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“I think this… us , was a mistake.”
Even as a whisper in a crowded restaurant, Shining Armor’s statement made Prince Blueblood’s ears ring. It deafened the sounds of conversation that, even in their secluded seats in the corner, still seemed to surround them. And all Blueblood could do was stare at the face across from him.
That apologetic, almost pitying expression. Head downturned, ears folded back, and with eyes that either wouldn’t dare or couldn’t bear to look in his direction.
“A… mistake?” Blueblood asked, narrowing his eyes as he tried to confirm. Far be it from Blueblood to admit he was anything less than perfect, but he had to hope pray assume that he’d misheard.
Shining pursed his lips at that, scooting back in his chair as he seemed to count the amount of silverware he was given rather than pay Blueblood any mind. “I think it’s best we break of our…”
“Relationship?”
Shining flinched at the word, his eyes flicking up towards Blueblood briefly before returning to his cutlery. “Our affair .” He corrected, spitting the word like its filthiness would taint either stallion’s white coat. “We can’t keep sneaking around like this and acting like everything’s alright. I think Cadance is starting to get suspicious.”
“Need I remind you that you invited me out to this restaurant?” Blueblood tapped a hoof against the table. “Honestly, I was… very excited for tonight. Hopeful that you had told her and come to an agreement about us.”
Eyes still downcast, Shining scratched the back of his neck. “I just don’t know how she’ll take it if I tell her-”
Before Shining could say more, Prince Blueblood raised his voice to cut him off. “Well, a signed contract shouldn’t be thrown out simply because one party decides the outcome didn’t end in their favor.”
Shining Armor blinked and tilted his head in confusion, then flinched again as he suddenly noticed the stallion walking up to their table.
“My sincerest apologies for the wait, sirs.” The waiter smiled politely and apologetically as he regarded both stallions at the table. “How may we serve you this evening?”
With a pronounced sigh, Prince Blueblood gave his menu the briefest glance before waving a hoof dismissively. “We will both have the heirloom tomato salad to start, then the mushroom risotto.”
The waiter nodded, briefly scribbling down as much on a pad of paper. “Very good, sir. And have you given our wine list a look? Personally, I would suggest our vintage-”
Prince Blueblood laughed at that, cutting the stallion off before he could finish his suggestion. He waved the very notion away as he shook his head. “Oh no, just a drop of alcohol and suddenly the both of us are making…” Pausing briefly, Blueblood’s gaze slid from the waiter to Shining Armor. “ Mistakes. ”
As Shining Armor turned a deep shade of red, the waiter nodded again. “Understandable, sir. We will do our best to have your salads out as soon as possible.”
The waiter left the table towards the kitchen, and as he did Shining Armor looked sadly at his own menu. “But… I wanted the soup.” He said softly, his head downcast in clear disappointment
“Well, clearly we don’t always get what we want.” Blueblood said simply. “If you’d told your wife what went on between us, perhaps you could have as much soup as you want.”
Eyebrows furrowed and anger inflamed, Shining suddenly stood from his seat. “And what should I tell her? That you and I-”
With a swift flick of magic and a frosty glare, Shining Armor’s mouth was forced shut before the stallion could utter another word.
“Lower. Your. Voice.” Blueblood warned with his voice kept low, his eyes darting to the restaurant’s other patrons briefly. “You may have your wife to contend with, but I have entire circles of ponies who would love to know what we’ve been up to. And right now? They’re staring.”
Slowly lowering himself back into his seat, Shining Armor looked over to see that the dining room had stopped since his outburst, conversations put on hold as the patrons looked on and wondered exactly what two of Equestria’s princes would have to shout about.
But the moment passed as drama refused to unfold, nosy ponies returning to their meals like nothing had happened.
“If our dalliances were to get out now, that’s both of our heads on a silver platter.” Blueblood sighed, brushing a bit of his mane back nervously.
Shining nodded, his expression softening with sympathy. “And that’s why I want to end it here.”
“It’s why I want to confirm it.” Blueblood extended a hoof, resting it on the table as he reached it out towards Shining. “If we get Cadance’s consent we could form a herd and be open about ourselves. Not have to skulk around like two thieves on the run.”
Shining eyed the hoof warily, lips pressed tightly as he considered the thought. “And what do you think I should tell her? ‘ My love, I had an affair while drunk and now want Prince Blueblood to sleep in our wedding bed ’?”
There was a short pause.
“Perhaps I’d settle for something a bit more flowery, but it gets the point across.” Blueblood retrieved his unmet hoof with a small, soft sigh. “ Is that what you want from this?”
Another pause, longer than the one before as Shining Armor closed his eyes and seemed to be counting to ten. Eyes snapping open once finished, he again abruptly stood from his seat with a lost look.
“I don’t think I can do this.”
As Shining Armor stormed away from the table, the waiter finally returned bearing both salads and concern.
“Will your companion be returning later on?” He asked.
Prince Blueblood waved off the notion with a shaky hoof. “No, you know how us royals are. Disappearing without a care.” Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he forced a smile. “However, it seems I’ll peruse that wine list after all.”