Arin and company – the Knight now carrying his Princess on his back – left Twilight to focus on her ramblings. It’s not like they could pull the purple mare away, either; she was determined to betray fate on this, and bring her teacher home. And she didn’t want any more distractions. Besides, if there was a time for action, it was now.

Their next stop in the now nostalgic castle halls was the War Room. It had become a proper office for Vapor during these trying times, as his new tasks included tracking the slowly growing serious issues arising across Canterlot and beyond. It’s funny – Arin had never actually visited the war room, yet here he was now. It was part of the farthest tower below Celestia’s old chambers – overhanging the Guest Quarters, making it decently well guarded.

“I’m sorry, but I haven’t had the chance to go over everything you missed while you were gone; I don’t know how much you’ve heard from Luna’s letters-” Vapor began, before being abruptly cut off by the Ascended.

“Not a lot, I promise.” Arin chuckled softly, reaching back to scratch between Luna’s ears. She stirred in her sleep, Vapor rolling his eyes.

“Well Arin, when you left, a small group of Seraph soldiers stayed to clean up the mess. While it was a great idea, it hardly played out well. It turns out Leotoln had a well trained assassin, who was functioning as his spymaster here on Equis. And when news of Leotoln’s defeat spread, they - him and his crew - packed up and abandoned their primary camp – and now, they’re essentially trapped here with bounties on their heads. Working to undermine our Government and Luna out of spite.” Vapor spread out a map of Equis – pinpointing the location of the prime camp, situated near Galloping Gorge.

“The scouts I sent to tail them lost their trail past the train tracks of White Tail Wood, plunging into the Undiscovered West. We found the signs of moorings for an Air Ship – so it’s likely they’re skyward somewhere beyond our borders, and using magic to transport letters to and fro Equestrian Nobles.” He slipped a book free of a nearby bookshelf with a hoof, plopping it down over the massive, detailed map.

“Now, all of this wouldn’t be a problem, if we could find the exact Noble houses responsible for their financial and legal backing, but it’s hard to track. They’ve used proxies, there isn’t a paper trail leading back to them we can even look into. Everything is done through middlemares or stallions that are hard to hold legally accountable. So far, we could only recover a few ledgers and notes discarded by accountants, leading to a net financial loss on three Nobles in particular. The houses of Goldshoes, Topaz Jewels, and an older name even you might recognize… Silverbit.”

Arin’s brow furrowed, remembering the all too familiar Stallion that plagued the Courts with needless bureaucracy. “Hold on. The pony I just threw out the window, around an hour ago?”

“Yes. While he’s partly retired now, he still has a small crew that handles his legal issues. He isn’t… particularly dangerous, but it’s likely he still committed treason. But nothing I do holds up in the Court of Law. We have evidence that goes nowhere, funds shuffled out to sub companies and businesses that are seemingly legitimate. On paper.” He rubbed his hooves over his head, sighing.

“Well then. What can we do? Espionage?” Arin offered. His eyes slowly turned to Umbra, who sat quietly nearby – studying the ledger in her green aura. “Like… send out a spy to find information?”

Vapor Cloud nodded. “It’s the riskiest – but only option we have left. It’s one I wanted to pursue for the last… year, or so. But it’s not like I had a Spymaster on hoof, well. Until now.” He nodded to Umbra, who looked up from the collected papers with mild intrigue.

“What do you say, ‘Spooky Horn’ – up for a bit of breaking and entering?” Arin smirked at the dark mare, who was as stoic as ever.

“I can perhaps be tempted. If, of course, the Crown is willing to assist me in my own endeavors.” She slid the book forward, stone faced. “I have but one request, one I’ve been considering for well over three years now.”

“Alright, shoot.” Vapor nodded, giving Umbra her chance to speak.

“I want… a life partner.”

If the room ever had a chance to go quiet, it was now. Honey Rose snorted, hiding her muzzle behind a hoof before Umbra’s emerald eyes could drill into her too hard.

“Honey, is there an issue with my request?” the dark mare asked bluntly. Honey soon shook her head, smiling.

“No no, just the way you asked it. Like… What do you want Luna to do, find you a date? I think you’re a beautiful mare, but uh… I think there’s a bit of a problem with your, what would Arin call it… your approach, yeah!” Honey waggled a leg at Umbra, as Vapor Cloud recovered from such a wild request.

“Uh, well. Umbra. That’s uh… not something you do, when you’re looking for love. Y’see, when you look for a special somepony, it’s not about being given a name, and forcing them out on a date. It’s more of… finding somepony you have a keen interest in, one you can relate to, and asking them if they’d like to go out and do something together.” Vapor held the most confused, dumb struck look throughout the whole conversation. Umbra always had the ability to leave him startled and dazed, but this took the cake. He took a sketching pencil from the table, chewing on it to help boil his thoughts down.

