Being the Princess of the Sun was a glorious thing. When every pony looked up to you, it was hard not to be filled with pride. Not so much pride at oneself but rather pride at seeing how those you served grew and developed into their own. Seeing a young foal go from barely able to stand on her legs to a powerful speaker and leader was one of the most satisfying things in Celestia's life. She had seen it firsthand with her own star pupil and her friends. Yet it wasn't just there that the seeds of growth she helped to plant grew. Many of those in her court she had known since they were starting out, and now she had cultivated a castle filled with those that she could trust, rely on, and call upon when needed.
Unfortunately, there were things that she couldn't call upon her friends nor her underlings to help solve for her.
Currently, a pony named Sunny Shores was standing in front of a strange shop. The mare stood slightly shorter than the average pony, with a pure white coat and pink hair that was drawn back into braids. Her eyes were a shining blue, and her tail was cut short and perked upwards. She had on a very plain light yellow sundress, one that was just common enough not to draw attention, yet fashionable enough to travel through the streets of Canterlot without looking out of place. She had on a large brown rimmed hat and pink sunglasses, along with small high heels that clacked as she walked. It seemed she was going more for the 'innocent mare on the street' feeling, which worked out well for her since she was going anywhere but innocent.
With a small inhale, "Sunny" stepped forward and gently opened the door to the shop. There was an electric tingle that went through her as she did. She was about to embark on something rather risque for any pony, let alone a Princess. She was about to go into something that she hadn't indulged in far too long: desire. If this mare she was recommended to was to show her anything, it would be something that she had desperately lacked in her own life: true, and complete, submission. With one more sigh, she opened up the door to the shop and stepped inside.
<|im_end|>
And as "Sunny" went through the door, a chipper bell jangled. At first glance, The Gilded Bridle seemed like just another clothier or perhaps an eccentric boutique selling fancy hauling tack. But upon closer inspection, it wasn't until one saw that those weren't tops but corsets, those straps and buckles weren't for pulling heavy things but holding one down. Still, the place was decorated welcomingly, albeit with a few darker colors than was typical. The layout was much like a wagon wheel, the central area wide and filled with more pedestrian lingerie and corsetry, while the spokes of the wheel were alcoves outfitted with all manner of leather gear. Tall, shiny boots here, a full hood there, and in between were things that only an experienced pony could identify. In the back, a small sign reading "Toys" pointed up the stairs.
That was where the knock of steps came from. "One moment!" called the rich voice from above, and soon a mare appeared, trotting quickly down. Her coat a dark plum while her mane and tail were both a brilliant silver, the former styled to drape down to bubble down the left side of her face. Her lean figure was presented politely in a burgundy leather vest, contrasting with the bright and colorful gypsy skirt that danced around long legs as she came down. The unicorn's violet eyes brightened at the sight of Sunny. "Well hello." The offered smile was welcoming, reassuring. This was someone she'd never seen before, one who looked downright demure, and she didn't want to scare a curious mare off. "How can I help you?"<|im_end|>