This story is dedicated to my dear friend, Foreverwells. She's been after me to finish this short story for a long time. I thought if I finish this, perhaps she'll move a little faster on her own story. JK... In all seriousness, she's been a good friend for many years and continues to encourage me in my writing endeavors.
It's also part of the KAEX Challenge: Fairy tales.
Enjoy all.
Disclaimer: I make no claims to Voltron or any WEP characters.
Cinderella Chronicles: Another Sort of Fairy Tale
Let me tell you a story. Once, in times gone by, a planet called Arus was devastated by a conquering race of humanoids called Drules. The ruler of the Drules, King Zarkon, killed Arus' good king and queen, and most of their family. In the chaos of the invasion, the youngest princess escaped with the help of the king's most trusted advisor. Just a baby at the time of the invasions, she never knew her parents or siblings. In the long years that followed, she lived in the remains of the abandoned castle with just the advisor for company.
Princess Allura grew into a beautiful young woman. Her advisor, Coran, taught her everything she would ever need to know to one day take her place as Queen of Arus. As leader of the planet, each of the surviving Arusians were her responsibility. Each night, she would stare into the night sky and pray for help for her poor people.
Help for the people wasn't her only prayer. Allura dreamed of a handsome young man. A dashing man, that would sweep her off her feet. One who would be kind and caring. One who would love her people as much as he loved her. Someone to rule by her side and give her the happily ever after that she only read about in books.
More years went by. In the dilapidated old castle, little remained of the kingdom's former glory. But, the princess never stopped wishing or dreaming, for wishes and dreams were all she had. One day, a handsome man did arrive, along with four other men. Allura watched him from behind a large column at the top of the grand staircase as her advisor spoke with the men. Her heart fluttered and her breath caught in her throat. Surely, this was the man she prayed for? Unable to stop herself, Princess Allura went down the stairs. There she met Keith Kogane and the others that would become the Voltron Force.
I'm not going to tell you the story of how they resurrected Voltron and eventually defeated Zarkon and the forces of Planet Doom. While that is a grand and wondrous tale, it isn't mine to tell. This is another sort of fairy tale about what happened after.
Leaving her advisor's office, Princess Allura can barely contain her excitement. Coran agreed with her! After so many years of waiting, they are finally going to do it! She skips down the hall. Reaching her destination, she knocks on the door. Allura bounces on the balls of her feet, waiting for the acknowledgement. When she finally hears, "Come," she slams her hand on the button to open the door.
Entering the room, she twirls as if dancing and says, "He said yes!"
The sound of a deep, male chuckle reaches her followed by, "Of course he did."
Stopping, Allura stares at him in disbelief, "You knew!"
Keith Kogane stands and moves around his desk. Taking her hands within his, he answers, "When you mentioned wanting to renew the tradition of the Honor Ball, I spoke with Coran about the security. Once we came to the conclusion that it shouldn't be a problem with Doom gone, we waited for you to approach him on it."
Allura glares at him. He smiles at her. Pursing her lips together, she puts her hands on her hips. His smile grows. Unable to act angry any longer, Allura finally smiles back and hits him in the arm, "Meanie. You could have told me."
Before Keith can react, she grabs his hands and forces him to dance around the room with her as she exclaims, "I can't wait!"
Pulling away from her, Keith shakes his head at her antics, "Princess, you'll wear yourself out before the ball even begins."
She spins around the room while saying, "I'll dance all night."
Forgetting her surroundings, Allura bumps into the chair in front of the desk and starts to fall.
Keith wraps an arm around her and pulls her against his side, "If you aren't careful, you won't be dancing at all. You'll have a cast on your leg and watching everyone else dance."
Smiling up at him, Allura stares into his eyes and her heart begins to flutter.
Time stops. Keith's gaze drops to her lips. The hand at her waist tightens ever so slightly. Keith's head begins to dip, his lips coming close.
Allura closes her eyes and lifts her face to his in anticipation. He clears his throat and the hand loosens. Allura opens her eyes, disappointed to find Keith looking away from her. He releases her and moves away while saying, "I better get my reports finished."
