Arrival
Every morning of her life, Princess Allura rose and dressed with the assistance of two maids. Today, she rose alone. No maids, no waiting tray, no ready bath. She'd wanted none of the royal trappings she'd experienced since birth. Nanny had balked, of course. Dear, sweet Nanny. She believed her princess still a child that required others to see to her every need. All those years of hardships, coupled with the confidence Allura gained from piloting Blue Lion, helped create a young woman Nanny had yet to accept. Even Coran, mainstay of the castle throughout the dark times, sometimes seemed caught out by the changes in Allura. Only the Force knew her to be more than her crown. And for that, she felt forever grateful.
Allura drew back the curtains. Dawn cast the surrounding countryside in soft colors of pale pink, orange, and lavender. Small settlements showed signs of life, while farmers tilled freshly turned fields. The sight acted as a restorative, and a reminder, of what she fought to preserve. For today, she'd chair a meeting attended by the rulers of those planets King Zarkon once held by force. Allura hoped- no, expected- to come away with an alliance firmly in hand. Then everyone, from Nanny to her enemies, would understand that the princess of Arus was someone to be respected. That she was no longer afraid.
She watched the people headed to the fields to assist the farmers. Her hands clenched on the windowsill. I cannot fail them.
After dressing, Allura headed for the control room. Coran received reports concerning matters such as castle supplies and the status of the guards' corps every morning. As today included coordinating the delegates' arrival, Allura wanted to be part of the planning. This went beyond mere room assignments. She'd spent the past evening learning more about each leader. Nothing was considered too inconsequential. She knew of the food shortages Abi Tohan faced on his desert word, the medicines Talor took to alleviate his illness. Prince Bandor, her cousin, had a taste for the berry juice cocktails native to Arus. Mylon of Titus, newly appointed to his post, still mourned his elder brother's passing. Allura planned to extend an invitation for him to join her in honoring their departed ones. Lastly, Remo of Taurus, whose world lay closest to Doom, suffered fuel shortages due to constant raiding. That he intended on coming at all was nothing short of a miracle. His fuel stores would be replenished regardless of the day's outcome.
When she entered the section of corridor showing her the western edge of the lake, her steps slowed. Her gaze drifted to the hilltop cresting the horizon. Excitement and hope filled her. Of all the delegates present, those of Aethia would draw the largest impression. The whole sector knew of the terrible elemental robeast Haggar had sent, and the girls' roles in defeating it. This had earned them quite a following on Arus and beyond. Knowledge that Sven had been injured, captured, and escaped with Princess Romelle earned him the respect of all who knew his story. He would be a welcome addition to the day's proceedings.
Allura clasped her hands at her heart. See them safely here, Father, she prayed. Then, casting another glance at the hilltop, she resumed walking.
Castle staff she passed bowed to her. She returned each greeting with a nod. She wanted to convey her determination that the day's events succeeded. The trust and pride in their faces invigorated her spirit. They believed. Allura felt she could do anything.
Turning the corner, her steps faltered as a swell of emotion overcame her. Keith conversed with some of the guards, no doubt going over last minute security details. Keith took the castle's security seriously on any given day. Today demanded three times the scrutiny, if his stern expression was any indication.
Once dismissing the men, Keith's gaze drifted to her. The small smile that teased his lips softened his demeanor. Her pulse quickened. Once too often, Nanny caught her gazing at Keith and was quick to chide her on his lower station. Allura didn't care. She had long given up on trying to rationalize the effect he had on her. The affection she held for Lance, Pidge, and Hunk seemed tiny candles compared to the slow, steady blaze Keith commanded in her heart. She sensed, on some level, that he felt the same. No man who willingly put himself in danger time and time again would do so if love wasn't involved. That neither had spoken the word aloud did not lessen their feelings.
"Good morning, Princess," he greeted, nodding to her. He always maintained a cordial formality with her if others were present. If it was one quality Nanny had to admit to liking in him, it was his respect for the proprieties. "Did you need something? I'm going to the control room."
"I'm going there, too," she said with a small smile. "We'll go together. You can tell me about the castle security plans."
His face brightened, as if he'd hoped she'd ask. "Of course."
