Kiss of the Winter Fairy

by LancesKitten

An ages old Arussian tradition. A beautiful night interrupted by a terrible snow storm. An over-confident Captain playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a fairytale Princess determined to have her way. Will circumstances lead to romance or heartache? Keith/Allura; Voltron Defender of the Universe; PG13 Innuendo/Sensuality; KAEx challenge "Light's Out in the Cold"

1. Chapter 1

Author's Notes:

Thank you - To 3 treasured friends - KittyCaro, KittyLynne and Zejan the Wonder Monkey - without encouragement, I think we'd all quit, so thanks for the encouragement! :) And to KL - thank you for reminding me that there's nothing wrong with a little fluffiness now and then, in fact, sometimes it's good for your muses. ;)

Lately it seems like everywhere I go, I've been hearing an old winter-y / Christmas-y song that I absolutely love - and have loved for as long as I can remember! You may know it, you may not, but IMHO it's a great song - and it inspired this fanfic. I used the lyrics of this song as a guide for the conversation in Part 5 of this fic. B"Baby It's Cold Outside"/B was written by Frank Loesser. 1944 Published by FRANK MUSIC CORP. (It was originally written and played for guests at the Loesser's private parties. Traditionally it is sung by a man and a woman, each playing a "part" in the song.) Originally sung in 1949's movie "Neptune's Daughter" by Ricardo Montalban and Esther Williams - and (with the roles reversed) by Red Skelton and Betty Garrett. If you haven't heard the song, you can find several versions of it on youtube. :)

Disclaimers: Voltron and all associated characters are owned and copyrighted by WEP. Original/new characters belong to the author.

Rating: PG-13 - Innuendo and Sensuality

It's been quite some time since I wrote a light-hearted and fluffy piece - hope that you enjoy!

Originally Posted to the KAEx mailing list 12/14/2014 for the fanfic challenge, "Light's Out in the Cold"

PROLOGUE

The Castle of Lions was hosting its very first Winter Festival in nearly two decades! The last time peace had afforded this long-held Arussian tradition, King Alfor the Kind and his bride, Queen Natori, had announced to their people that they were expecting their first child. The following spring had brought them a sweet baby girl.

Today, the citizens of Arus had come from near and far, and to say they were excited would have been the understatement of the year. The following hours would be filled with entertainment, food and fun. And as per an ages old Arussian tradition, King Alfor and Queen Natori's daughter would make an appearance dressed as the Winter Fairy!

For many Arussians, especially those living in the most distant regions, it was an opportunity to meet the Voltron Force; those mighty young men who ensured their freedom and kept the Forces of Doom at bay. More exciting still, it would be the first time many of her people had ever laid eyes upon Princess Allura the Beloved; the babe born nearly twenty years before.

For weeks now, the castle staff had been busy making preparations and their hard work had paid off. Tables were laden with food and drink; a mixture of new and old recipes that made one's mouth water and tummy rumble. Decorations hung from each and every corner; sparkling shades of blues, whites and silvers formed snowflakes and ice crystals, as lights twinkled overhead creating a canopy of stars, the beautiful scene eliciting "oohs" and "aahs" from each and every guest.

Outside, the snow continued to trickle down, icy flakes glittering and sparkly as they touched the ground. It had been snowing for several days now, and the Arussian people were expecting one of the worst snowstorms in their recorded history. Arrangements had been made for each and every guest - they would be staying the night within the castle's walls if the need arose. So, as the sun set, visitors continued to file through the gates of the Castle of Lions, paying little mind to the darkening clouds that gathered in the distance.

Amid the trees and meadows, the evening became silent as all the little creatures tucked themselves away in their dens and caves, the only sound an eerie howl the wind made as it lashed out against the castle's walls and whipped over its roof. As the moon made its way into the sky, its soft light silvered the countryside, creating a misty, mysterious haze. With each passing hour, the snow continued to fall from the heavens, becoming thicker and heavier still, until it covered everything in sight.

Of course, the Princess and her people were safely ensconced inside the warm and jubilant castle, unaware of the blankets of ice that now covered the countryside. Music played, people laughed, children sang, lovers danced. All the while, the snow continued to fall.

And so our story begins...