Cheeks flaming, Allura says, "Yes. I should probably meet with Nanny and start planning the ball. I'll see you at dinner, Keith."
She doesn't listen to his reply as she heads for the door and leaves. How mortifying! She thought he was going to kiss her. Something she's prayed for since she first met Keith. Hoping to forget the entire thing, Allura heads for the kitchens. She needs to get busy planning. The ball is in three short weeks. So much to do before then.
Sitting at dinner that night, Keith notes the empty chair and sighs. While Coran explained that the princess and Nanny where closeted somewhere planning the ball, Keith can't help feeling her absence at the table is his fault. What the hell had he been thinking? Almost kissing Allura? He probably embarrassed her. God knows he embarrassed himself.
"Um…Cap?"
Happy for the diversion from his thoughts, Keith looks across the table at the youngest member of his team, "Yes, Pidge?"
"How are we going to attend the ball?"
"Yeah," Lance interjects while waving his fork around in the air, "it's not like I packed my dress uniform when we were assigned here. It wasn't on the list of essentials."
Even Hunk has a forlorn expression on his face as he eats his dinner. Smiling, Keith informs them, "I took the liberty of having military dress clothes sent to us when Princess started talking about wanting a ball. They'll be here in the next supply run. Delivery should be just before the ball."
The expressions around the table brighten. Hunk turns to Coran to ask, "Who will be invited?"
As the conversation turns to the ball and the chance of meeting women, Keith returns to his dinner and his own thoughts. There's really only one woman he wants to dance with. However, he doubts he'll be given the privilege. Every available prince in the galaxy will be invited to attend and no doubt, Allura's dance card will be full. With Doom no longer a threat, the council will be after her to marry soon. His thoughts turning dark, Keith forces himself to rejoin the conversation. There's no use in hoping for something that can never be.
"It will be a lovely evening, Princess."
Allura smiles at her old governess. It will be a lovely evening. Unbidden, her mind goes back to that afternoon. Now that she's had time to think back, she's almost certain Keith was going to kiss her. Why did he stop?
"You know, this all reminds me of the first Honor Ball I attended."
Turning her attention to her governess, Allura asks, "When was that?"
Nanny's eyes go dim as she remembers back, "Oh, years ago when I first started at the castle. My mother was the head housekeeper then. I was pouring punch that night and admiring all the beautiful women in their gowns and all the handsome men in their formal wear."
She releases a deep sigh then looks back at her to add, "You know, that was the night your father first met your mother."
Enthralled now, Allura leans on her elbows and stares across the table. Nanny notices and smiles, "It was love at first sight. Your mother looked like a dream in her white ball gown. It flowed around her like a cloud." She reaches over and cups Allura's cheek, "You look so much like her."
Dropping her hand, her eyes glaze over as Nanny remembers back, "When your mother walked into the ballroom, Alfor stopped talking and just stared at her. He rudely left a visiting princess and her father behind, and went straight to your mother. They spent the rest of the night together, dancing and talking."
She looks back at Allura and winks, "It was quite the scandal at the time. Your grandfather had to make many apologies for your father's behavior."
Smiling at the story, Allura's mind returns to the dashing commander and the almost kiss. The way it felt to have Keith's arm around her waist left her wanting more. Maybe, just maybe, if they shared a dance, she might get her wish. Looking at the lists on the table, Allura taps the invitation list and asks, "The boys will be invited, won't they?"
"I don't see why not," Nanny replies, her head still down as she continues to write. Finishing, she looks up to say, "Coran told me that they have formal wear coming in the next shipment. Which is good, we'll barely have time to get your dress made. I won't have time to see them outfitted."
Thrilled, Allura manages to stop herself from getting up and dancing around the room. A night of music and dancing, with Keith. Three weeks seems like such a long time away. Lost in her thoughts, she barely hears Nanny say, "Oh dear, look at the time. You've missed dinner. Let's put this away for tonight. We can work on it more tomorrow."
