I make no claims to Voltron or any WEP characters used within this story.

Many thanks to BlueLionSTL and Wade Wells for their thoughts and inputs for this story.

Enjoy Chapter 1

Mertz

Heartache & Desperation:

It's a warm summer day on Arus as the Voltron force works on rebuilding a school in one of the local villages. Princess Allura sits with her back against a tree as she reads stories to the local children while the boys work. She looks up from time to time admiring the bare chest of the Captain of the Voltron force as he lifts beams holding them while one of the others nails it into place. Allura can't help admiring the muscles on his back as they move while he works. Shaking her head slightly she looks back down at the smiling faces of the children around her finishing the story.

The team breaks for lunch when several women from the village bring various baskets full of food for them to enjoy. Keith pulls on a t-shirt before joining the others and sitting on the ground in the shade trying to cool off. He looks up as a beautiful woman with light brown hair and green eyes approaches him handing him a glass of lemonade. He smiles up his thanks looking deeply into her eyes as a slight blush appears on her cheeks.

The lady turns and walks away as Keith watches her leave, admiring her form. Lance looks at his captain then follows his gaze and smiles. He walks to Keith's location and sits beside him, "Enjoying the view?"

Keith rolls his eyes at Lance and turns his gaze to check on the princess' location. Lance shakes his head at him, "The princess is fine. Why don't you go talk to that gorgeous woman you were watching?"

Keith ignores him and continues to look around the area only stopping when he hears Lance make a noise, "What?" as he turns his head back around.

Lance is staring at a raven haired woman who is speaking to another woman. Keith follows his friend's gaze and smiles, "Why don't you follow your own advice?"

Lance finally looks back at Keith and smiles wickedly, "Don't mind if I do…" then gets up walking over to the woman who smiles at him as he approaches.

Keith chuckles then stops when he notices the woman from before approaching him with a plate of food. He thanks her and asks her to sit beside him which she does, "What's your name?"

She smiles at him, "Beth."

Keith picks at his food as he spends the break enjoying Beth's company. From across the way Allura's smile fades as she watches Keith talking and laughing with the beautiful woman.

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The next afternoon Allura enters the rec room to find only Hunk and Pidge, playing a game of chess. Allura looks around, "Where's Keith and Lance?"

Hunk looks up smiling slyly, "On dates…"

Allura's brow furrows, "Dates?"

Pidge looks up from the game smiling, "Yes they both scored dates with those pretty women they were speaking to yesterday. Keith is taking Beth out on a horseback ride and Lance grabbed a picnic basket from the kitchen for his date with Christine."

Hunk chuckles, "Only those two would find dates after spending a day working like we did yesterday."

Pidge and Hunk continue to laugh and make comments. Neither notices Allura had paled and didn't join in as she quietly turns around and leaves the room.

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As the next few months go by Lance and Keith spend more time away from the castle before Coran suggests they start bringing their dates to the castle so they may be closer in case of emergencies. As Christine and Beth spend more time at the castle joining the force for dinner no one seems to notice that Princess Allura seems to have a lot of excuses for skipping dinner in the dining room and having her meals brought to her room.

One afternoon Coran walks into Allura's office to notify her that Prince Ty of Planet Orland was planning a visit to court the princess. "Coran, I don't have time to deal with a prince right now. Lotor has been quiet for far too long and it's only a matter of time before he attacks again."

Coran sighs, "Princess Allura you must consider the future. You need to wed, secure an alliance and an heir to the throne. You cannot wait for this war to end, it may never end." Coran walks up to her and grips her arm, "Please see reason Princess. You owe it to this planet to continue the monarchy and you will never accomplish that if the only duty you focus on is the planet's protection."

Allura pulls her arm away as she turns her back on Coran and faces the window looking out on the gardens below. Keith is sitting on a bench with his arms around Beth kissing her. "Fine Coran, invite him." Coran thanks her and leaves the room. Allura waits until the door closes before she turns away from the scene in the garden, wiping away tears from her eyes.

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That evening Allura joins the group for dinner, as she walks into the dining room Lance smiles at her, "Hey, haven't seen you at dinner in a long time."

Allura smiles at him, "I managed to get through my paperwork this afternoon or you wouldn't have seen me tonight either." Lance laughs at her but before he can comment further Christine touches his arm to gain his attention and he turns away from Allura. Allura's smile leaves her face and as she turns to find her place at the table a maid catches her eye. Allura nods to the maid who nods back and she sits down.

