Chapter Text
A gentle wind blew against Willow’s face as she ran towards her love, she seemed panicked-and she kept stumbling over her own gown. She threw Michelle's door open and it seemed to fly open with a bang. Michelle looked surprised to see Willow look so frantic. “Princess? What seems to be the mat-”
“Michelle, you can not leave! It is far too dangerous!” Willow cried out, rushing to her side. Michelle stopped adjusting her boots and she stood from her bed to comfort Willow. “Princess, you know I haven’t got a choice.. Your father has appointed me this position and it is my duty to care for your safety”
Michelle already figured out why Willow looked so frantic, it was probably because just a few days before, the king, Willow’s father, had appointed a special duty to his daughter’s paladin. To slay the mindflayer causing trouble in their kingdom. Willow had been notified only recently and she was terrified, not because of the threat to her safety but because there was a high chance she might not see her beloved come back to her side.
Michelle put her hands on Willow’s waist and gentle crying could be heard.
“Are you weeping, my love?” she gently reached out her hand to cup Willow’s cheek “dry your precious eyes my love. I shall return safely. Have I ever broken our oath?” Willow’s tears shimmered in the dim light as Michelle lifted her face and wiped a tear away with her thumb. Michelle sounded confident but she herself was doubtful of her own abilities.
Michelle leaned in close to Willow’s face -breaths mingling- “..Michelle..” Willow whispered just as their lips made contact. In their midst they heard a gentle knock on the still open door. It was another knight and Michelle broke their kiss to glare at him. “Forgive me for interrupting but I wanted to inform you that it is time to prepare for departion” the knight mumbles, intimidated by her intense gaze.
Michelle gave her princess a tight hug. “Wait up for me… i will return for you..” She whispers, the metal of her armor clinking together as she lets go of her weeping WIllow.
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Willow stayed in Michelle's room for a while even after Michelle left. After a while the princess returned to her own chambers. She laid in her bed and stared at her ceiling trying to make sense of what her paladin meant by ‘I will return for you’ “I mean.. There is no chance she will return for me right? Why would she return..” Willow mutters to herself. She knew that she couldn't be of help because she wasn't allowed to use her powers ever since she got possessed and hurt by the mind flayer. The only spell allowed was a simple light spell but everyone didn’t need to know that she practiced other magic secretly.
She started wondering how far her knight must be from the castle by now and she glanced at her window. The curtains were swaying and the sun had long started to set when suddenly..
*Rustle* *Rustle*
“Michelle?..” Willow thinks to herself. She grabbed her staff and chanted something under her breath. A soft light emitted from her staff and she looked out her window to see familiar curly hair swaying in the wind.
“Michelle?!” WIllow says out loud and MIchelle raises her face to look at Willow. Her lips curled into a smirk “I did tell you I would return for you” she says, half grunting as she climbs up the various vines covering Willow’s tower. “Michelle you ought to scathe yourself!” Willow says worriedly, raising her staff to cast another spell. Soon a light glow of yellow enveloped Michelle’s body
Willow hurried to get her paladin inside knowing that if anyone saw her use her any other magic she ought to get in trouble. Michelle landed softly on her feet as Willow set her down. The floor creaked slightly under her weight and as soon as Willow released her she gave her a tight hug.
“Princess.. would you be willing to join me in my mission?”
Michelle speaks softly and Willow looks up from their embrace with a shocked expression. She hadn't expected her thoughts to be correct
“But I am of no hel-” “Willow i have witnessed your magic firsthand.. even when you think no one is peeping i was observing from somewhere hidden. I have seen how much you miss using your magic” Michelle smiles softly at her princess. “b-but- what about my pare-” Before Willow could continue her protests Michelle captured her lips in a deep but gentle kiss. It was perfect just like every other time they’ve kissed.
After pulling away Willow sighed, looking slightly defeated. “Alright then.. I suppose it is better to care for you in the moment rather than be anxious as I await your return.” Michelle gave a cheeky smile “I got you something for our expedition, i think you will quite like it” Willow looked at her paladin with curiosity as she walked toward the princess's bed. She pulled out a box of decent size and Willow looked surprised. “When did this appear here?” Willow asks as Michelle opens the box. “I suspected you would accept.. So I planted this here yestermorrow” Willow blushed. She didn’t know she was so predictable but maybe that was also because they memorized everything the other did.
Michelle pulled out a beautiful outfit. It looked different from Willow’s usual big, puffy dresses “This shall be of use for you” MIchelle says softly as she picks up the clothes as presses them against Willow. “It appears I have gotten your dress size correct” Willow blushes and she takes the clothes from her paladin. “Shall I change from my gown now?” Willow asks, looking flustered. Michelle nods and Willow walks into her laboratory to change.
