[TKOSINM] 117 - Warm Shoulders

She opened her eyes slightly. “A little bit…”

She was nervous and excited about coming to the palace for the first time, so she could not sleep well all night. After she got the approval, somehow she felt so sleepy.

“Close your eyes for a moment. I’ll wake you up when we arrive.” Noel said, seeing her barely lifting her eyelids.

“It’s okay.” Irene muttered.

“There’s still a lot of time left before we get home.” Noel paused, then quietly chuckled. “And, it’s not the first time you’ve fallen asleep in front of me.”

At his words, she opened her eyes and sat upright. “I-is that so.”

On the day she had first gone to the Grand Duchy with him, Irene had fallen asleep in front of Noel. Irene’s face flushed lightly as she remembered that time. She felt ashamed again, thinking that she would have fallen asleep with fatigue. At the same time, she felt strange.

It seems like just a while ago.

Though it did not feel like it had been so long, in the meantime, so much had happened since. She felt like she had been effortlessly breezing through, running past the events. And just like this, a vague marriage was right round the corner. Seeing Irene unsure, Noel let out a small chuckle.

In a friendly tone he asked, “is it because your neck is uncomfortable?”

Though that reason never crossed her thoughts, it was understandable. Because there was no place to lean on in the carriage, she had to lean her head against the window or bend her neck at an uncomfortable angle to sleep. It was uncomfortable indeed, to lean her head against the window, as the vibrations of the carriage rolling over stones and the ground was transmitted. So she had to bend her neck…

That’s worse...!

Last time, she had fallen asleep unconsciously. However, this time the case was different. Noel was sitting right in front of her. How could she possibly fall asleep and show such a disgraceful posture and face! 

“Yes, so just…” she started.

“Then how about this?” Irene’s eyes widened at his answer. 

Noel instantly got up from his seat and came next to her. As soon as his large figure was right next to her, Irene froze.

“No-noel? What, suddenly…” 

What on earth was he thinking? Warmth from the place they were touching flowed through the fabric of his shirt to her bare arm.

Embarrassed, Irene curled her shoulders even though the seats were not cramped. When Noel saw her action, he burst into laughter once again. 

You’re on high alert.

Like small prey in front of a giant predator. It was amusing to see her crouching and eyeing him cautiously. He didn’t come closer to see this reaction, but seeing her so nervous made him want to tease her even more. 

So what will you do Irene? Will you run away or…? But if you’re scared, you’ll be out of luck. 

Sometimes she was fearlessly strong, but sometimes she would also timidly cower like this. 

It was true that she did not think he would back down, because he wanted to play pranks on her. And frankly, his shoulders did look comfortable.

“...Then, excuse me.” she hesitated.

“Of course,” he smiled.

In the end, Irene raised the white flag, and carefully rested her head on his shoulders. His shoulders felt a little stiff, but it wasn’t uncomfortable, thanks to Noel leaning down for her to place her head. Irene closed her eyes and gradually fell asleep.

♔♔♔

“Are you comfortable?” he asked.

“Yes…it’s comfortable.” she replied softly.“That’s a relief.”

“Noel.” Irene called out to him.

“Hm?” 

“Thank you…”

Noel lowered his gaze at Irene’s languid voice. Irene was smiling contentedly, with her eyes shut. Gazing at her delicate face and soft features, Noel replied. “I can lend you my shoulders whenever you want.”

That’s not it…

She expressed her gratitude to Noel for always caring and thinking about her, including in this moment, but Irene could not say anything. Because the sleep suddenly overcame her, and soon she was drifting.

---