Rising from her chair, Allura follows her governess out of her office. She doesn't listen as Nanny talks about finding her some dinner before bed. Her thoughts are on Keith and the prospect of a fairy tale, happily ever after like her parents had.
Almost three weeks later…
Sitting at the conference table, Keith watches the faces around him as Coran finishes going over the security detail for the ball. Even though the threat from Doom is gone, they can't be too careful. The men would take turns manning the control room in half-hour shifts. That way none of them would miss much.
His eyes drift over to Allura. Her excitement is palpable. Her eyes practically shine and a smile has been on her face for the last three weeks. She must sense his gaze, because she turns to look at him. The smile on her face grows. Keith smiles back then forces his attention back on Coran.
"Now Princess, you must decide who will be given the privilege of the first dance. You've been given extensive information on each of the visiting royalty. I'm assuming you and Nanny have picked out a suitable candidate?"
"Yes, I have that decided."
Feeling his blood boiling to a burning rage, Keith stares down at the paper in front of him, but doesn't see it. The first dance. Something he'd give everything he owns to have. That dance and every dance after. Keith sucks in a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. Forget the first dance, he'll be lucky to get a dance before the ball finishes. He'll be the last in line behind all the princes, representatives, and dignitaries from the other planets invited to attend.
"Commander, did you hear me?"
Startled, Keith looks up to find the entire room staring at him. Flushing, he clears his throat then says, "Sorry Coran, I was lost in my own thoughts."
"So I gathered," he replies, his eyes twinkling with merriment. "I was saying that the shipment from Garrison arrived this morning. I asked that they unload it and bring up the boxes containing your formal wear as soon as possible."
"I hope it fits."
Everyone turns to Hunk. His face turns bright red as if he can't believe his own outburst. Keith smiles at him then says, "Don't worry big guy, I'm sure Nanny's crew could handle a quick alteration if needed."
"I told you to lay off the chocolate cake," Pidge says while punching Hunk in the arm.
Shaking his head at the pair, Keith looks across the table to find Allura trying to hide her laughter. Her gaze meets his and she winks at him. His heart rate accelerates and his breath catches. How can one woman be so beautiful? He winks back then looks at Coran to ask, "Anything else we need to cover?"
"No, I believe that's it. Everyone is dismissed."
As everyone rises, the doors to the conference room opens and the lieutenant of the guard enters carrying clothing, looking upset. Keith watches as Allura approaches to ask, "Lieutenant, what's wrong?"
"Those idiots. I can't believe their stupidity."
Keith clears the distance between them, "What happened?"
The lieutenant clears his throat then says, "I'm sorry, sir. The fools unloading the shipment spilled something on one of the boxes containing your uniforms. It went through the box and ruined the top one. I checked the rest of them, they're fine."
As he holds out the remains of the uniform, Keith recognizes the insignia on the shoulder. It takes everything he has not to swear and start throwing chairs around the room. Instead, he says in a hollow tone, "It's mine."
"My apologies, Commander. I'll see to it that something like this never happens again."
Taking a deep breath and releasing it in an attempt to calm down, Keith says, "It's all right, Lieutenant. Accidents happen."
The man salutes him, bows to Allura, and then leaves the room. Keith turns to face the others. Noting the distressed expressions, he forces a smile onto his face, "Looks like I'll be taking control for the entire night."
"Commander, perhaps Nanny can do something to repair it?" Coran suggests with a wave of his hand.
Keith looks down at the ruined fabric in his hands and shakes his head, "The ball is tomorrow night. Nanny has enough to do without adding this to her list."
"This sucks."
Turning his attention to Lance, he nods, "Yeah, it does." Faking a hearty tone, he claps Lance on the shoulder, "Come on, let's get moving. We have our assignments to finish."
Lost in his own misery, Keith walks out of the room with Lance and fails to notice the tears in Allura's eyes.
Walking into the princess' room to help her dress for dinner, Nanny pauses when she finds Allura standing near the windows, staring out. Approaching her, she says, "Dinner will be served soon. We should get you dressed."
Allura turns away from the window, wiping at her cheeks. She sits at her vanity and waits. Stepping up behind her, Nanny starts taking down her hair and asks, "What is the matter, child? The ball is tomorrow night. You should be excited, not sad. I thought you were looking forward to it."