Funny that Vapor worded it like that; Arin was kind of… lacking, when it came to shared interests with Luna. In fact, he can’t relate well enough at all. Maybe that’s something to consider later; opposites could attract, right? And they had a bond going for them, which was a start.

“I see. Very well then.” She turned to face Arin now. And he really didn’t like where this was going.

“Arin, I will assist Sir Vapor Cloud if you bring me on this… ‘date’, as it has been worded. I am envious of Luna and the happiness she can attain from your presence. It has been three years, and we hold much too much relevance in our lives for me to… ‘choose’ anypony else.”

Vapor Cloud spat out the pencil – why’d he even put it in – and Honey Rose’s jaw dropped. Right in front of the sleeping Luna, too! This was hardly war room talk.

“I uh, well uh… you should um… ah. Hm. That’s uh…” His hand began to slap Luna’s leg, in an attempt to stir the dead-to-the-world mare from her much needed rest. And of course, that went nowhere.

“You should ask Luna! Totally, ask Luna when she’s awake. And I want to be there, too! Drama like this is best saved for the dinner table. I wouldn’t miss this for the world!” Honey Rose began to laugh, slamming her hoof over the map. Sweet Dreams stirred in the bundle against her chest, forcing Honey to quiet down.

Arin’s mouth bobbed open, like a fish out of water. He really didn’t know how to handle this situation, and he very much would like to not piss off Luna by giving an answer without her advice. It took him a minute, but he finally agreed with Honey. “Yeah, I can’t uh… do that. Without Luna’s permission.”

The stoic mare nodded; she wasn’t disappointed by any means, if anything, she was as patient as ever. In fact, the answer seemed expected, as if she wanted to talk with Luna first. “Very well. When she awakens, then. Now, I must speak to Twilight concerning her theories. I will return to collect my… ‘special somepony’ later.”

After their meeting in the War Room, Arin found it the perfect time to take Luna to bed. While she wasn’t heavy by any means, she was exceptionally big and bulky to carry around. When he held her chest to his own, her hind legs could almost reach the floor without much trouble. He hugged his bundle of Princess tight to his torso, as he was dead set on avoiding the stairs to her tower at all costs.

“How the tides have turned!” He said quietly, spreading elegant wings wide behind him. Flying once terrified him. Now, he preferred it. It’s strange how things change with time. He gave them a powerful flap, leaping into the sky. Luna – bless her soul – hardly even stirred, the renowned heavy sleeper drooling on his shirt.

Landing on the balcony, it was easy enough to unlatch the window with a bit of magic. But when he passed the curtain into Luna’s dark room, he nearly tripped over the massive pile of scrolls lining the floor.

Every single letter and note he managed to send her, she kept here in a mess. His seal on them were all obviously broken, of course – they were just wrapped with fresh string, and placed in a massive pile by her bed. It looked like a few of her favorites were on her nightstand, next to the picture he took of them both when he was first knighted, all those years ago.

He found a place for her on the massive bed, softly running his fingers through her limp mane. It was difficult to understand all of Luna’s stress at once; she looked absolutely beat up, like she was fighting for her life! It made his heart hurt knowing how much weight rested on her shoulders now.

The Knight crawled in the bed after stripping the gear Luna had commissioned for him for his graduation. Nocturne resting by the spare nightstand, he pulled the cool sheets over them both. His arms gently tugging the exhausted mare back into his chest, enjoying the sweet – though faint – scent of lavender that clung to her fur. The nostalgia of it all left him cherishing this moment, her breathing calm and sweet against his neck.

Usually, Luna would bind him in those big, blue wings of hers. But times change – and so did he. His own warm feathers slid around her back, blocking the last of the light as the sleepy pony wiggled into her new, comfy cocoon.

It was such an odd experience, using his wings for anything other than flying. He still wasn’t entirely used to the idea of having them; it just felt so new and strange, even after these years. Sure, he loved soaring now, but… It made the Ascended wonder if it was all just an elaborate dream. The sweet bundle of a mare against him, having achieved nearly everything one could want and more. Friends, love, a career – was this even a career? …Did it matter if it wasn’t? Did he even achieve all of this?

Arin sighed. Commending himself in his mind did nothing but inflate his ego. Instead, he turned his thoughts towards his failings, and where he could improve.

He missed his first ever friend, Princess Celestia. Without her, things just weren’t the same. And he knew trouble lurked just beyond the shadows, too – the pressure from politics, the stress of a recession, all of this took their toll from the Alicorn against his chest. He wasn’t a hero, nor a king, or even some kind of weird fated Seraph chosen by destiny. In the end, after all that’s happened… Arin was still just a clueless commoner snapped up in the midst of a struggle, like all those around him. He was just a tad more lucky than most, and surrounded by amazing ponies that made the world a place worth living. But still… he almost felt forced into the role.

