Finding the castle library was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the detailed directions provided by the guards. It seemed they had more to offer than just their imposing presence.

Navigating through a few hallways, I entered the library. It was smaller than I anticipated, with enough space for only a few ponies to comfortably read at once. Bookshelves lined each wall, towering up to the ceiling, easily reaching twenty feet high. The only connection to the outside world was a small window adjacent to the solitary piece of furniture in the room: a table with a chair on either side, a chest filled with empty scrolls, and pens with ink.

The library was devoid of any occupants.

"We beat Luna. What should we do to pass the time?" I asked Aldin.

Aldin surveyed the room from his perch on my shoulder before fluttering up to a ledge on one of the bookshelves, where he settled in for a nap.

"You're right. Let's see if we can find any interesting books while we wait."

Fortunately, all the books were written in common. However, not wanting to get ahead of whatever was planned for the evening, I decided against delving into any texts until Luna arrived. Outside, the rain pattered against the window, creating a soothing ambiance.

After a moment, I found myself whispering, "This is some good reading weather."

"I agree," came a voice from behind me.

I let out a startled noise and jumped to my feet, only to find Princess Luna standing there with a mischievous grin, clearly amused by my reaction.

"You! How did you sneak up on me? You have hooves, and these are stone tiles!" I exclaimed, feeling a bit embarrassed by my own surprise. "And where did your bruise go? I still have mine from those damned balls."

"Trade-secret. Alicorn biology," Luna replied, nodding along with each point.

As I sat back down, I gestured toward the bookshelves. "Fine. What will we be learning today, Luna?"

Taking the remaining seat, Luna explained, "I will be covering the events of the past thousand years. My time spent imprisoned prevented me from keeping up with the times. You have a few options: historical texts, more contemporary works, or magical literature."

Although the magical texts initially caught my eye, upon reflection, I found the historical option more appealing. After all, I was now in a magical setting about which I had no knowledge, and delving into history would provide us with a common topic of discussion.

"I'll opt for history. I've always been a fan of it, especially when it involves magic."

With a flick of her telekinesis, Luna brought down two books, one for each of us. "Read one, and I shall read the other. Feel free to ask any questions that come to mind."

Luna’s choice in reading material for herself was a text that covered the events that occurred right after Nightmare Moon’s banishment.

I couldn’t help but glance from my own book on Three Tribes. Luna grew more and more agitated by what she was reading as time went on.

Barely an hour passed when Luna stood abruptly, her expression turning stony. "I have matters I must discuss with my sister. Spend the rest of the night as you wish."

Without waiting for a response, Luna swiftly left the library, her hoofsteps echoing faintly in the quiet room. I watched her departure, feeling a sense of unease settle over me.

Alone in the library, I glanced around at the rows of books, feeling a mix of frustration and curiosity. Luna took her book with her.

Taking to the bookshelves, I began combing through them, searching for more books on events right after her banishment. I managed to find one: Equestria: Civil Strife.

Flipping the book open and reading the opening lines made me stop in my tracks. I read and reread them to make sure I wasn’t misunderstanding.

The book was surprisingly short, taking only a few hours to complete. It listed crimes, known deaths, and what could have been if Nightmare Moon was not stopped. All-in-all: a little rough.

Closing the book and placing it back into its spot on the bookshelves, I let the implications of Luna’s leaving combined with her choice of reading material sink in.

“I’d feel pretty bad too if I was responsible for so much loss of life.”

I decided to take a break from my research. I pulled out a few scrolls from the chest, placing my spellbook next to the scrolls. Then, I flipped to my first-level spells.

A smile snuck onto my face, “Perfect. Time for a little scribing!”

Crafting scrolls is a surprisingly good practice. It granted me both experience and a deeper understanding of my magic. These lower level spells were easy to create and relatively cheap.

Our daily routine served as a comfortable anchor, with each day dedicated to physical training, book studies, and magical practice. We followed this structure diligently until we had exhausted the relevant texts, at which point we transitioned to a more independent study approach.