Willow stepped out of the bathroom looking as beautiful as ever. Michelle was completely starstruck as she looked at her princess from head to toe. Willow was wearing a beautiful dress and its skirt appeared to have two layers — the first appearing long and flowy while the second was a small and complimentary thing around her hips. She was wearing a black corset, the sleeves of her dress drooping as they neared her wrists. The complimentary skirt matched in color with her sleeves, this dark purple that blended in well with the night sky. As for the longer one it was a slightly darker shade of violet, almost magenta, that matched with a hooded cloak she was wearing around her shoulder's, silver embroidered stars scattered all around the cloak. Even her usual heels were swapped with leather boots that covered her usually exposed ankles. (Not AI btw i just dont know how to use em dash or wtv its called)
“You look beautiful..” Michelle breathed, staring at Willow with that familiar look especially reserved for her princess. “It is certainly easy to move in.. i especially like the boots, such a change from my usual heels” Willow smiles softly as she looks at herself in her mirror. Michelle comes up behind her and hugs her by the waist. “You look like a true mage now..” Willow blushes lightly and tries to change the subject “i-is it not time to depart?.. I fear we may have taken quite a while..” Michelle ignores her and instead gently tugs at the back of WIllow’s cloak, revealing the nape of her neck. “M-Michelle?” Willow mumbles, just as Michelle gently presses her warm lips against the soft skin, peppering tender kisses all along the back of Willow’s neck. Willow let out a light gasp as she stared at Michelle in the mirror. Willow was stunned but she didn't hate it. Willow choked back a moan, afraid of embarrassing herself in front of her paladin.
Michelle pulls away after a moment, smiling at Willow from the mirror. “You’re right my love.. we should get moving” WIllow stayed stunned, the tips of her ears turning pink “Y-Yeah..” She manages to mumble out, following Michelle towards her window.
Michelle always did something like this, be intimate but not continue all the way. It didn't anger Willow but instead got her curious. She wondered why her paladin would only tease and never actually serve. Willow thought perhaps Michelle just liked seeing her all pink and flustered.
A thought that didn't cross Willow’s mind was that maybe Michelle wouldn't continue due to lack of consent.
Michelle didn't want to continue because she never got direct permission from her princess and she always assumed she had made Willow uncomfortable since she never said or did anything. She definitely did not want to make Willow uncomfortable but unfortunately to her it seemed she was. Michelle always wanted to continue, she wanted to see Willow pant, moan, and become undone under her fingers. She certainly wanted to pleasure her and explore her body in all the ways she could but she always held back as to not hurt her cherished princess.
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Michelle put her leg over the ledge of Willow’s window, ready to climb down but Willow called out to her once more “Michelle halt. A thought just came back to me!” Michelle wanted to say something but before she could Willow ran back into her room rummaging through her seemingly messy closet. One might think, Shouldn’t a royal princess have an extremely organized space? Well not Willow, other than her messy closet the rest of her room had scattered paper all around and a few vials filled with unknown contents sitting atop her desk. It seemed she started practicing alchemy after her parents removed her rights to use magic.
After a bit of rummaging Willow is seen stumbling out of her closet, holding something that resembled a witch’s hat. It even appeared to have small silver stars dangling off the brim, matching with the embroidered ones shining on her cloak. Michelle walked back in at the sight “Is that the hat?” Michelle mutters, her voice laced with nostalgia. Willow nods, smiling softly as she puts it on her head. Michelle had remembered the hat well from when she and Willow were little girls and Michelle was just appointed to be the princess's royal paladin. Willow’s parents hadn’t been totally against the idea of magic at that time but they had scolded Willow for looking silly in the hat because it was too big for her small head. “No royal princess of this family shall go frolicking around and looking silly!” Her dad had said. Michelle didn’t know what had happened to it after that and she assumed Willow had thrown it away.
After Willow adjusted the hat a few times she walked towards the window again “Alright we can leave now but.. Climbing isn’t safe” Willow picked up the staff that was left abandoned on her bed a few moments ago and she started muttering the same spell she used to make Michelle float. In just a few moments they were both up in the air, Willow looked sort of graceful while Michelle looked like she was struggling. “I can never get used to this..” Michelle mumbles as Willow makes sure they both land safely on their feet.
The grass rustled softly beneath their feet as Willow released her spell. Even in the night Michelle could tell that her princess’s eyes were practically glowing with excitement. They both looked around to make sure no one was watching or patrolling and soon rustling could be heard in the bushes in front of them. WIllow immediately put her staff up, ready to chant a spell and Michelle drew her sword, ready to back her princess up
A head pokes out of the bushes and Lucy, a Ranger and their friend, immediately jumps out with her hands up, her lantern clattering to the floor “Wait, Wait! It is me!” Willow immediately cancels her spell, almost blasting the young ranger in the face while Michelle sheathed her sword once again in relief. They had forgotten their friend usually patrolled around these hours and they hadn't realized she would be out even though she always complained about how she got stuck with the later hours.