It seems as if everyone he knew in the Castle made some sort of sacrifice, or played a bigger part than he did during the war. Even though he literally died, he recovered and bounced back for the better. Twilight and her friends essentially prevented well over two thirds of Leotoln’s forces from breaching Equis. Celestia sacrificed herself to save her sister from being banished once more, not to mention guided her units with impeccable leadership. Luna had to slave away at all hours to keep the world at peace, after the battle. Even during the war, Vapor Cloud and Honey Rose played their parts – either protecting the Princesses or tending to the wounded. What did he do? Die, let Celestia get banished, then pop back up at the last moment to kill his father.

Luckily, Leotoln was such a rotten piece of filth that even his own men began to despise him. Again, ‘luckily’. How long until ‘lucky’ just didn’t cut it anymore? How many times can you just ‘get lucky’ before that runs short? How many close calls? In another reality, Arin would have passed away, and none would have survived the onslaught.

Luna could have died. Would have died. Many did die. And he couldn’t let that happen again. For years, he sat on these thoughts. Celestia would still be here if he had just followed orders, and not let his emotions get the best of him. Maybe from another angle, his brashness saved them – as it allowed him to Ascend.

Unpleasant thoughts soon fell to the side, as his mind grew hazy with sleep. For now, he put this stress to the void – he’d make up for it. He’d work with Twilight every step of the way to help free his friend, or turn the tides on the political drama. He’d even take Umbra on her… date, as weird as it would be dating his close friend and Spymaster, if it meant relieving an ounce of stress from Luna’s shoulders. If she agreed to this debacle at all.

When he awoke, Luna was now laying over him. Her soft muzzle an inch from his lips, the bags under her eyes lifted slightly. At some point, she must have woken up to drag herself to the window, and move the moon into place – the sun now resting beyond the horizon. Gently, he drew his hand through her mane – sad to find the once ethereal strands still weak and lacking in their usual magical viscosity.

Her eyes cracked open, a small smile breaking on her lips. “Good evening, Arin,” she whispered, her hooves squeezing tighter around him. “How I have missed thee.”

He placed a gentle peck on her lips, happy to have such a warm bundle to wake up to. “I missed you too, my doting Princess. But I think it’s time to wake up. Did you sleep well?”

She averted her eyes. “In truth, this is one of the few times I could strive for such rest. My dreams are usually a chaotic mess of impending doom and lingering regrets, and tonight I was happy to find them peaceful and quiet. Just knowing you are here, has set my soul at peace. But I find it unlikely to last.”

His digits scratched gently behind her ears, helping calm her worries. “I thought you excelled at dream crafting? Couldn’t you prevent your own nightmares?”

Luna gave a small frown, shaking her head. “Not lately. Not since my Sister…” She had trouble finishing the statement, her head pulling up as her hoof traced his chest. “I’ve just been under too much duress to sleep unburdened, I feel. It’s as if the toils of the world have drained me of my magic. My heart is heavy, and with only the comforting thoughts of knowing I will see you again… I can be at peace, now, at least. Until the stress comes once more, and my emotions begin to best me.”

The Knight gave a reassuring smile, cupping her cheek in his palm. “Hey, you know what we could both use right now? Something to eat, friends and company to help lighten the mood, and a night off. The Crowning Ceremony in Alma Sol took several hours too long, and ending the Civil War was a world’s worth of effort. I could use some time to unwind, too.”

She nodded, resting her head on his chest once more. “Will you carry me? I do not deem my legs fit for the stairs, nor my magic sufficient to land us upon the step of the Dining Hall.”

“Ha! I’ve been carrying you all day; another minute shouldn’t be a problem. Let’s be quick. If I’m right, Honey Rose should just about now start bothering Twilight about something at the table, and I really want to see what antics she’ll pull tonight. It’s been too long since I caught the show.”

Luna let him stand unburdened, the Seraph quickly donning his armor once more. Just his usual vest this time; he didn’t need his full gear for food. Soon, she was carried in the bridal position – a nice change from being his personal backpack. With her hooves around his neck, her horn sparkled; throwing open the latch to the balcony, before clicking the door shut behind them.

With a flap of wings and the whoosh of wind blowing through the air, they soon touched down on the lower terrace of the Guest Wing. From there, a short walk East brought them back to the all too familiar feast table; sparsely occupied by Vapor Cloud, Honey Rose, Umbra, and Twilight.

“Aha! You finally made it! I was wondering when the drama would start!” Honey clopped her hooves together, and that’s when Arin remembered.

