AN: I've written the first half (6 parts) over a day or two. I hope to get the rest finished on my cruise. I have the feeling, this might just lead to a new story arc. I'm going to publish each part separately.

Part One – Arus

"Father," Crown Prince Alec faced his father, "I believe taking Allura on our State Visit would be advantageous."

"How so," demanded King Alfor of his son and heir. They met to discuss the arrangements for travelling to Terra, which held the headquarters for the Planetary Alliance. The Alliance recently offered assistance in the war against Doom and the Arusian Royal Family were far from rejecting any such aid. Indeed, Alfor hoped the treaty resulting from the talks might include defeating the Drule Empire, rebuilding his devastated planet and returning Arus to peace.

"What has my sister seen of a normal life on Arus?" Prince Alec questioned. "She knows nothing of our world because we have been at war since her birth. Allura cannot leave the palace for fear Zarkon will take her and hold her for ransom, or worse, wed her to his son, binding us to that despot forever."

"That is no reason to include Allura in our party," Alfor stated. "We go to Terra to broker a treaty. There will be little time for pleasure."

"For you and I, Father, that is true," Alec agreed. "Allura shall be in danger whether she goes or remains on Arus. If Zarkon learns of our journey, he would stop at nothing to slaughter the remainder of the Arusian Royal Family as we travel. While if my sister stays in the palace, he will stop at nothing to capture her. Is that not more reason to allow her a moment of freedom, of normalcy before her royal duties commence," Alec was not above pleading. In a few months, when Princess Allura turned eighteen, the populace of Arus would expect to see Her Royal Highness beside her father and brother at every function. "Allura knows, as do I, that we must marry to make alliances with other planets in our sector if we are to unite and defeat the Drules, even with Voltron and the Alliance as our allies."

"Your son makes a pertinent point, Sire," Coran added his voice. "While you are away, who will defend the Princess if Zarkon attacks."

"Who will defend my daughter and her honour," Alfor queried, "while we are in conference or the many receptions the Alliance has organised. Will your sister not be wearied when she is not allowed to do as she pleases? Even on Terra, we must keep our guard. The morals and standards on many worlds are not what is expected on Arus, even more so those of the Royal House."

"I have thought of this," Coran interrupted before Prince Alec spoke. "Ally will come as the daughter of one of the visiting dignitaries, not Princess Allura of Arus. We will ask the Alliance to recommend a body guard from among their Space Academy graduates, who are reputed to be the best among the Alliance worlds. I will request a young lady, so she might show Allura the sites that young Terran's frequent in a most inconspicuous way. The Princess must take the opportunity to use her skills, to speak with the people and learn being a Royal is more than a title. On Terra, this might be achieved with little danger or embarrassment, especially if she is acting as an off-world tourist."

Nodding his head sagely, King Alfor considered the plan. "My daughter is in great need of society and conversation. She will not get such an opportunity on Arus. Yes, Coran, see to the details. Alec, you may tell you sister that she is to come with us to Terra. However, we will travel separately as far as the Alliance world of Hoden. Once inside the Alliance Territory, we shall travel together."