Allura walked beside him, listening in silence as he outlined the plans. Just knowing he had things in hand made her feel secure, both for the delegates and on a personal level.
"Thank you so much for doing this, Keith," she said when he had concluded. "I know everyone here appreciates it."
"Appreciation is nice, but agreeing with your plan is better, for all of us." He spoke in firm tones. "None of us can stand up to Zarkon alone for long. We've been lucky."
She murmured an assent. It was no slight against the team's efficiency. Keith saw hard truths and called them what they were. Such a quality made him an efficient leader, one she hoped to be one day.
"I'm glad you'll be at the meeting today." Her cheeks warmed as she spoke. "I feel that with you beside me, I can do anything."
At this, Keith stopped walking. Turning, his gaze locked with hers. He laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. Warmth from the contact passed through her clothes to her skin.
"Allura," he said, and her breath caught in her throat. Rarely did he address her by her first name. Each instance he used it seemed as powerful as that first time. "I want you to know that I think you're strong enough to carry this alliance, with or without me."
And I might not be here one day, hung between them, unspoken. Her answering smile echoed of her sorrow. Something flashed in his dark eyes. The hand at her shoulder tightened, just so.
Rapid footsteps echoed behind them. Keith released her and turned, only to have Hunk nearly run him down. He seized Keith by the upper arms and shook him. A broad smile split his face.
"Did you hear?" he asked. He practically bounced in place.
"Hey, take it easy, big guy," Keith said, his tone nettled but fond. An amused smile lit his face. "What's gotten you so excited? Don't tell me: Nanny let you sample tonight's meal."
"Better," Hunk answered, casting aside all frustrations he exhibited whenever Nanny banned him from the kitchen. He handed Keith a small, bound scroll. Keith's eyes brightened as he unrolled it. Allura smiled in delight. Since communication between Aethia and Arus began, she arranged for a courier to send word whenever a doorway opened. Allura whispered thanks to her father and Guardian Alisha as she leaned in close to read the letter. The message, though brief, indicated Sven, Azura, and Harmony were seen emerging from the hilltop.
Keith smiled as he handed the letter back. "Go meet them. Take Pidge and Lance with you."
"Already on it, Chief," Hunk replied, saluting him. Then, unable to contain his eagerness, he hurried down the hall.
Allura watched him go. "Shouldn't we be there, too?" she asked. Illness prevented her from seeing Kaia when she accompanied Sven on his first visit. Eagerness to rekindle the bonds of friendship swept over her.
Keith shook his head. His expression turned serious. "The others will welcome them for us. We need to change our security plans now. No one can know how they got here."
His words stilled her joy. Summoning a meeting carried great risk already. To include representatives outside Zarkon's domain shifted the balance of power in their favor. He wouldn't stand for it if he knew.
The want to protect them swelled within her. "You're right. Let's go see Coran."
Upon their arrival to the control room, they found Coran involved in a heated discussion with Nanny. The older woman stood with her hands on her hips, her features set with determination. Though generally good-natured and kind, she possessed a stubbornness that Lance once described- and in Nanny's hearing- as mulish. He wisely avoided her for days.
"Nanny, you must understand our position," Coran said, his voice strained. "The princess called this meeting. The other leaders expect her to be present."
"The princess is not the diplomat. You are," she pointed out. She clasped her hands together, the ferocity in her face instantly changing to worry. "She's too inexperienced to lead anything like this. Let me take her away to protect her."
At this, Allura's own stubborn streak came alive. She joined the others so swiftly, Nanny appeared to jump in place at suddenly finding her there. "I'm not going anywhere," she said. "Leading the summit is the most important thing to our planet right now. It's my responsibility."
Nanny, having overcome her surprise, turned pleading eyes to her. "Oh, Princess, you're just not ready yet."
Keith stepped forward then, his usually calm demeanor gone with his next words. "She's more than ready. You'd see it, too, if you'd stop treating her like a child."
His passionate stance put color into Allura's cheeks. Between this and his earlier praise, Allura had difficulty not giving in to the impulse to hug him.
