Here we go...next update...

I really hope you like it...feels kinda good writing for Voltron again!

Anyway, I don't own Voltron...wish I did so the damn cartoon could be better! :)

As a point of reference, italizied sentences surrounded by ** are thought transmissions while just plain italizied sentences are thoughts alone.

I now present,

Chapter 2

A quiet figure stands in the doorway with his arms crossed on his chest. He looks at the ethereal beauty standing at the window...feeling his heart swell. Everything seems to be going along so fast, but at the same time, it's what he has always wanted. Her hair sparkles in the sunlight and her eyes express her sheer joy at the hard earned peace that they are experiencing now. His eyes take in the new uniform that they have had conscripted…her shapely figure enticing him terribly. A wolfish leer plays at his lips as naughty flashes of their intimate occasions run through his mind.

Damn, she's just doesn't know the depths of control she has over him…

He realizes that she has been so absorbed in her own thoughts…she has yet to notice that he's there, so Keith walks into the room slowly, making his way over to her.

Allura smiles…she can sense his presence now and she sends to him, **Hi, handsome**

**Hello, beautiful**

He moves up behind her, slowly drawing her back against his chest…resting his chin on her head. She sighs as she closes her eyes, **Can anything be more perfect?**

The raven haired captain kisses her temple, **I can't think of anything…**

She sighs once more, leaning more into him. There have been so many things that they have had to go through to get to this point; at peace, rebuilding, being in love, and engaged. There are still plans to overcome some of the loose ends that have been left behind from the battles they have had to deal with in the past months.

"Keith, have you located Keero yet? I know you have been putting out alerts for his capture, but has anything happened yet?"

The commander sighs, "We have bulletins out all over the galaxy. However, because there are still planets that are still under Doom control, he has quite a few places to hide out." He pulls Allura in closer, "We'll get him…don't worry."

She pulls away from him a little, "I can't help thinking about that young man that had to die because he was too much of a coward to face the consequences of his actions. That poor family…"

He rubs her shoulders, "We have made sure that his family was taken care of. My main concern now is you…he's still out there and I know he wants some kind of revenge against us…on top of that, he has ties with Lotor. There's no telling what he may be capable of doing…" Keith quickly turns her to face him and the princess sees the look of terror on his face…something he has never let show. He sends, **When I thought I had to leave you, I almost died…almost wanted to kill everything just so I could stay near you. I have you back now and nothing, not even death, will take me from you again!**

The fierceness of his thought and the stern look in his face gives her an overwhelming sense of love. This man has done more for her kingdom and planet than anyone else ever has…and he's all hers. She caresses his face and returns, **Not even death, my dark warrior…** She smiles as his lips come down on hers, sealing their vow with it.

Unfortunately, as with all their kisses, they heat up quick…both groaning at the sudden intensity of it. His hands caress her back, then lower to her buttocks…pulling her into his aroused groin. The beautiful young woman moans, feeling a distinct wetness building between her legs. She runs her hands through his hair, loving the feel of it in between her fingertips. He decided a week ago to cut it short…in more of a military cut than the shoulder length hair he used to wear. Allura sighs into the kiss…somehow the new style makes him even sexier than before.

**I love you so…and this new haircut** she sends.

**As I love you, Princess…but I kinda miss my hair!** he gives her back, his hips grinding lightly against her…

The door behind them slides open with Lance stepping in. He stands there for a moment, grinning, as he takes in how thoroughly Keith is play tonsil hockey with the princess. To be smart, he calls out, "Should I put up a 'Do Not Disturb' sign? I mean, really…you guys could really warp someone with all of that!"

Keith takes a deep breath as he eases back from Allura slowly…seeing a deep blush covering her face at the intrusion. "Bastard…" he hisses back at his friend as she giggles. He turns to look at a totally amused lieutenant, "Couldn't you knock?"

"This is a PUBLIC room…don't need to knock! Maybe you should retire to your quarters if you want privacy…oh, wait a minute…can't have that. With the way you were going, it definitely wouldn't end in just a kiss!" Lance says and Allura chokes.

Keith coughs, trying hard not to laugh at the surprised expression on her face. They have been pretty good at keeping the fact that they have been intimate for months now under the radar, but eventually someone here is going to find out…

And they want Lance to be the last one to know!

"Well, now that you have made that clear…what is it that you want?" the Voltron Commander asks. The jocular humor of the lieutenant sobers as he says, "The family of the guard that was killed wanted to personally thank you for the assistance we gave them since his death."

