Sleeping with Noelle

"Rise, Noelle. Thank you for accepting my offer," Alara remarked, her smile filled with satisfaction and appreciation for Noelle's decision.

As Noelle stood up, Alara's gaze shifted to encompass everyone present at the gathering. Her countenance exuded a composed yet resolute air, a display of maturity and unwavering seriousness that demanded attention.

"Now that you've heard everything," Alara said, her voice suddenly becoming unusually cold in contrast to her typically kind manner. She addressed the group of guests, glancing at each one's face with weighty seriousness.

"I want to know if anyone is unhappy with my decision," she said, her tone cold to emphasize how serious her question was. With a heavy silence that hung over the room, Alara's change in attitude left a palpable tension in the air as everyone looked around to see if anyone would answer her question.

Nebra and Solid, Noelle's siblings, seemed prepared to speak up, ready to express their disapproval, as Alara's question lingered in the air. But before they could say anything, there was an abrupt interruption. Nozel, their older brother, moved quickly to step in and warn them both, sending a clear warning with his hard gaze that said to stop acting on impulse.

Tension mounted as Nozel's severe warning prevented any possible eruption from Noelle's siblings. His admonition, delivered silently, was heavy-handed and a direct warning not to react hastily or carelessly to Alara's proposal. The room remained silent, the tension in the air unspoken, as Nozel's intervention successfully prevented any argument or protest from happening.

"That settles it," Alara remarked, her expression softening back to its usual gentle and kind demeanor. "Apologies for disrupting the moment. Please, feel free to resume your activities. As a gesture of appreciation, drinks are on me for everyone. Excuse me, if you will."

Alara took Noelle's hand and walked her out of the venue with a graceful gesture. Feeling a little less tense after Alara's offer, the spectators slowly moved away and resumed their discussions and pursuits. The room came back to life as Alara and Noelle left, bringing with them a sense of excitement and wonder about the relationship that was developing between the princess and the new knight.

.......................... 

"Princess, are you certain? You want me to share the same bed with you?" Noelle was taken aback, her surprise evident. She hadn't anticipated Alara's request to share a bed.

"Absolutely, Noelle. You can use my nightgown for tonight. Tomorrow, I'll arrange for clothes to be brought here for you. From this point forward, you'll be residing with me. After all, a knight should always be by their princess's side, shouldn't they?" Alara's smile conveyed warmth and reassurance.

"Alright, if that's what you want, I'm fine with it. But what about my elder brother? My siblings? My family?" Noelle inquired with a hint of worry. If her family objected, they might try to pull her away. She desperately wished to avoid that scenario.

"Don't fret, Noelle. I am the princess of the Clover Kingdom. If I declare that I want a member of their family to serve as my knight, they would be honored and unlikely to oppose it," Alara reassured, placing a comforting hand on Noelle's shoulder.

Noelle breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps aligning herself with Princess Alara would prove to be incredibly advantageous. The prospect of no longer enduring mistreatment filled her with a sense of hope. Determined, she made a silent vow to train diligently, determined not to let Alara down.

Noelle remained unaware of the transformation occurring within her. Initially fixated on earning her elder brother's approval and striving for his praise, her focus had now shifted entirely. Her sole ambition was to strengthen herself for Alara's sake. The shift in her priorities had been subtle, yet profound, as her dedication and aspirations pivoted toward becoming a formidable force solely for Alara's benefit.

*Time skip*

Alara and Noelle, clad in their nightgowns, lay on a spacious king-sized bed. As Noelle observed Alara's lifestyle, she couldn't help but notice the stark difference between the princess's way of living and that of other royals. Her attendants made certain Alara followed a regimen of healthy, well-balanced meals. Among them was one of the finest chefs in the Clover Kingdom, dedicated solely to catering to Alara's dietary needs. Additionally, Alara had a legion of maids at her beck and call, ready to serve her at any given moment.

Alara's way of life was obviously grandiose. Her castle was as large as the king's, complete with a large number of guards and lavish decor. Even for someone from a royal background like herself, Noelle was astounded by the sheer cost of everything that belonged to Alara.

"Noelle, are you alright?" Alara was roused from her sleep by the sound of someone crying.

"I am so sorry, Princess Alara," Noelle responded, visibly flustered as she hastily wiped away her tears. "I... I just had a nightmare."

"Noelle..." Alara sighed gently, reaching out to cup Noelle's cheeks with her hand. "Please don't worry. As long as I'm here, you'll be safe. Until you receive your Grimoire, I'll protect you. Then, when you obtain yours, promise me you'll protect me in return. You're two years older, so you'll get your Grimoire first."

"Thank you, Princess, for caring about someone like me. I vow to grow stronger and become deserving of your praise."

"I know you can, Noelle. I know you can do it."

................... 

Noelle awoke to find Alara absent from her side. Observing the morning light filtering through the windows, she deduced that Alara had likely risen early without disturbing her sleep. Tying her nightgown securely, Noelle left the room, determined to locate Alara.

Noelle made her way down the expansive hallway and caught sight of Alara through the window. She found Alara in the garden, engaged in a graceful and meticulous display of swordsmanship. Mesmerized, Noelle lingered, quietly observing as Alara deftly wielded her sword with a blend of delicacy and elegance.

Alara was clad in a uniform of white military attire adorned with a blue cape, embellished with golden stripes. The ensemble transformed her appearance entirely, presenting a strikingly different persona.

"Such strength, such beauty..." Noelle found herself captivated by Alara's fluid motions. "I aspire to reach that level someday."