Oh yeah. Umbra wanted to ask Luna a very off-putting and worrying question. Gently, he placed Luna on her favorite pillow (the only blue one at the entire table) and took his seat by her side.

Umbra, as stone faced as ever, drifted her eyes to the more cognizant – and now confused – Luna.

“Good evening Luna. I believe that Vapor Cloud requested my abilities as a Spymaster to help scour the Nobles of Canterlot for signs of treachery. I had agreed to do so, on one condition…”

Oh no. Don’t do it, Umbra.

“I had requested the services -” Why does she have to word it that way “of a Life Partner.”

Luna blinked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “And?”

“I was informed that I was to choose one I share traits and history with. I choose Arin. I wish for him to take me on… a ‘date’.”

Arin turned to stone, as Luna’s head ever so slowly turned to look up at her Knight. Then back to Umbra. Once more, back to her now profusely sweating Knight.

Honey Rose snorted, as her cute foal began to crawl over her lap. The little bundle of pink and purple babbling while her mother desperately fought off the urge to laugh. Vapor Cloud looked like he had nothing but fear for Arin’s safety.

“And you say your ability to haunt the dark is worthy of stealing Our Knight from Us.” Luna inquired. There was a creeping malice in her voice, one that filled him – and some of the others – with a small sense of dread.

Umbra nodded. Her green eyes flashing with… curiosity, perhaps.

“And that this is the only thing you desire, to take upon such a task.”

Again, the gray mare nodded.

“Vapor Cloud, may I order Capital Punishment upon these Nobles instead?” Luna said, her face turning to a sneer as she looked to her Guard Captain.

“You would honestly doom potentially dozens of mares and stallions – without direct proof confirming their guilt – over giving up Arin for a night.” Vapor Cloud looked on in shock, horror, and perhaps bald-faced amazement over how serious she was.

“Well, when you word it in such blunt terms…” The Princess was left at a loss, but she didn’t immediately dismiss the idea.

“I thought as such, Princess Luna. That is why I decided to reinforce my request with information, particularly of the sort of what I found under your bed while you were both sleeping?” Umbra smiled, fangless after her transformation from Umbrum to pony - but still, it was quite scary.

“You wouldn’t dare.” The Princess’s eyes narrowed, her irises turning to slits as her horn gave a sharp crackle. Umbra held her smirk with satisfaction.

“Wait, what’s under Luna’s bed?” Arin asked, looking between them both. Now it was Luna’s turn to grow nervous, the air heavy with rising tension – swiftly dropping the act to not push Umbra’s hoof. The gray Unicorn’s eyes settled on Arin.

“Perhaps I can show you. After all, I decided that the best blackmail is physical.”

Luna raised her hooves defensively, her determination wavering in mere moments. “Now now, Umbra, let us refrain from showing haste-”

“Then I believe I will be seeing Arin, alone, tomorrow. No later than three o’clock, at the front gate.” Umbra sat smug on her pillow, as the Castle’s chef appeared carrying cloches galore.

“If you turn over your leverage, I can be convinced.” Luna glared daggers through the former Umbrum, who raised a hoof to her chin in thought.

“If only we could strike a deal then. I would have my date, and you would have your Spymaster, and your body pi-”

Luna’s magic swirled around Umbra’s mouth, before snapping her jaws shut. Arin quietly chewed on his loaf of bread as they fought. Well, they DID fight, but clearly, Umbra won.

“Fine. We shall grant thy request. Thee will have thy date with my Knight. He will return unharmed, and more importantly – unmolested. Understood?” Luna ripped the bread from Arin’s hand, glaring daggers at him, too – murderous eyes nearly piercing the innocent Knight. His now empty palm fell by his side, looking a little forlorn at his lack of loaf. “Do not think that We will forget thy silence in this matter, Sir Arin.”

“Very well. After our date, I will begin my research. And return your possessions.” Umbra scooped up a spoonful of delicate broth with a silver spoon, the appetizer to the main course. This level of smug could only be measured by the gallon, as it came off of Umbra in literal waves.

Luna pouted, ripping into the bread in frustration. She dunked it into the soup, the emotional trainwreck she was – and simply scowled at the more than pleased Umbra.

This reminded Arin much too much of Luna’s taunting, when Celestia was on her diet. How she would savor cake and enjoy every bite of her caloric dinner. Now, Umbra served a fresh dish of revenge; while not for Celestia’s sake, it did do the job of making his lover bitter. Perhaps much too bitter, as right now, he honestly felt like she could kill a pony.

But the better question that plagued Arin’s mind is… why not ask him, over their three years together in Erenorn? He’d have accepted then, if only to make her happy. After all, she was by now his closest friend. If anything, it felt like she did it to torment the already bone tired Princess.