Author's Note: This story parallels 'A Knight's Journey', and this chapter is a re-telling of the end of chapter 27, which was about the after party of Pidge and Larmina's wedding. This story will move forward from there, but the main players will be Sven and Romelle. In addition, the possible haggerium cure that was mentioned in 'A Knight's Journey' will be dealt with also. If you haven't read 'A Knight's Journey' don't worry because you will be able to follow along anyway. However, for full appreciation of Grand Prince Fauk, reading of Chapters 17, 26, and 27 is recommended. They will also give insight into Sven and Romelle's relationship.

Conversations

That night Lance and Allura were in their bedroom, having a nightcap of Arusian brandy, while chatting about the after wedding party. The big topic was why Keith and Eimear never showed up for the evening. Allura was hopeful that Fauk had been right, while Lance was having a hard time believing it. She reminded him of how happy Keith had been when she'd asked to have Aiden in the wedding, and that maybe he had just needed a push like that to get things going. Lance wondered if maybe Eimear had finally run out of patience and had taken matters into her own hands. Allie laughed at that as she took another sip of her brandy, enjoying how smooth it was.

"This is good! I could have used this halfway through our meal with Sven." Allura began, as she sipped at the brandy. She sat down on the small sofa in the sitting area, getting a thoughtful look on her face. Lance came over and sat next to her, putting his arm around her and pulling her close against him.

"I can see why Pidge made the observation he did, about Romelle and Sven needing a marriage counselor. It is also very clear why your cousin moved out and got her own place; damn it all I wanted to slap the man." Lance's annoyance could be heard clearly in his voice.

"Fauk made it all work out though, I have to say. He actually got Sven to join the conversation!" Allie exclaimed in a surprised tone. Fauk had been to earth, and in addition to Italy, and Russia, he had been to Denmark and Norway. He had made it a point to ask Sven several detailed questions about his home country.

"Allie, that man might be the final straw that breaks Sven and Romelle's marriage." Lance's voice was very serious, and Allie put her glass down and made it a point to pay close attention to what he was saying. When her husband used that tone she knew that it carried a warning that needed to be heeded.

"Lance, I guess I missed something in talking to Fauk, as I only saw how pleasant and charming he was." Allie really wanted to hear what Lance had to say, and she watched carefully as he put his glass down on the table. He removed his arm from around her shoulders, and took his hands in her.

"Darling, do you remember several months ago, when we talked about your feelings for Keith?" Lance carefully asked her, as he gripped her hands. She felt the strength, and the warmth, as she looked into his soft brown eyes. Allura thought for a moment, and then remembering the conversation nodded her head. He had come up to have breakfast with her in bed, even though they weren't married. Dorcas had happily given him a hard time about being in her room before they were married.

"I asked you what would have happened if Keith had spoken up when he first returned, about his feelings for you." Lance put it out there, and she looked at him as she replayed the conversation in her mind. It had been hard to admit the teenage crush she'd had on Keith, especially to the man that she loved, but he had made her face it head on.

"Lance I told you that I would have been terribly happy, thinking all my teenage dreams were coming true. I then added though that somewhere between the third week of the engagement, and the first wedding anniversary, I would have realized what a mistake I had made." Allie confessed, remembering that it had caused her more than one nightmare.

"So let's visualize that whole scenario, ok?" Lance titled his head, still holding her hands as his brown eyes looked at her dark blue ones. She nodded her head, feeling his strong fingers entwined with hers.

"You are married to Keith and something happens in the Kingdom, or you have to make some last minute trip, or he needs to accompany you to an evening engagement, yet again. He doesn't understand why you two can't just stay at home? Or why do you have to spend time with someone you don't like?" Lance smiled encouragingly and went on "I think you get the picture, right?"

Allie thought of what her life was life, and how Lance had nailed her day to day routine. Things came up at the last minute, people and organizations had to be accommodated to keep everything happy. It all worked because of Lance, Coran, and Rigsby. Coran was the senior government official, Rigsby was the gatekeeper, and Lance was the charming diplomat.

"There you are married to Keith, who is having snit fits about god knows what – not quite as bad as Sven but fairly close. You are already overworked and I am hanging around, your understanding friend. You cry on my shoulder, and I probably end up filling in for Keith once or twice on some of the engagements." Lance exposited, as he squeezed her hands. Allie was starting to see where this was going.

"My being around is not going to help your situation with Keith, as you will compare how easy things are with me as opposed to Keith. Now, Keith is my best friend and I would like to think that I would be honorable about it, no matter how hard that might be. However, Fauk isn't friends with Sven, and I don't think he is particularly honorable either." Lance finished up his analogy.

"Lance, I understand now, and see how it could turn into a very ugly situation. Would you care if I go try to talk to Romelle? I wanted to do it anyway, after tonight, and with what you've told me now I think I really need to." Allura turned to look at her husband. He was so good to her, and so handsome; she felt lucky to have him.

"Sugar, great minds must think alike! I was debating trying to talk to Sven, but I didn't want you to think I was running out on you." Lance chuckled and kissed her on the forehead. He then moved to her lips, and enjoyed the way the brandy tasted on her tongue.

"Mmm, maybe when we get done with our respective chats we could spend some time together in the chaise lounge." Allie's voice was teasing and sultry at the same time, and Lance started to wonder if the talk could wait until tomorrow. He was still amazed at how she could arouse him so easily.

"Ready for another around, after our afternoon?" Lance nuzzled her ear; they had made love twice and were late for their own party. He went to nuzzle her neck, but the scarf was in the way, and it took him minute to remember why she was wearing it.

"Listen Darling, I didn't mean to leave those marks on your neck; I just got very carried away." Lance looked at her ruefully, and she giggled.

"Lance McClain it is a good thing you are as handsome as you, not to mention incredible in bed. Honestly though, it is fine and they were will be gone in a day or two; plus I enjoyed getting them!" Allie told him, as she kissed him again. She broke it off and went to stand up, saying "Let's go have our talks, so we can get back here sooner, rather than later."