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Tapestries hung from the high, arched ceilings of the grand throne room. Catra was wearing a suit of armor over her usual red tunic and black leggings. She kneeled before the steps to the throne. Queen Angella stood tall, regal, wearing a long gown.
Today would be Catra's first day as a knight. Queen Angella had assigned her to guard the Princess of Bright Moon. She had heard stories of Princess Glimmer's tendency to sneak out of the castle. There were times the princess had gotten in trouble or experienced some close calls.
"Rise. Starting today, you will have a duty. And it is to protect my daughter, Princess Glimmer," Angella said.
Catra stood, no longer kneeling. "I will do my best."
A maid led Catra to an elegant bedroom. Standing in front of the mahogany vanity was Glimmer. The princess wore a knee-length lavender tunic, purple leggings, and a cape. Her outfit was suitable for adventuring, not spending an entire day inside the castle.
The moment the two women made eye contact, Glimmer narrowed her eyes. No one was kidding about the possibility of Glimmer being a handful. Catra lingered in the doorway, leaning against the arch. Glimmer stormed over to her. The shorter woman's angry expression was adorable. Scrunched nose, lowered brows, and a tight frown.
"Looks like you're the newest knight. At least you're not an old man like the previous one," Glimmer said.
Catra chuckled. "You'll have to deal with it. I'm gonna be keeping you safe, princess."
"It doesn't make me a damsel who needs constant protection."
"Then explain the latest close call with some bandits outside the castle."
Glimmer huffed. "I had them handled until the guards got in the way."
Catra crossed her arms. "Handled, meaning the bandits were close to kidnapping you."
"It's still not fair. I want to fight. My dad used to, before he lost his life."
"You're the future queen, so..."
Glimmer pushed past Catra, entering the hallway. "Let's see how fast a cat can keep up with my pace." She proceeded to walk down the corridor in quick strides.
Catra followed Glimmer. "For your information, it's magicat."
"Whatever."
"Excuse me, Princess!"
For the first several days, Glimmer would argue with Catra over the knight thing. Catra tried not to lose her cool whenever they bickered. Sometimes, though, either girl would have a temper and storm off. One day, they walked together outside the castle in the surrounding town. They encountered a group of bandits.
And of course, Glimmer had to be reckless. Glimmer charged at the bandits, holding a dagger and trying to land some hits. But they overpowered her. Without a second thought, Catra lunged at the bandits and fought them off. Some bystanders stopped to watch as the bandits lost in the fight. Catra held up her sword and shield, glowering at the attackers. The leader backed away, then ran off. His group followed him out of town.
Catra helped Glimmer up. "Next time, let me fight them." Her tone was softer than when they had those arguments. "Are you okay? Not that I like you or anything."
Glimmer smoothed her tunic. "I'm fine... thanks. I guess my mother was right. I'm not a fighter."
"You may not be a fighter, but you're still strong in your own way."
"Really?"
"Yes. We have to go to the castle, before I get all soft in public."
Glimmer chuckled as she smacked Catra's arm. "Guess the cat's got a soft side."
Catra led Glimmer to the castle. "Don't mention it. Magicat, not cat."
The weeks transitioned into a month. Then, two. Glimmer insisted on Catra teaching her to use a sword. So, they trained together. Catra began noticing the small details. The soft smiles, lingering touches, even the fire in Glimmer's eyes. One night, they were sitting on a bench in the courtyard, gazing at the stars. Glimmer leaned against Catra, head on her shoulder.
Catra's heart fluttered. They shouldn't be intimate. She was a knight, and Glimmer was a princess. The moonlight illuminated part of Glimmer's soft face. It made Glimmer seem more vulnerable. The princess was worth protecting. Catra would do anything to keep her safe. Her gaze flitted to Glimmer's plush lips. For a moment, she imagined kissing those lips.
Before Catra could act on her growing feelings, she stared at a constellation. If her feelings got in the way, how would she still be a good knight?
"Princess, we should, uh, go to your bedroom. It's close to midnight," Catra said.
They made their way to Glimmer's bedroom. Now, Glimmer was wearing a nightgown. The nightgown highlighted her body shape. Wide hips, thick thighs, and delicate shoulders. There was a subtle hint of muscle in her arms from the training sessions she had with Catra. But she was nowhere near as toned as Catra was.
"Can you take off your armor?" Glimmer asked.
"Why? What if there's an attack?" Catra replied.
"I'm curious about how you look underneath the armor."
"Alright."
One by one, Catra removed her armor, revealing the tunic and leggings. Glimmer's gaze drifted to Catra's exposed arms. Catra smirked. The princess must have noticed the muscles.
"See something you like?" Catra flexed her arm.
"Whoa..." Glimmer breathed out, her cheeks turning pink.
"I'll take that as a yes."
"Come sit here."
"Next to you?" Catra tilted her head. "I'm a knight. You're a princess. We shouldn't have a relationship or something."
Glimmer winked. "It's between us." She beckoned Catra closer.
Catra sat next to Glimmer. The princess ran her fingers over Catra's arms, murmuring about how strong the knight was. Catra focused on the sensation of the touches. Wouldn't it go against her duty? Besides, if they had a relationship and things didn't end well, it would be awkward. It would make her struggle with the duty.
Glimmer pulled Catra closer, their faces inches apart. "I have feelings for you, my knight."
"You do?" Catra replied. "I feel the same way about you."
Their faces closed the remaining space between them. Glimmer's lips met Catra's in a passionate kiss. Catra wrapped her arms around Glimmer, securing her in an embrace. Glimmer ran her fingers through Catra's hair. Soon, their faces parted.
From now on, they wouldn't just be friends. Or princess and knight. The kiss would change everything. Only time would tell how their relationship would turn out. For now, Catra and Glimmer were content to share this intimate moment together.