Luna's approach to physical training was nothing short of demanding. She pushed me relentlessly, ensuring I met her exacting standards. Whether it was mastering straight blades, spears, or unarmed combat, every session felt like a grueling test of endurance. I couldn't help but wonder if Luna harbored any lingering resentment over the punch I had landed during our initial tests, or if her training style was simply inherently rigorous.

Our book studies took us on a journey through a myriad of subjects, from history to magical theories and beyond. We divided the reading material between us, engaging in lengthy discussions to share our insights.

Under Luna's tutelage in magical training, coupled with my daily use of Keep Watch, I made remarkable progress, unlocking third-level spells within a month and improving my physicality to rival that of a min-max'd fighter. Aldin's newfound ability to communicate verbally added an unexpected dimension to our training sessions, although his sassy remarks often caught me off guard.

As I delved deeper into crafting various magical items, including wands and enchanted arms and armor, I found myself drawn to the study of magic in relation to the celestial bodies. This fascination led me to design schematics for a Moon Clock — a simple yet elegant magical item that harnessed the power of the moon and stars to accurately display the current phase of the moon.

However, despite our progress in training and my efforts to connect with her, I couldn't shake the feeling of Luna growing increasingly distant from those around her. She seemed to retreat further into the night, spending less time in the day and showing little interest in acquiring lunar guards, despite historical precedent. Her detachment troubled me deeply.

And yet, amidst the routine and distance, I found myself drawn to Luna in a way I couldn't quite explain. Each interaction with her stirred something within me, a feeling that lingered long after our training sessions ended and left me in confusion. It only grew stronger with each passing day, becoming harder and harder for me to ignore.

Today, Luna was noticeably absent from our physical training session, leaving me disappointed. I had just added a multitude of transmutation spells to my spellbook and was eager to test them out with her.

“Maybe she finally noticed the way you look at her?”

I paused, letting the dumbbell rest on the floor, “What are you talking about?”

"Master, please! We share an empathetic bond; I feel what you feel and vice versa!" Aldin's words carried a weight of truth that I couldn't ignore.

I glared at the dumbbell like it was its fault somehow, “She’s my teacher! And a pony! It just wouldn’t work…”

“Master…” Aldin sounded and felt like he was extremely disappointed in me. “You are beginning to sound like a bitch.”

I knew he was baiting me. He knew I knew he was baiting me. But Aldin knew me better than anyone. I took that bait.

“I aint no bitch!” I glared at Aldin. “I just don’t want to try a doomed plan.”

“That’s the bitch in you talking.” Aldin let out a low hoot. “The Sebastian Hilam I know wouldn’t bitchout like this, he would march up there and charisma the fuck out of her!”

“What would I even say to her?” I weakly asked.

Aldin hopped closer, draping a wing over my head as he whispered into my ear, "Here's what you're going to do: march up to her bedroom, knock on her door, and say..."

Determined, I ascended to her tower, climbing the lengthy flight of stairs until I stood at her door. Adjusting my attire — a fresh set of shirt and pants courtesy of Rarity herself — I rehearsed Aldin's advice. Aldin had chosen to remain in our room, citing a desire not to interfere with my chances of ‘hitting that’.

As the door swung open, Luna greeted me from her doorway, her royal attire absent. "Good evening, Sebastian. I seem to have overslept again, my apologies."

I waved off her apology. "No worries! I actually have a question and could use a mare's perspective."

"Of course, my apprentice. Ask away," Luna encouraged.

"Let's say I spot a particularly charming mare. Would it be too forward to approach her directly?"

"Sebastian, you should definitely go and speak with her," Luna advised with a gentle smile.

I flashed a winning grin, and I extended my hand in introduction. "Well then, hello! I'm Sebastian Hilam. Pleasure to meet you!"

Luna's eyes sparkled with amusement as she accepted my handshake with her hoof. "Pleasure to meet you too, Sebastian, please come inside!" she replied warmly.

As Luna welcomed me inside, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement coursing through me. Through the weeks of time we’ve spent together, we have grown rather relaxed around one another. Her presence put me at ease, and I followed her into her cozy living space, taking in the surroundings with a sense of wonder.

