All of Canterlot was abuzz with the news: Discord; the spirit of chaos and disharmony, former king of Equestria, and rather incorrigible prankster, had once again been imprisoned in stone, thanks to the Elements of Harmony! Chocolate milk no longer rained from cotton candy clouds, the laws of physics were no longer inverted and night & day once again lasted roughly 12 hours each. Perhaps the most relieving change, however, was that Buffalo no longer danced across the landscape in tutus and leotards. Across the great land of Equestria, from Appleoosa to Manehatten to Las Pegasus, the citizens rejoiced in their restored harmony of Celestia & Luna ruling once again. In no place were the people more visibly appreciative than Canterlot.
Nobleponies were squeamish and reality twisting around on itself made their vast inheritances useless, so obviously they were especially glad to see things return to status quo. Sure, they were short of memory from meeting so many other high rollers daily, so they wouldn't long remember that these particular mares from Ponyville saved civilization. That didn't seem to matter so much to the wielders of the Elements, though; Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and even Fluttershy were enjoying the adulation.
Rarity was being chatted up by Hoity Toity, discussing ideas for a new line of clothing likely capitalizing on the surreal nature of the past few days. "Bouleverser", he called it. Shock Value.
Applejack entertained a crowd of well-to-dos with details of the showdown with Discord. She kept the tale pretty true to life, embellishment not being a personality trait she practiced.
Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, stood on the opposite end of the hall where the celebration was being held. She had originally planned to find one of the Wonderbolts and try again to schmooze her way into the team, but she'd been sidetracked by thankful citizens wishing her to "tell them all about it." While Applejack had done her best to stay accurate and objective, Rainbow Dash let her natural exhibitionist show in her own retelling of the return of harmony. Something which drew a much larger gathering, with louder applause.
While Rainbow & Applejack actively sought out attention, Fluttershy kept herself to a small table sipping tea with two other Ponies, one a zoologist, the other a botanist who worked in the royal menagerie. The trio softly carried on a conversation about their careers, hobbies, and their favorite plants and animals.
For her part, Pinkie Pie felt more at home with the 'help', as the nobles called them, than the nobles themselves. Hoofstands into the punch bowl, conga lines, cupcake eating contests. Pinkie Pie's revelry managed to create a gravity well of fun, anypony close enough was pulled into it, whether they knew what was coming or not.
Last, but - at the risk of invoking a cliche - least, there was Twilight Sparkle, who beheld the entire scene with a sense of fulfillment and pride, standing alone from them all. Not one year prior, the purple unicorn had no friends to speak of (save for Shining Armor and Spike), and as much interest in changing that. Now, now she had five wonderful friends with whom she saved her homeland no less than twice, all thanks to the bond that they shared. It was a bond for which none of them would trade anything.
It was just before she felt tears of joy welling in her eyes that she heard the voice of her mentor in her ear.
"Why don't you and I sneak away for a bit, Twilight? I've got something I'd like to offer you...and your friends."
Twilight turned to meet her teacher's gaze. Princess Celestia glanced at an out of the way door she used for quick escapes during these kinds of gatherings, signaling that was the door they should take. The protege nodded in response.
"Of course."
----------------------------
It was rare for anyone, other than the maids, to enter princess Celestia's bedchamber. Even Twilight never had the opportunity. It was a surprisingly humble bedchamber, furnished with a bed just big enough for the princess herself; Philomena's cage, which had a sheet draped over it; a fireplace permanently blazing with a magical flame, the only source of light; and a few bookshelves with a scroll stand. Twilight and the princess spent some time catching up and sharing a laugh over the pupil's foalhood misadventures.
Deciding now was the time to spring her offer, Celestia put her plan into motion. "Listen, my student, about my offer..."
Twilight stifled her giggling and perked her ears up, offering the princess her full, undivided attention.
"You and your friends have put yourselves at great personal risk for the sake of Equestria." Celestia took a sip of tea. "You have the thanks of every one in the land, me included, but..."
Twilight Sparkle cocked her head to the side. It was strange to see the princess, of all ponies, was having trouble addressing one of her subjects. Especially since she said she was offering something, and who in their right mind would refuse an offer from the most powerful, wise & just creature to ever grace creation with her presence?
Meanwhile, Celestia's thoughts and heart were racing - was she sure that the suggestion she was about to make was a good idea? Would Twilight understand and accept her if she new of the princess's little kink? Could she? And what of her friends? What if they refused? What if they told?! She'd lose the respect and trust of her subjects! She'd be the laughing stock of her kingdom! Not even Luna knew about this! Oh gods -- What if they suspected Luna of being a...freak like her?! Discord could well feed off the chaos that would cause and break free once more, whether or not the Elements of Harmony were there to help or not! Celestia was about to risk everything for the sake of indulging her twisted fetish! The thoughts and fears rising to a crescendo in her mind, a din in her skull! Until, like a clear, silver bell, silencing the cacaphony, Twilight spoke up.
"Princess? Are you alright?"
And just like that, the fears, the doubt, the guilt all ebbed away. No turning back, the princess reassured herself, no regrets.
Princess Celestia shook her head and breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes, Twilight, I'm fine now. Thank you. *Ahem* I'm just going to be direct with you: I don't think that a stained glass window is enough for you and your friends -- not by a long shot -- for me to properly thank you for placing your lives on the line to protect my kingdom, your home, from the threats that assail her. So, I think it only appropriate that I offer you and your friends the chance to join me here in Canterlot Castle as my lovers." Celestia smiled at her student, confident once more in her
Twilight Sparkle, always ready with a response, was utterly speechless. Twilight Sparkle, whose countenance always reflected the finest Equestrian education, was now frozen in an expression of wide-eyed, slack-jawed flabbergast.
Celestia took the opportunity to explain exactly what she meant. After all, even when Twilight is at her worst, she is still her most capable student. Her ears and mind could not help but listen to what she had to say, no matter the topic. "It's a lot to consider, I know, but to call the perks of being my harem 'perks' would be an understatement: You'll be treated like royalty - like heroins deserve - be made immortal thanks to your bond to me; my fortune and influence will make sure you want for nothing; your families will be raised to nobility; and you'll be able to enjoy the pleasures of my body, both outside...and in." She finished with a smirk and a wink.
Had Twilight just heard the princess right? A chance for her and her friends to be the princess's personal lovers?! Such an honor! Why, it was almost too good to be true- wait...what was that last part...? "Er...'in', princess? I don't..."
"There will be time for an explanation later, my dear Twilight. For now, just know that you don't need to fear anything from me. Return to your friends now, and tell them about my offer."
Twilight Sparkle nodded. As she headed out the door to return to the festivities, she heard the princess's voice once more.
"One more thing, Twilight."
"Yes, your majesty?"
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