Allura sighs deeply, "They didn't need to do that…it was my honor to do it. He didn't have to die like that…"

Keith places his hand on her shoulder as he notices her face harden with anger. She has definitely grown over these past few months. The princess was never a wilting flower, but she did have her moments where she was more than a handful when it came to her attitude. She has been through a lot since Lotor's attack and her subsequent capture. A sly smile covers his face as he remembers the first night of her surrender…when he was finally able to express to her how he has been feeling for the two years he has been here. Allura looks up at him, "What's the smile for?"

"I'll show you later, right now we have duties to attend to," he returns.

Lance still has the sobering look on his face and Allura asks about it, "Lance, are you okay?"

He looks down, "Actually, no…I'm not alright. This whole thing with Keero still has me pissed! There has to be a way to track him down…he can't just be able to get away with this!" he says passionately. Keith looks at his friend, knowing what it feels like to have someone die and not being able to anything about it at the time.

"It wasn't your fault, Lance…he was a coward and someone innocent paid for it. We'll get him…" Keith states firmly. The lieutenant just nods, still not too convinced…until Allura takes his hand. "Lance, I know that Katia is more than grateful for what you've done for her since she's been here…even more so since you were able to get rid of Keero. She feels safe here, thanks to you…think about that."

The thought of Katia has always brought a smile to his face…but for more intimate reasons than Allura could know about. Able to shake off that raging anger for a bit, Lance smiles and offers her his arm, "Well, now that you have lifted my spirits…allow me to escort you to our guests?" He then looks back at Keith adding, "After we finish, I'll bring her to the hall for breakfast."

"Why, thank you…kind sir!" she returns with a graceful curtsey as she takes the lieutenant's arm. As they start for the door, Allura turns to wink at Keith, "See you later?"

Keith grins at her...ignoring Lance's phony display, "I'll be there soon." He watches them leave for the main hall. Once they're gone, he turns to look out at the Arusian landscape. It has never ceased to amaze him how beautiful this planet is…or in how much danger it continues to stay in. This is the last bastion that Zarkon needs to capture in order to gain total control of this galaxy…the fact that Arus has been able to hold out just gives the other planets hope that they can get rid of that scourge once and for all. Keith frowns, the other thought bothering him even more than the first one…the fact that Prince Lotor will never give up on trying to capture Allura…

His jaw tightens…

In both hand to hand battles that they have been in…it was a duel to the death. Keith swore to protect her, but when he realized that he loved her…it became his topmost priority. That bastard won't let her go… The young commander sighs, on top of all this, the biggest obstacle is the fact that it seems as if agents from Doom are infiltrating the Garrison. If Zarkon can get a stranglehold on the leadership in the Garrison, not even Voltron will be able to beat him!

Horrible thought, but a very real threat. The fact that Keero was once a soldier from Doom, and was pretty much still one, has him believing that the screening processes in the Academy aren't as stringent as they used to be. Shaking his head, he moves over to the desk, switching on the computer to contact Admiral Graham. The screen goes blank for a second before the older gentleman's face fills the screen.

"Commander, it's good to see you back on Arus. I hope that everything has worked out well."

Keith smiles, "More than well, Admiral…but we'll talk about that at another time. I was calling to find out any more information about Commander Keero Takashi. We are still putting out bulletins for his capture, but we haven't had any success. I know that there are still a lot of Zarkon supporters out here…more than I really want to admit to, but we need to find him. He may have some information he's trying to sell on the open market." The raven-haired captain takes a seat as he watches the admiral look over some reports in front of him.

"Nothing new has come up, Commander Kogane…and we are fully aware of the implications this has on the Garrison if he gets away. You have two planets out there that are havens for refugees of the Garrison…those that want Zarkon to rule. Trying to get information from those places is next to impossible…not really a good chance of any of that happening." The admiral sighs as he closes the folder he had opened, "There is something brewing again and I don't like it. Lotor may have been defeated, but he wasn't eliminated…he's going to want revenge."

Keith nods, "True, but what his plan is…I have no idea. Please, let me know if anything comes through on him…we need to get this settled."

"Will do…but, back to my earlier question, how are things?" the admiral persists. Keith bristles slightly; this isn't an easy topic of discussion since fraternization is absolutely prohibited between Garrison personnel. However, in the case of his betrothed…he'd go through hell…

"Well, I have to inform you for your approval anyway…I have gotten engaged…" Keith says hesitantly. Admiral Graham smiles happily, "Wonderful news lad! Never thought that you would actually have the guts to do it…who's the lucky girl?"

"Princess Allura Raimon."

