AN: This is part of a series I'm doing called Sleepy Retainers, Tired Royals.
'She's out here again.'
Camilla groaned and forced her eyes open. This was the third night in a row that her precious retainer had awoken her dragon, and subsequently herself. "Dammit, Beruka…"
Camilla forced herself to get up, with a long sigh. Her retainer was tiring at times...and it's too late at night for this stuff. The high princess fixed her gown, then walked out into the night. In the sky, gliding around the castle is her lovely Beruka, Garnet's powerful wings breaking the silence of the night.
"Garnet!" Camilla shouted. "Come!"
The dragon stopped and glided towards Camilla, despite her rider's protest.
"Lady Camilla? What are you doing awake?" Beruka asked carefully as her mount landed.
"I could ask you the same thing."
Beruka dismounted and stood before her mistress. "I am making sure the castle is secure."
Camilla rolled her eyes and sighed. "The castle is secure, there is no reason for you to be acting like this. There is no danger."
Beruka opened her mouth for a rebuttal, but a glare from Camilla made her shut it quick. Camilla knew what Beruka was on about...an assassin had snuck in a few nights ago, and Beruka has been on high alert ever since. And when Beruka was on alert, the whole castle was locked down tighter than Corrin's tower.
"Everything is fine, Beruka...everyone is safe. I'm safe," Camilla spoke gently.
"I have to make sure," Beruka said insistently.
Camilla let out a long sigh. "You're sleeping."
"Is that an order?" Beruka asked softly.
"Yes!" Camilla said harshly. She clamped a hand on Beruka's shoulder and pulled her inside. Beruka didn't resist, didn't fight back. She'd never disobey her mistress, whether she thought the decision was right or wrong didn't matter. Her thoughts didn't matter...she swore to serve.
Camilla led Beruka through the halls of the castle, up to the royal quarters, only to pause in front of her room. "You can go to your room and sleep...or come with me."
"I want to come with you," Beruka said quickly. Camilla's eyes widened, it was rare to see Beruka speak in such a way. "To make sure you are safe," she added.
Camilla chuckled and opened the door to her room, gesturing inside. Beruka bowed her head before stepping inside. Camilla closed the door behind her and Beruka started to take off her armor, moving meticulously, unbuckling each piece and setting it aside. Camilla sat on her bed, watching her retainer's nighttime ritual. She was a creature of habit through and through. And Camilla wouldn't have it any other way.
As Beruka was setting her chest piece down, she noticed Camilla's gaze trained on her. Beruka shifted, almost uncomfortably, fixing her tank top and shorts. Despite all her training, Beruka felt slightly self-conscious, both of her body, and her mistress' gaze. "Lady Camilla…? Is something wrong?"
Camilla smiled and shook her head. "No, my dear, nothing's wrong." She patted the bed beside her, an invitation to join her.
Beruka carefully sat on the bed, her hands in her lap, making sure her gaze didn't linger on her mistress. Camilla put an arm around her retainer and pulled her close. Beruka shifted positions slightly, burying her face into Camilla's shoulder. Camilla smiled and carefully laid back, pulling Beruka down with her.
The assassin nuzzled into the larger woman and sighed softly. "...good night lady Camilla…"
Camilla chuckled and ran her fingers through Beruka's soft blue hair. "Sleep well, my precious retainer."