“Sure I would,” you told her. “Not only is it my job to make you happy, but that sounds like lots of fun!”

Celestia’s face perks up immediately. “Really!?”

You nod. “How about dinner on your patio, say, in about an hour?”

She throws her hooves around you in a tight hug. “Oh, thank you! I can’t wait! I should start getting ready!” Without another word, she runs off into her closet. You can hear her furiously rifling through her clothes.

When the time comes for the date, you knock on her door. She opens it, revealing that she chose a light yellow sun dress. “Hi,” she cooes adoringly. “You look handsome.”

You are barely able to suppress a snort. A horse princess just called you handsome. What a strange life you led. “And you look stunning as well, Celestia,” you tell her, bowing gracefully.

She appears just a touch disappointed in your tone but giggles after another moment’s consideration. “Come on out, the servants have finished setting up dinner!”

You had a great time on your fake date with Celestia. The meal was impeccably prepared, the view of Canterlot, the sunset, and the valley below was stunning, and the conversation was great. You even got her to laugh uncontrollably- twice!

When it was finally time for the fake date to end, Celestia’s face grew a little somber. “Thanks for taking the time to engage my silly fantasy,” she told you. “It means a lot.”

“Nothing silly about it,” you reply, “and it was my pleasure. Now, would you be okay with me ending our fake date with a fake affectionate nuzzle?”

Another flash of disappointment crossed Celestia’s features, but she nodded nonetheless. You lean in and give her a quick nuzzle, which she returns.

“Alright,” you groan, standing up from your meal and viewing the last of the sun’s rays fade over the horizon. “I’m going to head back to my quarters. You and I still have two full days to spend together, so use them well!”

“I will!” she calls as you exit her chambers into the long, dark hallway outside.
Proceed to Chapter 17.