The admiral's face freezes, "What? You mean to tell me that your fiancée is none other than the ruler of Arus? How in the hell did that happen?"

Keith has to bite back a smile…Admiral Graham is upset enough! "It's a long story and most of it is why I asked you to transfer me off Arus. To make a long story short though, I have loved Allura since I got here and recently found out that she felt the same. From that point on…we have kept things under wraps until we had the permission from the Arusian council. After that, I was to inform the Garrison…but with you being so inquisitive…"

"Dammit, Kogane…you know how the Garrison feels about things like this! I don't know if I can get them to accept it…" the old man rambles, but Keith holds up a hand. "In this case, our marriage is a given. It goes back into the history of the Lion Warriors…"

"Lion Warriors…I haven't heard of them in years," Admiral Graham interjects.

"Since you know something about them, I should tell you that I am one…I am one of the chosen, and Allura is my mate. It all had to be explained to me, but now I understand what it all means…what my destiny is, and it is with her."

Admiral Graham can only stare back at his screen, Lion Warrior? Destined to be? Oh, no… "I will have to explain all of this to the GG Council, and undoubtedly they will have to capitulate to it, but there will be hell to pay somewhere along the line…you know they had big plans for you," he says, imagining the chaos this is going to cause.

Keith just nods, "Regardless of what the council says…Allura is going to be my wife. I would like it if I had their approval, but it will go on without it."

"Pretty strong words coming from you, Kogane."

"Pretty strong feelings, Admiral. She is my life…"

Admiral Graham stares at the young commander…he has always thought of Keith as a son, been one of his biggest advocates. The council members were ecstatic when the assignment came up for Planet Arus…they knew he was the perfect choice; career-driven and ambitious. Little did they know about the beautiful princess that ruled the planet, who is obviously the kink in the captain's armor…their dreams of domination of Arus, and complete control over the space warrior Voltron, is now at severe risk.

Those damned stuffed shirts are not going to roll over and accept this! Keith has to be careful…

"I understand…but you have to be very careful about this. The Garrison has its own plans and what you're doing is putting a huge obstacle in their way…it may not turn out well, so take care," he tells Keith.

"Thanks for the warning, Admiral…I'll let you know when a date is set."

Admiral Graham genuinely smiles at the young man, "Congrats lad…I'll get you the information as soon as I can find anything out. Graham out." The screen goes black and Keith leans back in the chair, thinking. He was never under the influence of the Garrison, but he originally had pretty high aspirations when he joined. Everything was going smooth until he met her…then that train got derailed immediately. Ever since he saw her beautifully expressive eyes, he was lost…and so were those high ambitions. Now, they have a bright future in store for each other…even with the constant threat of attack.

Keith stands and heads back over to the window thinking, Better get to breakfast before they start to wonder… After making sure that the computer is off, he heads out the room to go to the dining hall.

oOOOo

Lance and Allura finallyenter the dining hall to find Hunk and Pidge have already found their seats and are already eating. This morning, Nanny decides to serve a plate to everyone instead of letting them take from a buffet…which was the usual morning fare.

"About time you got here…Hunk was about to ask for thirds!" the young man says as he straightens his glasses. Hunk snorts as he returns, "No, I wasn't…it was only seconds!"

"Why is it whenever it comes to food, there is always an argument?" asks Lance as he helps Allura into a chair. Both men blush while Allura giggles. A maid standing nearby hurries back into the kitchen to retrieve plates for her Highness and the lieutenant, not paying attention to the big man trying to get her attention to bring him another one. As they are getting settled in their seats, Pidge can't help but ask, "So, how does it feel to be engaged? I knew that you would have to be one day, but I never thought it would be Keith!"

Allura blushes slightly, "It feels wonderful, Pidge…like the best thing that has ever happened to me!"

"That's because you haven't had your honeymoon yet!" whispers Lance and Allura's blush darkens. If he only knew… Clearing her throat, she shoots him a withering glance…his eyes dancing humorously in return. There would be nothing better to take that smug look off his face than to tell him that she has complete knowledge of the captain's other attributes…and they could probably more than rival his! That distinct wetness that she always feels when she thinks of him starts up again, but there is a time and a place for all of that…and the breakfast table is NOT one of them!

Straightening herself, she looks at the door…waiting for Keith to come. Will this feeling never end? Ever since that one night, I have been insatiable…poor Nanny would have a fit! She sees the maid come back with a plate heaping with fluffy eggs, fresh fruit, and some tasty ham…Lance's plate was filled with the same, just more of it. Allura still wants to wait before she eats, looking out the door the missing Voltron commander.