"Not anymore, Nanny."
Noting the somber tone, Nanny asks, "Why is that?"
Shrugging, Allura picks up a bottle of lotion. She plays with it, keeping her gaze averted.
Picking up the brush, Nanny runs it through her hair, "You still haven't answered me."
Allura sets the bottle down and sighs. Picking up a ribbon, she plays with the end before quietly saying, "The one I wanted to dance with won't be there."
"I thought all the royal peerage accepted their invitations?"
Turning her head to look toward the window, Allura asks, "Have you ever wished for anything, Nanny?"
Turning that direction, Nanny notes the brightly shining Arusian moons and stars. Returning to her task, she answers, "Almost every night when I was a child and on special occasions as I've grown older."
Another sigh escapes Allura as she turns back to her vanity. She falls silent and stares into the mirror. Sensing her sadness, Nanny asks, "What have you wished for?"
Allura finally looks up and meets Nanny's gaze in the mirror. It takes her a moment before she answers, "Love."
"And this person you wanted to dance with. Is that who you wish to love?"
Her gaze drops back to her vanity, but she answers, "Yes."
Picking up a hair clip, Nanny pulls her hair into place, "Don't give up hope yet."
Allura shakes her head, "He can't go."
Settling her hands on her shoulders, Nanny says, "You never know what will happen. Have faith."
The princess takes a deep breath and nods. Nanny smiles at her then says, "Come, let's get you dressed."
All he wants to do is get up and go to his room to wallow in his own misery. Keith sighs as he pushes his food around his plate with his fork. Why the hell did he even come to dinner? He knew the conversation would all be about the ball. A ball he no longer gets to enjoy. To be fair, his teammates are trying to keep it down since they know he's disappointed. He can't blame them for their excitement though. He felt the same, until he saw his uniform this morning. Now he knows how Cinderella felt when her stepsisters destroyed her dress just before the ball.
Keith sets his fork onto his plate and wipes his mouth with his napkin. Refusing to make eye contact, he stands and says, "I'm going to call it a night. See you all in the morning."
"Keith, wait. I'll walk with you."
Damn it, the last thing he wants to do is walk with Allura and listen to more commiseration about his ruined uniform. Good manners demand that he waits by the dining room door. She approaches and takes his proffered arm. As they start down the hall, Keith tries to keep it light by asking, "Ready for tomorrow night?"
"Yes."
Noting her tone lacks the excitement from their earlier discussions about the ball, Keith asks, "What's wrong?"
"It isn't fair that you can't go."
"No, but nothing can be done about it. It was just bad luck."
"It won't be any fun without you."
Keith stops them and turns to face the princess. Noticing the tears shimmering in her eyes, he bumps her under the chin, "Hey, there will be other balls."
Allura shakes her head, turning away to wipe at her cheeks. Unable to take it anymore, Keith pulls her into his arms for a hug. "It'll be all right. I want you to enjoy tomorrow night and don't worry about me."
Her head comes to rest against his chest, "That's like asking me not to breathe."
Pulling away when all he wants to do is stay there with her, Keith takes her arm and leads them down the hall, "Come on. It's time to call it a night. You'll have a busy day tomorrow."
"Sleep well, Princess."
"Thanks Keith."
Standing near her door, Allura watches Keith walk down the hall until he rounds the corner and leaves her sight. Despite being down himself, he did his best to make her smile. Is it any wonder she loves him?
Sighing to herself, Allura enters her room to find one of the maids waiting for her. She approaches while asking, "Where's Nanny?"
"The governess asked that I help you tonight, Princess. She said she had things to finish before the ball tomorrow."
Nodding, Allura turns so the maid can help with the zipper. With her mind full of thoughts of Keith and the ball, she pays little attention to the woman helping her until she says good night and leaves the room. Sliding under her covers, Allura turns off the bedside lamp. Curling into her pillow, she prays for impossible miracles.