Nanny cast a look of severe disapproval Keith's way. "Hmph. It's your fault she's like this," she said, falling back on her unshakeable belief that the Force forever remained a bad influence. "If only King Alfor were alive. He'd—"
"Nanny, that's enough," Allura said sternly. Then, at seeing the other woman's eyes brimming with tears, she relented. "I wish Father was alive, too. But he isn't. Please try to understand why I have to do this. Everything I do is as much for him as it is for Arus."
Nanny's lower lip quivered as she mulled over what Allura said. Then, sighing, the older woman bowed her head. Coran gave a small sigh of relief. Allura embraced her. Beside her, Keith flashed an approving smile. It did more for her courage than his defense of her.
Nanny parted from her to dab at her eyes with the corner of her apron. "I'm sorry. I just can't help but worry. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Coran, no doubt recognizing that Nanny's natural talents would serve them in other ways, requested that she see to the delegates' comfort. At this, Nanny demonstrated enthusiasm. If it was one thing she had pride for, it was her ability to ensure comfort.
"I'll take care of them so well they won't want to leave," she said with a small chuckle. She then hurried out, raising her voice to any maid that was in earshot.
Coran sent a helpless smile at the departing figure, then looked to Allura and Keith. "She may frustrate us at times, but we're lucky she cares so much. The delegates will thank us for her expert care, if nothing else."
"Speaking of which," Keith said. "Sven, Azura, and Harmony are on the way. We need to increase our security even more now. The last thing we want is for something bad to happen to them again."
Pleasure at this news put light into Coran's weary face before solemnity took it away. "You are correct. I'll arrange a meeting with the head of security. We've enough men to post in the castle and around it, if necessary. Do you know when they are expected to arrive?"
"They should be here within the hour," Keith replied. "The letter said-"
A guard hurried in, cutting Keith's words short. The man performed a hasty bow to Allura. "Excuse me, your highness. Prince Bandor's ship was sighted some moments ago."
Coran nodded, as if expecting this news. "We received word early this morning he was nearing the planet. The others shouldn't be too far behind."
"I'll go meet the ship," Allura said. "Coran, can you make sure Nanny gives Bandor a pitcher of red berry juice in his room?" He acknowledged her, but it was Keith's insistence on guards accompanying her that reminded her this appearance was not just for her safety. It was an honor guard.
A warm breeze passed over them once they exited the castle. The scent of spring flowers perfumed the air. The bulk of them had been arranged around the castle gates, both for aesthetic purposes and a demonstration that despite all hardships, life went on. As a child, Allura adored flowers. Her fascination with them had not dimmed in her adult life. On occasion, she still ducked into the fields to pick some. Not even the memory of being poisoned by the ones Haggar had inflicted on the planet kept her from this simple joy.
The distinct roar of ship engines echoed in the sky. Allura shaded her eyes as she watched its approach. Bandor's ship descended at a slow speed, sunlight picking out the emblem of the royal family. It, much like the rest of the ship, appeared worn, battle-scarred. Bandor lacked the resources to repair the ship since their close call with Prince Lotor not too long ago. Thoughts of the egotistical and cruel prince brought anger to Allura's heart. He made it no secret that he desired her to be his queen. In turn, she made it no secret she wanted nothing to do with him. Worse, he had hurt those she cared about: Lance, Keith, Romelle. Of them all, Romelle suffered the most. Allura promised herself that once they defeated Zarkon, she would spend more time with her cousin. Anger and resentment colored Romelle's mood these days.
Bandor's ship touched down on the recently constructed landing zone. Waves of heat caused the air near the engines to ripple like water. The landing plank extended to the ground. The guards snapped to attention when the hangar door lowered. Prince Bandor stood among a clutch of guards of his own. Though young, he held himself with remarkable poise. The toll of ruling a planet struggling to survive resided within his eyes, giving him a much older appearance. The smile Allura had for him turned to pleasant surprise at seeing Romelle at his side. Last she heard, Romelle was directing recovery efforts on Pollux.
Bandor descended the plank a little way ahead of his guard. He greeted Allura with a perfectly executed bow. She responded in kind, then embraced Romelle. She let the hug linger before drawing back to gaze into her cousin's face. What she saw troubled her greatly. Where once Romelle shone with quiet confidence, there was a haunted look about her eyes. And she was much too thin. Bandor appeared thinner as well. The sight saddened Allura. Things on Pollux must be worse than she feared.