Toward the end of dinner Allura looks around the table and notices that Keith is looking rather ill, "Keith, are you feeling alright? You look a bit pale…"

Keith looks up from his dinner as Beth turns toward him concerned, grabbing his arm. He smiles slightly at her then looks at Allura, "Actually I'm not feeling all that great all of a sudden." He pushes away from the table, "I think I need to retire." He looks at Lance, "Lance, can you please make sure Beth gets home?"

Lance nods and Keith exits the room. Beth watches him go before looking at Lance, "Is he going to be alright?"

Lance nods, "I'm sure he will be fine Beth. Keith is the type who likes to be left alone when he isn't feeling well though."

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The next morning Lance is a bit surprised to see Keith walking into the dining room for breakfast, "Considering how sick you looked last night I thought you would still be in bed today."

Keith smiles at him, "I'm kind of surprised too. Outside of a really strange dream last night, I slept like the dead. I felt great when I woke up this morning."

Lance smirks, "So what was the dream?"

Keith flushes a bit, "Not one I will ever tell you Lance."

Lance's eyebrows go up, "That good huh?"

Keith shakes his head refusing to say more about it as the rest of the force enters the room. He watches Allura curiously as she keeps her head down and refuses to look any of them in the eye. Keith continues to study her during breakfast, her pale face and the dark circles under her eyes concerning him.

As the group finishes breakfast Keith grabs Allura's elbow stopping her from leaving the room as the others file out. Allura finally looks into his eyes, his concern evident, "Are you feeling alright Princess?"

Allura flushes, quickly looks away from him and nods. Keith's eyebrows furrow in concern, "Princess…is something wrong?"

Allura finally looks back up at him, "Everything is fine Keith." She pulls her arm away from him and turns, leaving the room. Keith watches her go still concerned, I don't care what she says…something is wrong… Vowing to find out later, he follows her out of the room.

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Two weeks later, Prince Ty arrives and is greeted by Coran with Allura standing beside him. The rest of the Voltron Force is lined up behind them. Coran steps forward and bows, "Prince Ty, you do us great honor by visiting us."

Prince Ty smiles at Coran thanking him then moves his gaze to Allura. He walks up to her and smiles, "Princess Allura…you are even more beautiful than I imagined." as he bends over her hand and kisses it. Allura nods her head in response and then turns gesturing to the rest of the force introducing them.

Keith studies the prince, for a man he seemed handsome enough, about his height, light brown hair and light blue eyes. He had a fairly muscular build suggesting he worked out and he definitely had the air of royalty in the way he walked and held himself. What impressed Keith the most was the simplicity of his clothing. For a prince, he didn't dress like one. Prince Ty was dressed in a simple black pant suit, a ribbon on his shoulder the only thing that gave away his station.

Allura introduces him last, "This is Keith Kogane, Commander of the Voltron Force."

Keith bows toward Prince Ty and he nods his head in acknowledgement before holding out his hand to shake Keith's. Keith keeps is face impassive even though he is a bit surprised and takes the hand. Prince Ty smiles at him, "An honor…I've heard a great deal about you Commander. I'm hoping most of it is true."

Keith raises an eyebrow and smiles, "Only if it is good…"

Prince Ty starts chuckling, "It certainly is Commander…once again a pleasure." Then turns and takes Allura's elbow so she can escort him into the castle.

The others follow as Keith stands there watching. Lance notices that Keith isn't following and lags behind as well. He looks back at the group entering the castle then looks at Keith again, "So what do you think?"

Keith shrugs, "He seems fairly modest for royalty… Like the other princes we have met, I expected him to be arrogant."

Lance chuckles, "I was a bit surprised too. Let's hope for Princess' sake he is actually a nice guy."

Keith sighs and nods then walks with Lance into the castle.

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That night at dinner, Beth is a bit irritated with Keith. She had been happy when he extended the invitation so she could dine with them tonight and meet Prince Ty. She was looking forward to relaying information about him to her girlfriends during lunch tomorrow. However Keith has been less than attentive, most of his attention seems to be on the prince and princess. She turns in her chair toward him trying to gain his attention, but once again his head is turned down the table and he is watching Prince Ty and Allura closely. Reaching her breaking point Beth grabs Keith's thigh under the table.

Startled Keith turns towards Beth and looks at her. Beth raises an eyebrow and leans toward him to whisper, "What's going on Keith? You've barely looked my way all evening."

Keith looks at her chagrined, "Sorry…I'm just worried about Princess. She seems distracted and unhappy."

Beth shifts her gaze from Keith back up the table at Princess and notices for the first time that her smiles to the prince seems forced as he regales her with another one of his tales. She turns back to Keith, "Maybe she doesn't like him."

Keith nods and turns back toward his plate, however his eyes move up the table to Princess Allura again. No, there is something else bothering her. Keith sighs quietly and forces himself to return his attention to his meal and Beth.

