Disclaimer: Voltron and its characters are owned by WEP. I make no claim to them. Other characters and the story are mine. Enjoy!
Chapter 1: Friends
Keith sat at the dinner table relaxed, listening to the conversation around him. Hunk and Pidge were discussing the newest modifications to the Lions' shields and Lance was trying desperately to get the attention of the pretty maid serving them dinner. Koran and Nanny were locked in an argument regarding the Princess's future. Allura just rolled her eyes and smiled as she caught Keith's eye.
Keith returned her smile warmly. He regarded his friend with affection. Princess Allura had really changed over the four years that Keith had known her. Gone is the shy, quiet girl shut behind the doors of a crumbling castle. A beautiful, confident and compassionate woman stood in her place. Allura was now a 23 year old woman with the beauty of an angel and the resolve of a fierce lioness. Keith was proud of the woman she had become and felt fortunate to have helped in her evolution. Keith broke out of his reverie as Koran called for his attention.
"Commander, Prince Cedric has requested that Allura accompany him on an outing tomorrow afternoon. Would you be available to go along as the Princess's personal guard?" Koran smiled knowingly at Keith.
A tinge in Keith's gut caught the commander by surprise. "Of course, Koran," Keith replied. "I would be happy to." Keith smiled back at Koran. As Koran turned away, Keith's smile dimmed. Something had been eating at Keith over the past several weeks, though he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.
Keith glanced over at Allura. She was listening as Nanny chattered away about the Princess's outing with Prince Cedric the next day. Keith sighed. Prince Cedric was a nice guy. He was one of the few in a long line of princes who actually treated Princess Allura with the respect she deserved. Princess really seemed to enjoy his accompany. She had never expressed any discontent when she and Keith chatted about him. Keith ran his hand through his thick black hair as he tried to keep the strange nagging feeling at bay.
"I think I may call it a night. I have some reports I have to finish and send off to Galaxy Garrison early tomorrow morning. Good night, everyone," Keith said as he stood.
A chorus of good-nights followed Keith as he walked out the door.
"Keith! Keith! Wait up!" a female voice called just before the door slid closed. "Hey, Keith!" Allura gasped as she caught up to the commander. "I wanted to finalize plans for the outing tomorrow before you tackle your mountain of paperwork." Her blue eyes twinkled as she playfully punched Keith on the arm.
"Sure, Allura. No problem. Walk with me," Keith smiled at his friend. "What time did you want to leave and where will you be going?"
"Prince Cedric and I will be attending the elementary school's spring carnival. It starts right after lunch. Because we will be around children, I don't want to show up with a large detail. I thought maybe we could just keep it small. Would you feel comfortable handling the security alone on this one?" Her blue eyes searched his black ones
"I don't know Allura. I feel a little uncomfortable not having back up," Keith replied, stroking his chin. "Could we bring Lance or Hunk, too?
Allura pouted, "I really don't think that's necessary. Both Cedric and I have had formal military training and should be able to assist you if needed. Please Keith, I don't want to make the children and teachers feel like there is any kind of threat by taking a large military detail. Both Cedric and I will take concealed blasters. I want a fun, light day with the children." Her blue eyes shone big as marbles. Before he could argue further, she blinked her eyelashes at him, clasped her hands to her chin, and repeated, "Pleaseā¦."
Keith burst into laughter. "Ok, ok, fine! We can keep the detail to just me. You're killing me with the eyelashes."
"Thanks, Keith! You're the best! I will go and confirm the plans with Prince Cedric's advisor. See you tomorrow!" She fist bumped him before she turned and walked back down the hall toward her own chambers.
Keith shook his head and smiled to himself as he watched her retreating form. Becoming friends with four young pilots from Earth had been both beneficial and detrimental for the young princess. He hoped she never fist bumped one of them in front of Nanny. For some reason, Keith didn't think Nanny would find it a proper behavior for a princess. The nagging feeling forgotten, Keith whistled as he headed to his office.