The morning passes fast for Allura. Between the practice Keith insisted on having and last minute details that Nanny and Coran kept discovering, Allura wishes she had time for a nap. As it is, she only had time for a quick lunch before Nanny hustled her to her room to get ready.
Fresh from her bath, Allura steps out of her bathroom with a towel wrapped around her to find Nanny giving instructions to a maid, "Make sure the braids in her hair wrap around the bun. The rest of the hair should hang down and be curled."
"Yes, ma'am."
Approaching them, Allura asks, "What's happening?"
Nanny turns to her, "Nothing to worry about, Princess. A few last minute problems have surfaced that I must attend to personally. Nancy will help you dress."
"But I thought you were going to do my hair?" Allura asks, her eyebrows knitted together with anxiety.
"Nancy is very good with hair, Princess. I'm leaving you in capable hands," Nanny says. She takes Allura's hand and pats it, "I'll be sure to stop in before you are due in the ballroom to check."
Allura nods, but feels her anxiety rising. First, Keith can't come to the ball, now Nanny isn't helping her to dress. She's beginning to wish she'd never suggested having the stupid party. Can anything else go wrong?
"Commander? Have you heard a word I said?"
Keith's face flushes with the heat of his embarrassment as he turns around in the chair to face Coran. "Sorry, I was intent on the video screens."
"Yes, I noticed." Coran tugs at his mustache, "I swear, you're as bad as Lance today."
Keith presses his lips together to keep his mouth shut. He deserved the dressing down for failing to hear Coran. It's just, he was hoping to see Allura as she leaves her room. It's the only chance he'll get to see her in her ball gown. There will be too many people in the ballroom for him to see her well enough on the cameras in there.
"Now, the top six and the subterranean levels are closed off to all non-support staff. The guards are performing their rounds and checking in every five minutes. Everything should be ready." Coran glances at his watch, "I need to leave. The guests are beginning to arrive and I need to escort Princess Allura to the ballroom to welcome them. Do you need anything more from me?"
The thought of letting him borrow his suit comes to mind, but Keith keeps mouth shut and gives a shake of his head. Coran nods and smiles, "Well, have a good evening, Commander."
"Enjoy the ball."
Keith turns around and stares blindly at the screens in front of him until a flash of color catches his eye. His breath catches in his throat as his fingers fumble for the switches on the console. The camera zooms in as Princess Allura walks toward it. Sleeveless with a scooped neckline, the pink lace emphasizes Allura's full figure and small waistline before falling into a white full skirt with a pink lace overlay.
As she walks out of camera range, Keith hits the button to flip the screen so he watches her continue down the hall. Her long hair flows down her back in a waterfall of curls. The train of her dress floats behind her as she walks. When she disappears into the double doors of the ballroom, Keith's breath comes whooshing out.
"Sir?"
Keith twists his head to the guard walking up alongside him, "Yes?"
"The carriages from the airfield are arriving. Lieutenant Johnston is wondering if he should allow them through."
"Yes. The princess is ready for them."
Turning back to the cameras, Keith prepares himself for a long and lonely night.
Resisting the urge to yank her hand away as Prince Efren places a sloppy kiss on the back, Allura fights to keep the disgust from showing. Thank God he is the last prince to greet. She can't wait to get away from him. Even his eyes give her the creeps as he leers at her, "Princess Allura, as beautiful as rumored."
"Thank you. I'm glad you could come tonight."
"Might I have the honor of the first dance?"
Allura fakes a sad smile, "I'm sorry, it has already been claimed."
"Pity, well, perhaps later."
"Perhaps."
As he moves along, Coran whispers, "So, who has the honor of the first dance? You've turned down every request."
"You do, Coran."
As he turns and arches a bushy eyebrow at her, Allura smiles at him. "As my father figure, I thought you would be honored."
He continues to stare at her. She tries again, "Coran, I wouldn't want to show false favor to anyone before I get the chance to know them better. If I pick one over the others now, it could cause an intergalactic scandal like my father started when he met my mother."
"You're going to start one by dancing with the castle diplomat."
"Who has raised me. You're as good as my father, Coran."