"Welcome, Bandor, Romelle. It's wonderful to see you again," she said, taking Romelle's hands in hers.
"We feel the same," Romelle replied. She spoke in a soft voice edged with gratitude.
At Allura's gesture, they started toward the castle. Their guards formed a protective wall around them. Bandor kept pace with Allura, while Romelle fell back a step.
"I can't thank you enough for calling this meeting," Bandor said. "The others didn't want to hear about it when I tried arranging something."
"Father had made an alliance with Doom," Romelle said, unmistakable anger in her tone. "They didn't trust us."
Regret surfaced in Bandor's eyes, but he neither apologized nor made excuses. Though King Cova's intentions had been more about resolving an ancient grudge, Allura couldn't help but wonder if he also did it for his people. What would she have done had the Voltron Force not shown up at her door that day?
"Tell me about what's happening on Pollux," she requested.
"Most of the people are living in the castle courtyard. We have refugees coming in almost every day." Romelle's voice broke a little with her next words. "So many remain prisoners on Doom. We must help them, but…"
"We don't have enough people," Bandor said. Bitterness sharpened his tone. "They strongest are busy building shelters and repairing ships. The rest are too sick or too weak."
Allura sympathized. So many of her own people remained prisoners. One look at Romelle reminded her of the horrors those on Doom lived day in and day out. The want to free them occupied her thoughts often.
Once inside the castle, the head of security approached the three, made his bows, and offered to escort Bandor and Romelle to their rooms. Bandor thanked Allura and started after the man. Romelle touched Allura's arm.
"Can I talk to you? Alone?"
The urgency in Romelle's eyes compelled Allura to agree. She gestured they walk back outside. Romelle smiled, a tired smile but appreciative. The cousins drifted away from the gates for the relative privacy of the lake. Romelle wandered close to the shore. There, she held herself as she gazed at her reflection. Allura stood beside her, saddened by the shadows in Romelle's eyes.
"You know we'll do all we can to help Pollux," Allura said softly. "If you need anything, please ask."
"There is something you can do for me," Romelle murmured. She met Allura's questioning gaze. "Convince Bandor to let me go to Doom. I want to free the prisoners."
The request drew forth a surprised gasp. "But, Bandor said—"
"Never mind what he said." Determination etched itself into every line of Romelle. "I can't sleep at night knowing my people are suffering. Not when I can do something about it. I know Doom. I can disrupt their operations. And I can give Voltron intel for when you're ready to defeat Zarkon."
Allura studied Romelle's face for some moments. "You've been thinking about this a lot, haven't you?"
Something passed across Romelle's eyes before she looked toward the lake. "It's something Sven and I talked about after we escaped."
Admiration for the man echoed in Romelle's voice, but nothing more. Allura assumed the time apart had allowed for any feelings Romelle still carried to settle into something more platonic. She knew Sven's heart belonged to Azura, and most likely respected him too much to let the past influence the present.
"Aren't you afraid to go back?" Allura asked softly.
Romelle turned to face her. She seemed made of steel in that moment. "I don't want to go back. I have to. I'm not afraid to do it alone."
Emboldened by her words, Allura nodded. "I'll talk to Bandor," she said, taking Romelle's hand. "We will need someone on Doom to help us. I can't think of someone better suited to do it."
The smile that touched Romelle's lips echoed of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Allura. This means so much to me."
Allura returned the smile. "Did you want to rest before the meeting? The others won't be here for a few more hours."
Just as Romelle prepared to answer, the sound of someone calling Allura's name echoed behind them. A guard hurried to her side. "Another ship's been sighted coming in, Princess."
"You go meet them," Romelle said. "I thought I'd spend some time here. It's so peaceful."
Allura smiled her understanding. She'd often come out here when her thoughts became too chaotic. She embraced her cousin, then started back toward the landing zone. The guards Keith had assigned circled her once she arrived. Smiling again at his thoughtfulness, Allura lifted her gaze to the sky as another ship slowly descended through the clouds.