Allura fumes inwardly while trying to keep the smile on her face and listen to Prince Ty. Her eyes drift once more to Keith and Beth. She had seen Beth's hand slip below the table and Keith's face turn slightly red as he turned to face her. Soon her anger turns to sadness and she forces her attention back to Prince Ty.

After dinner, Keith escorts Beth home. At her door step she wraps her arms around him and pulls him close for a kiss then smiles up into his face, "So will I see you tomorrow?"

Keith smiles at her, "Sorry love…I'm on duty all day tomorrow. Princess is taking Prince Ty for a tour of the countryside and I get to play body guard." He laughs at the pouty look on her face and kisses her once more. "Good night Beth."

Beth pulls him back to her as he is about to turn away, "You could stay tonight."

Keith kisses her forehead, "We've discussed this…"

Beth sighs as she leans up on her tiptoes to nuzzle his neck, "Maybe…but you could always change your mind."

Keith pulls her tight to him and kisses her senseless then releases her, "When we are ready Beth…and not before." He kisses her once more, "Goodnight." then turns and walks away.

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Keith sighs tiredly the next morning at the breakfast table as he drinks his coffee. He looks over at Lance, "Ready for a day of playing guardian?"

Lance raises an eyebrow, "Actually Keith I asked Hunk if he would take my place. I have something I need to take care of."

Keith arches a brow at him, "Something more important than doing your job?"

Lance grimaces, "Come on Keith, Hunk can play guardian just as well as I can and I need to do this."

Keith sits back in his chair and studies the intense look on Lance's face, "Care to fill me in?"

Lance shakes his head, "Later."

Keith rolls his eyes, "Very well, do you plan on at least attending dinner tonight?"

Lance nods his head then turns away as Princess Allura and Prince Ty enter the dining room.

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That night, Keith rubs his temples trying to fight off the headache that started that afternoon. He turns and looks around the dining room wondering where the hell Lance was. His eyes drift over the people in the room one by one. Hunk and Pidge were sitting at the table discussing some changes for the weapons systems on the lions that they wanted to work on. Coran was standing near the door sipping on a glass of wine and Princess was standing near the windows looking out as Prince Ty continued a dialog they had started that afternoon.

Keith sighs and rubs his temples once more as Princess excuses herself from Prince Ty and approaches Keith, "Should we continue to hold dinner for Lance?"

Keith opens his mouth to answer but stops when a smiling Lance enters the room escorting Christine. Lance is holding Christine's hand as the approach Keith and Allura. Keith raises an eyebrow at Lance who turns to the room at large, "All, may I introduce Mrs. Christine McClain!"

Keith eyes widen in shock as Lance lifts the hand he is holding and kisses the hand near the wedding ring now glistening on Christine's finger. Allura rushes forward, "Congratulations!" and hugs first Lance and then Christine. She smiles first at Lance then turns her face back to Christine, "You don't know how lucky you are." Christine returns the smile then turns toward Lance who bends toward her and kisses her on the lips.

Everyone surrounds Lance and Christine congratulating them and hugging them. Keith smiles as he notices Nanny wiping tears out of her eyes. Allura turns to Nanny, "His current room isn't going to be big enough Nanny, please prepare one of the suites for them."

Lance opens his mouth to object then stops as Allura gives him a stern look, "You will accept the rooms Lieutenant. I'm sure Christine would appreciate not having to share your closet."

Christine laughs as Lance turns red then accepts. Keith pats Lance on the back, "So this was what you needed to take care of? Couldn't share the moment with us?"

Lance has the good grace to blush once more, "I didn't want to share her with anyone Keith…"

Keith smiles at him, "I understand Lance…I understand."

The group finally calms down and sits down to what was now a celebration dinner.

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After dinner, Prince Ty escorts Princess Allura out to the gardens to enjoy some night air. Allura sighs as Prince Ty slips his arm around her waist near one of the bushes. He pulls her around and stares into her eyes, "You are so beautiful Allura…words cannot describe your beauty."

Allura doesn't reply but just smiles at him and turns to walk away as he grabs her, pulls her to him and begins kissing her. Allura puts her hands up against his chest trying to push him away but he just tightens his grip and moves one hand to her head to hold her still.

Allura gets a hand between them and pushes away his face then slaps him, "How dare you?"

Prince Ty smiles at her and tries to pull her close again, "Allura…marry me and I'll make you the happiest, most cherished woman in the universe."

Allura brings up her arms trying to stop him when Keith's voice rings out, "Princess, do you require some assistance?"

Prince Ty releases Allura like he was burned and turns toward Keith, "No Commander, she does not."