“Why do you find yourself here Lucy?” Willow asked, completely forgetting her friend’s work schedule due to her mind being occupied by trying to make sense of Michelle’s earlier ‘teasing’. Lucy brushed herself off and looked at both of them “I was out surveying the area, how I always do mind you, and I noticed Michelle departing the camp her subordinates escorted her to... Princess, why do you appear different?” Willow blushes out of embarrassment and she puts her staff behind her back at the compliment. Lucy barely notices the staff as it's being hidden and her face shifted in confusion “but i thought you were banned from using-” “Shush!” Michelle exclaimed, quickly putting a hand over the ranger’s mouth and looking around once again. “Just you, correct?” she asks and Lucy nods, trying to pry Michelle’s hand off her mouth. Michelle lets out a sigh and drops her hand “We have decided to go together to.. You know..” Michelle gestures and Lucy understands but she still seems curious. “But, you are her paladin are you not? Are you not supposed to be protecting her from danger? And will she not get in trouble if her lot finds out?” Michelle sighed knowing Lucy made a fair point but Willow stepped in, defending her dear paladin “do not blame Michelle for I could not bear the thought of her possibly not coming back.. I am also at some sort of fault here for agreeing to all this..”
Lucy rolled her eyes and chuckled softly to herself. “Lovebirds..” she mumbled under her breath. She picked up her lantern once again, the glass messed up with wax. She lets out a sigh as the small flame flickers, almost out of life but she reluctantly offers them an escort. “I shall keep a watch out for you guys so long as you return back to the camp” Lucy gestures to the bushes obviously signaling that they get along with it.
They start wandering through the woods, Michelle’s armour clinking and Lucy’s bows rattling quietly in the dark. It was slightly awkward because no one was talking, just moving along the trail that wasn't even visible due to it being so dark and the flame in the lantern being as well as dead by now. Willow got fed up with the dark after a bit of what she figured was aimless wandering and she chanted quietly. Soon her staff began glowing brighter than the lantern was. Lucy glances back, surprised by the sudden light “ugh.. you could have done that the entirety of our journey yet here i am with this good-for-nothing lantern” Lucy focuses back on the path, spotting the camp nearby. Willow felt her friend was slightly discouraged and tried her best to offer comfort “it is fine. Besides you haven't seen me use my magic in almost five years.. i would have supposed your mind must have gotten used to it by now” Lucy sighed again as she gently pushed away the bushes, making a small path for them to enter said camp. “You're too kind Willow. Sometimes I ponder how someone like Michelle managed to win you over” Lucy whispers, aware of the light snoring being heard from the few tents that were scattered around a put out fire. Michelle groaned quietly in annoyance, remembering just how dismissive she used to be to Willow before she realized her feelings for her.
Lucy noticed the sound Michelle made and her playful attitude faltered slightly. She felt bad knowing how Michelle felt about her past self. “W-well i shall bid farewell.. try not to get caught” the bushes rustle softly as Lucy disappears into the dark woods leaving Willow and Michelle alone in awkward silence. Michelle quietly clears her throat and signals that they should head to her tent. Willow nods, following behind her paladin in a rather nervous manner.
Michelle sighs as they both enter the decently sized tent clearly meant for two people instead of just one. It was the only one illuminated by a lantern because Michelle’s few escorts had already gone to bed. Willow sat down on a few scattered blankets, surprised by the size. “Did you actually plan this far ahead because of me?..” she whispers, staring at the blankets and pillows, her hat covering most of her face. Michelle nods, staring at her princess that won't make eye contact with her. “Yeah I did.. Willow, look at me” Michelle gently takes the hat off of Willow’s head revealing a rather flustered looking princess. Willow nervously lifts her face, her eyes meeting Michelle’s steady gaze. “Whatever is the matter, my love?” Michelle whispers, putting the hat aside to cup Willow’s cheek. “Uhm.. it truly is nothing.. we should get to bed- mhm!” Michelle captured Willow’s lips in one of their many intense kisses.. this truly was the only thing Michelle couldn't hold back on.
Michelle's free hand wandered beneath the cloak towards Willow’s waist. She removed her hand from Willow’s cheek and pulled away from their intense kiss, instead pushing Willow down against the blankets and pillows. Michelle stared intently at Willow. She looked so serious that it seemed as if she was trying to memorize every line and detail in Willow’s face. “I do not appreciate when your lips spew nonsense.. Tell me what troubles you my love”
Willow’s face visibly grew red as her mind processed their current position.. it indeed seemed very intimate to her virgin mind. Willow swallowed hard, her throat visibly moving as she did so and Michelle took it all in. “I’ve had this thought since the early mornings when the birds sing their lovely songs.. why do you never continue when we are intimate..” Willow looks away, looking slightly calmer than before, her face still beet red as she awaited her paladin’s answer. She did not expect for Michelle to start quietly laughing and she quickly looked back at her to see what she was laughing at. “W-why do you laugh?” Willow whisper-yells. If she wasn't flustered enough before she certainly was now. Michelle gently cupped Willow’s cheek again, still half chuckling at the question. “My sweet princess.. I truly thought you felt uncomfortable because of something lady Lucy said earlier.. i would have definitely continued if you had just asked. I always thought you felt you were uncomfortable” Michelle stared lovingly at her flustered mage. Clearly Willow did not have this impression in mind and her eyes widened slightly with this news. Her shock quickly subsided, replaced with a need she had but didn't know was there. “Would it be too much to ask if I said I wanted to continue right here? Right now?”