Inside, Luna's bedroom left me in awe. Moons adorned everything - a crescent moon-themed bed, moon insignias on her slippers and door handles, and walls adorned with night sky motifs. Big moon energy.

Letting out a low whistle, I turned to Luna, “Nice room you got here — wait — you have bean bag chairs?! Luna, you have been holding out on me!”

I sank into the beans.

Luna took a similar chair next to my own, and I found myself engaged in a lively conversation with her. We discussed everything from magical theory to our favorite foods, and with each passing moment, I felt a growing sense of ease and comfort.

As the conversation flowed effortlessly, I couldn't help but notice the way Luna's eyes sparkled with genuine interest, and the way her laughter filled the room with warmth. It was then that I realized just how much I enjoyed her company.

Before I knew it, the evening had turned to night, and Luna suggested that we continue our conversation at a later date. Without hesitation, I seized the opportunity and proposed a date.

"Luna, would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner tomorrow night?" I asked, my heart pounding in my chest.

Any second now I’ll be thrown out the window. A bloody smear on the ground. They’ll blame it on my failure to cast Feather Fall in time.

A smile spread across Luna's face, and she nodded eagerly. "I would love to, Sebastian. It sounds delightful."

Relief washed over me, and I couldn't contain the grin that spread across my face. "Great! It's a date then."

With plans in place and excitement in the air, I bid Luna goodnight and made my way back to my room, a dumb smile plastered on my face.

Aldin was already fast asleep by the time I returned. A quick check of my clock showed just past eight o’clock.

"Get some good sleep, my friend. I have to get ready for my date," I whispered to him, giving him his morning pets before hurrying out of the room.

Wandering down the castle corridors lost in thought, I began planning every detail of our upcoming outing. Recalling every scrap of knowledge I had about Canterlot’s eateries and fine dining options.

“There’s that fancy late-night dinner spot that some of the servants speak of… No, that one doesn't really feel like her style…” Squinting up at the stone ceiling, I walked right into a guard who was leaving the barracks.

I ended up on my ass, completely lost in my thoughts.

"Sorry about that! You must be Sebastian," the guard said, offering me a hoof to help me up.

"Nah, that one's on me. Hey, aren’t you that new captain? What was it? Shining Shield?"

"Shining Armor, and yes, I’m the new captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard."

"Shining Armor, that's right," I nodded in remembrance. "You’re the guard who’s ‘secretly’ dating Princess Cadance!"

He clapped a hoof over my mouth, “Shhhhh! Nopony is supposed to know about that yet! How’d you even find out about that?”

Luna let it slip during a particularly boring history session. I ain’t no snitch though, so I said, “Wizard stuff.”

“Wizard stuff?” He sounded incredulous. “Just don’t tell anypony about it, please?”

“Don’t worry, Shining, my lips are sealed.” An idea sparked in my mind. “Hey, you’ve been around Canterlot a lot, right?”

“Born and raised.”

“I have a date coming up soon. Would you happen to know of any place nearby for a late-night date? Someplace simple and quiet.”

“Fine, I’ll tell you because you’re Princess Luna’s apprentice.” He looked around hesitantly before sighing. “Picnic date in the back of the Royal Garden, anytime after sunset and before sunrise is empty of guards. Massage along areas with tension and tightness in the muscles with some massage oil. Make some sandwiches. The mares dig it!”

“How many mares have you been with?”

“One… But she loved it!”

“Thanks! She will love it. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me! Catch you later, Shining!” I hurried towards where I knew Princess Celestia would be during this time of day, Day Court.

Slipping past a distinguished-looking unicorn, I maintained an even pace, ensuring I wasn't caught by the closing door to the throne room. As the unicorn began his formal greeting to Princess Celestia, I quietly made my way up and behind her throne.

Hidden from view, I waited until the unicorn was nearing the end of his request—a plea for additional funds to repair property damage caused by a recent Ursa Minor attack in Ponyville. As he turned to leave, I leaned in close behind Celestia and whispered into her ear, “Hey, Celestia.”

Startled, she flinched slightly, but her composure remained intact, unnoticed by the others present.