Keith steps closer to him and eyes him closely, "I don't believe I asked you." His gaze shifts to Allura, "Do you require some assistance?"

Allura pushes away from Prince Ty and walks toward Keith, "Yes, an escort to my room please." She takes Keith's elbow and looks back at Prince Ty once more, "Good evening."

He attempts another smile at her, "Till the morning my princess."

Allura's grip on Keith's elbow tightens as he turns her around and exits the garden. As they walk down the hall and up the stairs to the third floor Keith tries to keep his voice calm, "Are you alright?"

Allura doesn't immediately answer and Keith turns his face toward her to see tears running down her cheeks. He changes directions and escorts her out onto the balcony. Allura releases his arm and walks to the edge staring out onto the countryside, "Thanks Keith."

Keith steps beside her, his tone furious, "Do you want me to teach him a lesson?"

Allura turns toward him a bit shocked, "I'm fine Keith. He isn't the first prince to try to steal kisses."

Keith makes a sound in the back of his throat, "You should have flipped him like I taught you."

Allura finally laughs as she breathes in deeply, "I can imagine what Coran and Nanny would have said to that."

Keith calms down listening to her laugh then looks at her again, "Perhaps, but he would have thought twice before trying that again."

Allura smiles at him then the troubled look enters her eyes again as she turns away and looks across the lake. Keith sighs, "Princess what's wrong?"

Allura doesn't turn toward him and continues to stare across the lake, "Nothing is wrong."

Keith pulls Allura toward him so she faces him. He studies her eyes, eyes that seem ready to tear up, "Yes there is Princess. Something has been bothering you." Allura pulls away from him turning back toward the lake. Keith touches her shoulder, "Please Princess…I can't help you if you won't let me."

Allura turns back toward him studying him. Keith reaches out and caresses her cheek, "Let me help you."

A tear runs down Allura's cheek as she looks away from his eyes, "Keith, I lo…"

"Princess! What are you doing out here with the Commander?" Nanny interrupts her, "What would Prince Ty think?" She grabs Allura's arm and pulls her off the balcony, "I will escort you to your room young lady…"

Keith fumes as the steady stream of Nanny's barrage to Allura continues down the hall. Damn her…just when I was going to find out what is bothering Allura. He forms a fist with his hand and hits the top of the balcony trying to control his anger. Shaking his head trying to clear his thoughts, he turns and heads toward his room.

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As the week draws to a close, Allura walks toward Coran's office. She knocks on the door and enters without waiting for an answer, "Coran, I need…" then stops when she sees Prince Ty sitting in front of Coran's desk. "What's going on?"

Both Prince Ty and Coran stand as she walks further into the room and eyes first Prince Ty then turns her gaze to Coran. Coran smiles at her, "Prince Ty and I were discussing a possible alliance between Arus and Orland."

Allura narrows her eyes, "So why wasn't I involved in these discussions? You do not sign off on these alliances Coran, I do."

Prince Ty smiles at Allura, "We meant no disrespect Allura. You've been so busy with your practices with the Voltron force and trying to keep me entertained that I didn't think you would mind my discussing the possibilities of our union with Coran."

Allura stares at him, "What union?"

Prince Ty smiles at her again, "Why our marriage of course."

Allura glares at him, "You have not asked for my hand in marriage and I have not agreed to one."

Prince Ty steps forward and takes her hand patting it, "I thought we had an understanding my dear.
Why else would I come here?"

Allura pulls her hand away from him, "Maybe there was an understanding in your mind, but let me clarify. There will be no union between you and me."

Prince Ty turns red as he grows angry, "Princess Allura, you need an alliance between our planets and I need a Queen."

Allura glares at him, "Then I suggest you look elsewhere Prince Ty for you have made a grievous error thinking I would agree to a marriage with you just because you came to visit."

Coran opens his mouth but doesn't get a word out as Allura turns toward him, "Prince Ty has overstayed his welcome Coran. Please escort him out." She turns and walks out of the room running into Keith in the hallway.

He grabs her arm to steady her so she doesn't fall, "Princess is everything alright?"

Allura pulls her arm away from him, "I'm fine."

Keith raises an eyebrow at her, "You don't look fine."

Allura glares at him, "I am sick to death of people telling me what I look like, how I should feel and what I should do. Leave me the hell alone Commander." Then turns and walks down the hall away from him.

Keith watches her flabbergasted then steps aside as Prince Ty exits Coran's office glaring at him as he passes Keith in the hallway. Coran steps out of his office and glares at the parting backs. Keith raises an eyebrow at him, "What happened?"

Coran says nothing just turns his glare on Keith briefly before he turns the other direction and walks down the hall.