“Good evening, Princess,” you say, still facing straight forward. “If I am not overstepping my bounds, c-could I ask how your night was?”

Luna’s ears perk up; the movement is significant enough that you can pick it up in your peripheral vision.

She turns her head to gaze at the side of your face. You don’t dare breathe, or make eye contact. You continue to stare straight ahead.

“Well, well,” she begins, letting out a single snort of amusement which sounds almost like a giggle, “You guards can talk, after all.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” you reply, your face beginning to turn red from concentration.

She takes a step towards you. “At ease, loyal servant. ‘Twas only a quip from me, I do indeed know you can talk.”

You force yourself to relax just a little bit and face the Princess as she continues.

“It was a long night,” she says, groaning a little bit. “Much more work to be done than usual.” Her eyes begin to sparkle with appreciation as she looks at you. “Not many ponies ask me how my evenings are,” she tells you thoughtfully, albeit without any smile.

Your mind begins to go fuzzy again as you look into her entrancing indigo eyes.

Proceed to Chapter 3.