"He'll be here…you know how he has twenty things to do before he even thinks to eat…" offers Lance, and just as he says that the captain comes in. A bright smile covers her face as he makes his way over to the table and the lieutenant gags, "Oh, God…that cutesy stuff!"

Allura smacks him on the arm as Keith takes his seat beside her. She looks at him, taking notice of the concerned expression on his face, "What's wrong? It looks as if you found out something disturbing…"

"I may have. I told the Garrison about our engagement, and while the admiral sends his congratulations…" Keith starts.

"He told you that the rest of those bastards won't like it. I knew that was going to happen!" Lance finishes. Hunk and Pidge looks at him, puzzled, "Why would they be upset?" Pidge asks.

"Keith is their golden boy…they wanted him to build the relationship between Arus and the Garrison. They planned everything around the fact that he was leading the team that powered Voltron…counting on being able to control how it was used through him." Lance supplies, surprising Pidge and Hunk with those details.

"But, how can they think that? Voltron isn't theirs…" Pidge says, but the lieutenant shakes his head again, "Doesn't matter…Garrison pilots command it. They seem to think that that is enough to claim control…"

Through all of this, Keith sits silent…knowing that everything he is saying is the truth. He learned that when he insisted that the team be permanently posted on Arus, the problems that caused. They only gave in when he threatened to have Allura remove Arus from the federation. He looks at his comrades and says, "Regardless of what the Garrison thinks, Princess Allura has final say in how Voltron is used…even though we know that she would never turn anyone in need away. Galaxy Garrison has to realize that even though they may have some control over the military in this galaxy…they do not have complete control and cannot dictate what's done with him."

The team all nod their heads, as usual their captain making everything clear. As another maid brings the captain his breakfast, Allura sends while contentedly eating, **There is something else wrong, isn't there? You can't fool me, Kogane…**

**I'm not trying to…honestly, it was about what I said…and finding Keero…**

Allura's eyes widen a bit, but she keeps on eating, **Keero? Was there any news?**

**No…they have put out bulletins like we have, but there are too many planets he can hide on and never be reported…I didn't want to say this out loud to Lance, he's upset about all this enough!**

The Blue Lion pilot finishes her food, then she turns to looks at him, "You're right…I just hope that we can end this soon…Lance is poised to kill at this point," she whispers.

Keith nods his head towards the chestnut-haired lieutenant, "If I know Lance, he's going to go nuts if he doesn't find out what has happened to Keero." They both look at Lance for a brief moment before finishing their meals. The maids sweep in to clear the table as the Voltron Force stands to leave.

"Since I have a lot of reports to do today…we'll cancel practice, but I do have some assignments for you guys. Pidge, I need you to go over the launching systems in the lions…see if we can speed up take-off. Hunk, I need you to reassign the security patrols for the outer perimeters…they have been getting lax over the past few days, and finally Lance…I need you to re-coordinate the new tracking systems in Red and Green lions…they should be to specs by this afternoon."

All of the team nod as they head off into their separate directions while Allura stares up at her fiancé. The servants have finally finished the clean-up of the main table and are discreetly absent.

"So, what do you have planned for me, Commander?"

Keith smirks, knowing that this is an invitation to do something naughty…but there are some other things that need to be done, "Allura…I really have a lot of reports to finish…" but is cut off as she slides her hands across his chest.

Damn, she's loving this… he thinks.

**Watch it, Commander…I heard that!** she sends as her hands wrap around his neck. Helpless to her attentions, Keith bends down to give her a scorching kiss…pulling her lithe body closer to him as he savagely takes control of her mouth. She moans loudly as she can feel her body's response to his attack. The kiss drags on, their breathing labored as they slowly taste each other. Keith regains some sense, pulling back to gaze into her passion-glazed eyes. "Allura…we have to stop…"

"Why?" she whines as she presses even closer to him. She can feel his rampant arousal and rubs against it…drawing from him a tortured moan.

"Princess! I promise we can finish this later…but now we have to get to Castle Control…please…" he begs, fighting with himself to not just take her into one of these rooms and drive himself deeply inside her.

Allura is panting heavily, her legs quivering at the impact of sheer need that has hit her. It never takes long before she is heated for him…maybe that's a good thing?

**A very good thing, my love…we just have to keep it under control for now!** he sends back to her. Smiling ruefully, Allura lowers her hands, but can't keep from touching his manhood one last time…

"Minx…" he whispers raggedly as she laughs, straightening her appearance before walking down the hall towards the control room…Keith hangs back a bit to collect himself, no need to meet Coran in this aroused state!