“Sebastian? What's going on?” she whispered back, her gaze fixed on the next noblepony approaching—a mare in an elaborate dress.

“I have an important question for you, then I'll be out of your hair,” I replied softly.

“You could have chosen a less conspicuous moment,” Celestia chided, though her tone remained hushed. “What do you need to know?”

“Fair enough. What's Luna's favorite sandwich?”

“Luna's favorite... sandwich?” Celestia echoed, her confusion evident.

“Yeah, I'm planning a surprise for her,” I explained, omitting the details of the upcoming date.

As the mare continued her request for a statue in her likeness, Celestia whispered back, listing off the ingredients, “Whole grain bread, sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and mayo.”

“Thanks. I'll leave you to it. Good luck with Day Court,” I whispered back, already pulling out my Wand of Invisibility to disappear once more.

With practiced ease, I slipped away from the throne room, unnoticed by any of the other attendees.

With the ingredients easily procured thanks to my stash of bits — courtesy of my arrangement with Luna — I made a mental note to repay the princesses once I began selling my nonlethal wands and potions. They'd soon see a return on their investment in my studies.

The rest of the day was spent preparing sandwiches and double-checking my surprise gift to ensure it still worked perfectly. Though I knew it did, the reassurance was comforting.

"This way, Luna!" I called out eagerly, practically pulling her along as I held the picnic basket.

"You're unusually eager tonight, Sebastian," Luna remarked, amusement coloring her tone.

"Master and Luna sitting in a tree K - I - S - S - I - N - G!" Aldin's soft laughter floated from above, but I was too happy to let his teasing bother me.

Having successfully kept the location of our date a secret, I led Luna into the Royal Garden, where she looked pleasantly surprised.

"I thought a peaceful setting would be best for our first date," I explained, hesitating momentarily as doubt crept in. "Unless you'd prefer somewhere more public —"

Luna matched my pace, walking beside me in the serene garden. "No, I prefer this."

"Right over there," I pointed to a spot I had scouted out earlier in the day.

The grassy clearing was serene, surrounded by trees with the walls of Canterlot just beyond. It provided a perfect view of the night sky, just as I had hoped when I scouted it earlier in the day.

I unfurled the picnic blanket, a purchase from a traveling griffon rug salesman, chosen for its soft yet durable fabric. As I arranged the basket, Luna settled onto the blanket.

"Your food, my Princess!" I presented her with a sandwich, adding a playful tone to my voice.

"Ah, thank you, my dear apprentice!" Luna replied in kind, matching my playful tone and causing me to grin.

Taking my place beside her, sandwich in hand, I awaited her verdict. If she didn't like it, Princess Celestia would be receiving a prank or two from me.

Luna took a bite, and I watched anxiously. She chewed thoughtfully, examining the sandwich, before shooting me a curious look.

"How did you know this is my favorite sandwich?"

"Wizard stu—" I began, only to be cut off by Luna's warning tone.

"Sebastian Hilam. If you say 'wizard stuff' to me one more time, I will throw you off this mountain."

I gulped, realizing I had pushed my luck. "I broke into Day Court and asked Celestia," I confessed quickly. Luna's full name carried a weight of authority that made me shrink a little.

I expected a reprimand, but instead Luna burst into laughter. "Tell me all about it!"

Summoning up the nerve, I recounted the tale. "I used a bit of invisibility and walked right up to her. Stood behind her throne and scared the shit out of her. I don't think anyone noticed."

A mischievous smirk appeared on Luna's face. "Good work, my apprentice! I will hold this over her head forever!"

Aldin glanced between us before flying off, remarking, "Master, I will give you two some alone time..."

That warm feeling enveloped me once more, and I couldn't help but just gaze at her. My sandwich lay forgotten as I leaned my head on my fist, taking in every detail.

The moonlight illuminated her, casting her in sharp relief against the shadows. She seemed almost otherworldly, surrounded by an ethereal glow as the stars themselves lent their light to her mane. Every movement revealed the smooth ripple of her muscles, a testament to her strength and grace. Her head tilted ever so slightly, a subtle scrunch forming on her brow. And her eyes... They were like pools of water, deep and captivating, drawing me in with their mesmerizing gaze.

