I would like to say thank you to Cubbieberry. This never would have happened with out her infections enthusiasm for K/A, and encouragement. I hope she knows how bright her light shines.
Also thank you to sunshineleoDawn. She just published her first fanfic and is already helping my edit mine.
Disclaimer: I don't own Voltron or it's characters. They are owned by WEP
Chapter 2. Escape
Keith had been standing at the window in his office for over an hour. He was mulling over his fight with Lance. He had just been teasing the Princess about breaking her bones. He didn't understand why she took every thing he said so personally. She always acted like he was attacking her. If Lance had said the same thing, she would have laughed and joked with him. Truth was he didn't know how to ice-skate. Growing up on the beach, he was more into summer sports than winter. He was going to tell her this, but she got all bent out of shape and ran away.
He watched as a servant girl gracefully stepped in to one of the small boats that ferried most of the staff across the lake. It was such a long walk for them if they had to leave by the bridge and walk around. They had set up this informal way of crossing. It bothered the Captain that he couldn't see the woman's face. She had the hood of her cloak pulled low. It was a beautiful day. There was no reason to be covered up so completely. Keith would speak with Koran about building a smaller bridge on that side of the Castle. It would be easier to guard and keep track of who was coming and going. He continued to watch the boat.
She slowly removed one of her gloves, and stretched out a delicate hand. She skimmed the water with her fingertips. He could see her shiver slightly. He found himself wishing he could see her. When she reached the dock, he again noticed her fluid and graceful movements. For a brief moment, he allowed the loneliness he kept under tight control to wash through his mind. The man rowing the boat had stepped out and offered his hand. The women accepted his assistance and stepped out onto the dock. Before returning to the boat the servant bowed slightly.
Keith swore out loud.
Keith was angry. He watched her cross the snow-laden field and duck down a forest path. He should have known she would do something like this. He sighed letting his anger flow out of him. She really was a bird in a cage. Her spirit was light and free and her mind and body longed to fly away. He knew that was why she refused to give up her place in the Blue Lion. He walked down to the servant's quarters heading for the same boat dock she had used. He heard Nanny's voice so shrill he couldn't understand what she was saying. He came around the corner and found Nanny yelling at one of the maids. The young woman looked frightened, but was standing her ground.
He noticed she was wearing a silk sapphire blue cloak. Keith put his hand on Nanny's shoulder and calmed her down. "What is going on?" he asked.
Nanny spat, "She has stolen one of the Princess's coats."
"It was given to me," the girl responded. Keith held up his hand to silence Nanny. He looked at the young maid with sympathetic eyes. She blushed slightly and looked at the ground.
"Did she make a trade with you? Perhaps you had a warm forest green coat she needed."
"Yes." the girl replied quietly. "She asked me not to tell anyone."
"It's ok," Keith said gently. "You didn't tell; I guessed. The maid smiled then looked around him at Nanny. Nanny waived her hand dismissing the girl.
"What is this about?" she asked eyeing Keith.
He thought for a moment then said, "Allura decided to go ice-skating alone. I was going after her when I heard you yelling." He thought Nanny was going to start screaming again.
Instead she had a wistful smile on her face. "AHH yes. She loved ice-skating, and she was very good." Keith nodded and turned down the hall that would lead him out. Just as he got to the door, he heard Nanny call him. She handed him a basket with a thermos and some small sandwiches. Then she produced a pair of black skates. "I believe these will fit you." Keith was dumbfounded. How in the seven hells had she produced skates that fast?
Allura looked into Keith's eyes for just a moment. What else can I do to warm him up? Her lips were so close to his. For a brief moment, she thought about kissing him. She shook her head to clear it. She remembered how much he enjoyed going to the small beach at the Castle Lake. She laid her forehead against his. Should she do this; her mother had died before she could pass on the knowledge of her gift. Allura closed her eyes and began to project images into Keith's mind. They were swimming in a warm tropical sea. Lying on the sandy beach enjoying the warm sun. His breathing became more rhythmic and she realized he had fallen asleep. She shifted her body and laid her head on his chest. She soon gave in to fatigue and fell sound asleep herself.