"I am not the king."
"I'm sure they will understand."
The music begins to play. Sighing, Coran takes her hand and leads her out to the dance floor. As they move along, Allura hears the loud whispers as they pass the guests. Coran's mustache twitches. They pass the line of princes, the complaints growing in tone.
"I don't think they understand."
Allura smiles, "I don't really care."
"You are your father's daughter."
Laughter escapes Allura, the first she's laughed since finding out Keith couldn't attend the ball. She hears Coran mumble under his breath then he says, "Would you have picked me had the commander been available?"
That question wipes the smile from Allura's face. She gives a shake of her head, "No, this was always the plan."
They spend the rest of the dance in silence, moving in time to the music. At its end, Allura takes Coran's arm and starts for the side where the princes stand. Prince Payton approaches, "Princess Allura, I wish to have the next dance."
Before Allura can answer, Prince Sterling approaches, "Princess Allura, as the future savior of this fair planet, I demand to have the next dance."
"Future savior? You can't save a butterfly."
"Like you know anything about anything, Prince Gorge.
Prince Efren steps in front of the two quarreling princes, "I'm sure you'd love to dance with someone who won't trip over his own feet."
As they continue to argue, Allura rubs her forehead to ease the sudden headache pounding at her temples. Her eyes move around the ballroom, searching for someone to save her.
Flipping screens, Keith tries to spot Allura in the ballroom, but the continuous flow of people make it almost impossible. Giving up, he switches screens, checking the hallways of the lower levels. Outside of the guards posted there, the halls are empty. Stifling a yawn, Keith calls out, "Everyone check in."
Confirmations from all the guards that everything is as it should be, Keith changes screens to check the radar. Even with Zarkon gone, he doesn't trust that the remaining Drule factions won't try something. Finding nothing amiss, Keith sits back in the chair and rubs his eyes.
"Keeping busy?"
Turning the chair to find Lance behind him, Keith retorts, "The ball not thrilling enough that you're down here?"
"Not really." Lance leans against the edge of the console. "There are more men than women and the competition is stiff. The few women I was able to speak with were more interested in asking me about you and why you weren't at the ball."
Keith snorts then asks, "Is Princess having a good time?"
"Don't really know. I couldn't get anywhere near her. Those princes have her surrounded and keep everyone else away."
"Really?"
"Yeah, she's keeping up pretenses, but I don't think Allura is having a good time either."
Keith stares down at the console. Nothing he could do about it even if he was at the ball.
"Hey, you need to take a break?"
Looking back at Lance, he says, "I could use one. Sure you won't miss something?"
Lance shrugs, "Nothing much to miss. Go take a break. I've got this."
Standing up from the chair, Keith pats him on the shoulder, "Thanks."
He leaves control before Lance changes his mind and heads down the hall. Even from here, Keith can hear the soft strains of music. His stomach growls, reminding him he hasn't had any dinner. Changing directions, he heads for the kitchens. It'll be busy in there, but maybe he can grab something quick then get out of the way.
Entering the room to find it in complete chaos, Keith stops a maid carrying a tray, "Can I get something to go?"
She waves him back and leaves the room. Keith moves farther in until he approaches Nanny, who is giving orders to some of the staff. She spots him and asks, "I thought you were manning control?"
"Lance took my place. I know you're swamped, but I was wondering if I could get something to eat?"
Her gaze moves past him to someone behind, "No, that tray is not ready. Take the one next to it." Her attention finally comes back to Keith, "If you go to your room, I'll see that something is brought to you."
Keith doesn't get to answer, Nanny moves away from him as she gives more orders, "No, not that one. Are you blind?"
Deciding to leave before she turns her wrath onto him, Keith heads out of the kitchen and toward the living areas. Walking into his room, he turns on the light. His mouth drops open when he spots a military dress uniform waiting for him on his bed. On top of the uniform lies a white envelope. Picking it up, Keith opens the flap and pulls out the sheet within. Unfolding the note, he notices the decidedly feminine handwriting. Wondering what's going on, he reads:
Once upon a time, a beautiful princess lived in an old decrepit castle. She dreamed of a white knight to save her and her people. She also dreamed of love. One day the knight arrived. He and his friends not only saved the fair princess and her people, he also won her heart. The knight thinks himself unworthy of the beautiful princess. How wrong he is.