“Sebastian? Are you okay? You've been quiet for a while,” Luna's voice carried a note of concern.

"Sorry, I just got lost in your eyes for a moment," I admitted, shaking my head to clear my thoughts. The Moon Clock! I quickly searched through my pockets, hoping to find it before I embarrassed myself any further.

Finally, my fingers closed around it, and I held it out to her, presenting the closed Moon Clock in my palm. "I brought you a present, a Moon Clock!"

Luna took it from me, her curiosity evident as she examined it closely. With a gentle tap of her hoof, she clicked open the latch and gasped in awe. "It tracks the moon!"

"It took some trial and error, but I managed to get it to work. It reads the aura of the moon and displays the current phase, as well as the previous and upcoming phases," I explained, feeling a sense of pride at her reaction.

She threw her hooves around me in a hug, and I was momentarily stunned before returning the embrace. "I love it!"

Gathering my wits, I continued, "I have one more surprise for you, Luna."

She pulled back with a smile, teasing, "You're spoiling me!"

"Well, you deserve to be spoiled," I replied, reaching into the basket for the final item – massage lotion. "I know you've been working hard lately, so I thought a nice massage would be in order."

"I'll definitely be bragging to Celestia about this," Luna declared, settling back on the blanket and allowing her wings to relax beside her.

With a generous amount of lotion, I began to work my hands along Luna's back, searching for tension and knots. I could feel the stress that had built up in her muscles, so I focused on easing it away.

Starting with gentle touches around her neck, I gradually applied more pressure, targeting the areas where I sensed tension. Moving to her shoulders and wings, I employed long, smooth strokes and circular motions to help relieve her stress.

As I worked, Luna's contented groans filled the air, indicating that my efforts were bringing her some relief. It wasn't until I reached her lower back, just above her cutie mark, that she spoke.

"Sebastian," her voice was soft, and I paused, my hands hovering over her back as I waited for her to continue.

"Why me?" Luna's question hung in the air, and I found myself pondering it as well. Why her, indeed? I could have pursued a relationship with another pony, but it never felt right. The warmth I felt whenever I was with Luna, the sense of peace and belonging – those were the reasons.

Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I let out a sigh before answering, "When I'm with you, I don't feel alone. It's like being with you brings me a sense of home and peace, like nothing could go wrong. That's why I want to be with you."

“I suppose it also helps that you’re the hottest mare –”

As I let slip my comment about Luna's attractiveness, she responded swiftly, silencing me with a passionate kiss. In that instant, any lingering doubts dissipated into thin air, and I found myself wholly enveloped in her embrace. It was as if time itself had frozen, allowing us to lose ourselves in the whirlwind of desire and passion that consumed us both.

Amidst our fervent embrace, Luna took the lead, positioning herself atop me with a flush of passion adorning her face. With a deft flick of her magic, she removed my clothes, and I surrendered myself to the waves of pleasure that surged between us as she lowered herself onto me.

There was no turning back now. Driven by our shared longing and desire, we entered a state of frenzied ecstasy, our bodies moving in perfect harmony with each thrust, filling the garden with our cries of pleasure.

In that fleeting moment, everything else faded away, leaving only the intense connection between us. I held her close, our bodies entwined as we surrendered to the overwhelming sensations coursing through us.

She reached climax first, her cry of ecstasy filled the air, followed closely by my own release, waves of euphoria crashing over me like a tidal wave.

As we lay entwined on the blanket, our breaths ragged and our bodies spent, a surge of doubt washed over me like a crashing wave.

"What have you done?" I scolded myself internally. "Are you a fool? She's Princess Luna, and you're just an ordinary guy..."

But Luna lifted her head from my chest, planting a tender kiss on my lips that instantly dispelled my doubts. "That was quite the evening, Sebastian," she murmured softly, her words wrapping around me like a warm embrace. "We should incorporate this into our training regimen..."

Nodding dumbly, I agreed, my heart soaring with happiness as we cuddled together under the soft glow of her moon.

In the depths of my mind, I sensed an emotion emanating from Aldin.

Pride.