapter, but it's necessary to use it to clarify some things and bridge into new conflicts. I could have squeezed more in at the end but I felt it was a really great break point. This way I can dive right into 46 and put some focus on this bit of drama. Be sure to comment.