Tonight she celebrates the hard won freedom she long dreamed of as a child. She only wants to dance with one person on all of Arus…you.
Keith rereads the note, unable to believe the contents. Could Allura really love him? According to the author of the note, she did. Should he take a chance? Setting the note aside, he picks up the uniform. It may not be exactly up to Garrison standards, but who would know? Setting the uniform down on the bed, a smile spreads across Keith's face. Some things are worth taking a chance for.
Waving her fan in an attempt to cool off, Princess Allura ignores the debate going on around her. The princes debating the merits of military strategy has her fighting not to scream. Just when she thought Prince Gorge and Prince Sterling were winding down, Prince Efren joined in, just to start a fight. The most irritating thing is, they seem to think the posturing and insults will win them her favor. What a pack of fools. What she wouldn't give to get away from them. Allura tried once to go speak with the representatives of Planet Shamara, but the princes followed her and inserted themselves into the conversation until the representatives excused themselves to speak with someone else. If only she could get away from them that easily.
Her eyes drift to the dancers. Allura watches the rainbow of ball gowns moving by as the women spin and turn. The ball is a success. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Everyone but her. She'd love to dance, but doesn't want to start that again. Not after the earlier fiasco. Besides, there's no one here she really wants to dance with.
Allura turns her attention to a group of women standing off to one side of the dance floor talking. Her eyebrows knit together with curiosity as she watches their eyes grow wide, and then they smile and point. Something has them excited. Stepping away from the princes, Allura looks for what caught their attention. Spotting the object of their admiration, her heart races. Where did he get a dress uniform? Keith stands near the doors, his eyes browsing the ballroom as if searching for someone.
Now Allura knows why the women are twittering. She's almost tempted to join them. The perfect cut of his uniform displays his muscular form. With his normally wild hair brushed back, he makes a dashing figure. He turns her direction and his gaze locks onto her. Allura's breath catches in her throat as he begins crossing the ballroom. His eyes never leave hers as he steps around the dancing couples and ignores the people calling out to him. As if spellbound, Allura's feet begin to move. The sounds of the princes demanding to know where she's going fade into the background.
They meet in the middle of the floor and stare silently into each other's eyes. Keith recovers first, a smile forming on his face. He bows to her then holds out his hand, "May I have this dance?"
Taking his hand, Allura replies, "Of course, kind sir."
Keith pulls her into his arms and begins moving with the music. Gliding with him, Allura can't help asking, "Where did you get the uniform? I thought yours was ruined?"
"It was. Not sure where this one came from. It was on my bed with a note."
Stunned, Allura questions, "What did the note say?"
His dark gaze bores into her as he says, "That you only wanted to dance with one person tonight and that person has won your heart."
Her cheeks flushing, Allura looks away. The hand at her waist tightens and she's pulled tight against him. Her heart races when Keith whispers in her ear, "Would it help you to know that there's only one woman I'll ever want to dance with and she's in my arms?"
Pulling back, Allura looks up into Keith's eyes to find them full of warmth and affection. Smiling up at him, she whispers, "Always?"
"Always."
From the side, I stood beside Coran and watched the princess and commander dance. They seemed oblivious of the other people in the room as they moved in perfect time with the music. As they danced by us, I heard Coran ask, "I thought Keith's uniform was ruined?"
Smiling, I turned to say, "On occasion, even a princess needs a fairy godmother to make her wishes come true."
"Nanny!"
The astonished expression on Coran's face was just the icing on the cake of a perfect day. My smile grew as I turned back to watch the couple dancing. Just by the way they were staring into each other's eyes, I knew that this was just the first of many dances that they would share for the rest of their lives. Sometimes we don't wish for things for ourselves. Sometimes we wish for things for others. My wish for the beautiful princess whom I loved as my own child would come true. She would have her happiness. But, that is another tale to tell…