To outshine the darkness

Chapter 15

Leonora Silva P.O.V.

With my back against the headboard of Nozel's bed, as I stare at him with my arms crossed. "Quit staring at me like that" Nozel says, without turning around. "It just isn't fair" I say. "How is it not fair?" Nozel asks turning around. "I really, really wanted to join the royal knights, and go on this mission. Now I can't go and you just get to join without even having to participate in the tournament" I say, pouting. "You're pregnant, Leonora" Nozel says as he walks over and I pout even more when he sits down on the side of the bed. "Why would you want to put yourself in harms way like that?" Nozel asks as he strokes my cheek. "Why would you want to put yourself in harms way like that? It's your kid too you know" I scoff. "Noelle" Nozel says. I raise my eyebrows. "Noelle was chosen" he says. "And so now you want to go and protect her?" I ask. "Of course" Nozel says. "Noelle doesn't really need your protection Nozel" I say. "I can't lose her too, Leonora, it's bad enough that she became a magic knight." Nozel says softly. I sigh deeply. "Fine" I say, looking away. "I want you to go to the Crimson Lion base" Nozel says as I feel his hand rubbing my stomach. "Why?" I ask, looking at him. "Though I trust my siblings, I'm not sure they'll guarantee your safety after what happened in the tournament. I have to focus on the task at hand and I can't if you two aren't safe" Nozel says. "I can take care of myself" I say. "I know. Please do this for me" he says. I place my hand on his. "You know my belly isn't growing yet." I say. Nozel smiles slightly. "I know, but I feel closer to him because of it" Nozel says. "Him?" I ask with my eyebrows raised. "It's going to be a boy" he says. "Right" I say dryly. "Please just go to the Crimson Lion base Leonora" Nozel says, seriously this time. "Fine" I sigh. "Thank you" Nozel kisses me softly.

I can't help but still stare in awe at my brother. I can still hardly believe he's awake, let alone talking to me. "I see.." he says. "Chichiue sure took advantage of that I was asleep huh?" He sighs. "Though you could've had much worse than Nozel. A lot of royals have worse attitudes and treat their ladies horrible. I can honestly say that Nozel really cares about you" Fuegoleon says. I don't respond but look at the door as hear less battle sounds than before. "That being said, I do agree with Leopold. You're staying here" he adds. "No way!" I say. "Excuse me? Leonora you're pregnant, you've got the baby to think of" Fuegoleon says. "And you think that stress doesn't affect the baby? How do you think that I feel staying here when my older ánd younger brother put themselves in harms way!" I say. "You can't just do as you're told, can you?" Fuegoleon sighs. He places both hands on my shoulders. "I know you, Leonora. I know you can't stand still when someone is in danger, when you can help. But there's someone that needs your help more sweetheart. And that's that baby in your belly" Fuegoleon says, completely reasonable. "I can. I've never bothered myself with anyone for ten years. I can't stand still when it's for people I care about. I happen to care a lot about you, about Leopold" I say. "I'm not going to stay in this room by myself!" I say. Fuegoleon grinds his teeth frustrated then sighs deeply. "Fine. But you stay by my side. When I enter into a fight you move out of the way, or stay by Leopolds side. Do you understand me?" Fuegoleon says. I get a bit scared when I feel the intensity coming from him. "I understand" I say softly looking down. "This is also the only time I'll allow this from you, Leonora." He says, and again I can feel that he means it. "I understand oniisama" I whisper.  "Come" he says, then walks out of the room and I quickly follow. When we get outside I quickly realize we came just in time. When Fuegoleon compliments Leopold and says how he will not lose a second time. I sneak past the elf toward my little brother. "What are you doing here?" Leopold hisses as I place my hand on his back. "Shush, come with me" I say.

I'm surprised that both Mereoleona and Fuegoleon took me with them, but I guess they both thought that me being with them would be safer than being alone or with people weaker than me. I'm glad to see the Black Bulls safe though, and Charmy immediately pushes a plate of food in my hands. "Well this is stupid" Yami says dryly. I shoot daggers at him with my eyes. "I'm fine" I say. Nozel lands and is obviously very, very angry with me. "She's safer with me right now, Nozel. This was my decision" Fuegoleon says, stepping in front of me. "Nothing will happen to your baby" he adds. I walk over to Nozel and I take his hand in mine. "I'm fine. I'm staying away from the fights. You don't need to worry about me" I say.  "I won't go with you all to the shadow palace. I'll stay inside the black bulls base, and eat enough of Charmy's food so Henry cannot drain my mana" I add. "I'm doing whatever I can to keep this baby safe, within all this chaos" I say, reassuring him. Nozel strokes my cheek, then pulls me toward him with his hand on the back of my head. He presses a kiss against my forehead. "I can't concentrate when you two aren't safe" he whispers, so softly that only I can hear it. "I'll be safe. I won't put the baby at risk" I whisper. He presses his lips against my forehead once more, then a quick peck on my lips. "Now go in. Stay away from the elves." he says, and he watches until I'm inside the base. From the window I watch them go toward the shadow palace, placing my hand against my chest, praying for them to be safe. "They'll be alright" I can hear Henry say from somewhere within the building. "I know. We have to be too"