When Allura came in a few hours later, she looked around in surprise. Their rooms still looked the same, but with subtle changes. Small statues and knick-knacks were on the shelves and window sills. There was a new picture on the wall. Allura recognized the print as a Renoir. She remembered learning about the Earth Impressionists when she was younger. There were more books on the shelves. Walking over, she ran her fingers down their spines, not really recognizing the titles. Most of them were old Navy histories, with a few mystery novels mixed in. She smiled, realizing Keith was a closet Sherlock Holmes fan. Turning, she noticed more photographs on the small table near Keith's desk. She picked one up. There were four young people, arms over all their shoulders. One man looked just like Keith, especially with his new haircut. It took Allura a moment before she figured out it was Keith and Lance's parents when they were young.

"I didn't hear you come in."

Allura turned. Keith was leaning against the doorframe, watching her. He was dressed in black pants and a burgundy sweater.

Allura smiled at him. "How long have you been watching me?"

Keith walked over to her. "No long, just saw you taking everything in." He paused and looked around. "Do you mind?"

"Of course not! This is your home too!" She took his hand and they sat on the couch. "New clothes?"

Keith blushed. "Yeah, I get pretty tired of wearing a uniform all the time."

"My, my. Between the new clothes and the new hair, I'm wondering if you're really Keith Montgomery." Allura laughed.

Keith leaned close to her. "Shall I show you I'm the real thing?" Before she could answer, Keith kissed her deeply.

"Well…That answers that question." Allura said breathlessly a few minutes later. She sighed wistfully. "Much as I would love to stay here, we really should head for dinner." She got to her feet and walked into the bedroom to change. "Keith?" she called.

"Yeah?" Keith answered, following her into the room.

"What is that?" Allura asked, pointing to a jar seemingly filled with sand and water, sitting on the window sill.

Keith ran his hand over his head, blushing a little. "Well, I grew up near the ocean. You don't have oceans or seas here on Arus. The closest I get is the lake."

Allura looked puzzled. "This is from your ocean?"

Keith nodded. "I just wanted a piece of Earth near me." He said sheepishly.

Allura smiled and took him in her arms. "I love you."

Keith held her quietly for a moment. "Then why didn't you tell me about the problems with you and the Council." He asked softly.

Allura looked up, surprised. "How did you…Lance!"

"He and the others told me today." Keith walked across the room to the window. "Allura? Do you…do you still want to marry me?" He asked hesitantly, refusing to meet her eyes.

"Keith Montgomery! What kind of question is that?" Allura sounded hurt. She marched over to Keith, and forced him to look at her. "I love you and want to marry you. There is no one in this universe I would rather be with. Do you understand me?"

Keith nodded. "I love you too Allura. That's why I had to ask."

Allura softened. "I mean it Keith. I can't wait to be your wife."

"Do you think we should have waited before we….." Keith blushed again.

"Made love? No. I have no regrets for anything Keith. Only that it took so long for us to admit our feelings to one another." She smiled at him. "Now, get out so I can get dressed."

Keith grinned. "So, you've turned shy in the past two months."

Allura shook her head. "No, but if you stay here much longer in those new clothes, I might just have to rip them off of you." She threw a pillow at him. "Go!"

Laughing, Keith went back to the living room. He was leafing through some his paperwork, when Allura stepped back into the room. She was wearing a deep blue dress. The dress fell to the floor behind her knees, and was held up by thin silver straps. "Wow! Looks like I wasn't the only one who did some shopping."

Allura smiled. "Do you like it?" She asked, turning around. "Ginger, Lisa and Cinda sent it to me."

"Like it? Allura you're beautiful." Keith walked over to her and placed a soft kiss on her lips. "I have a present for you."

"You do! I must admit I was a bit jealous of the others. Especially Hunk's chocolate." Keith handed her a small box. Allura carefully tore the paper and opened it. "Keith! It's beautiful!" She exclaimed. She held up a delicate gold chain. Attached to the chain was a sapphire and diamond pendent.

Keith took it from her, and fastened it around her neck. "On Earth it is a custom for the bride to wear something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. I figured this took care of two out of four. It belonged to my mother."

Allura looked up at him, her blue eyes luminous. "Thank-you."

"You're welcome."

"Keith, are you sure you want me to have it?" Allura asked hesitantly.

Keith nodded. "I wouldn't have given it to you otherwise."

"I love you!" Allura reached up and kissed him, hard, trailing her hand down his spine. Keith shivered and pulled himself away.

"Let's get to dinner before I change my mind about eating. It was a long two months." He took her hand and they started towards the door.

"The girls also sent me some pretty lacey things they called lingerie. I'll have to model it for you later." Allura grinned as Keith turned red, and tried to catch his breath. "Funny. That's what Lisa said would happen." She let go of Keith's hand and quickly walked down the corridor. Keith watched her for a moment, then hurried to catch up with her.

-

After dinner, they took a stroll out through the gardens. It was a beautiful night, crickets chirping, the moon just starting to rise. Allura sighed and rested her head on Keith's shoulder.

"What?" Keith asked quietly.

"Nothing. I'm just so happy." Allura answered.

"Tomorrow I'll talk to the Council and see about getting a squadron back here."

Allura shook her head. "Don't bother. They won't listen. They talked to some once back on Earth, Space Marshall…Grayson?"

"Graham. Really, so he condoned this." Keith asked quietly.

"Yes. He was happy in fact to pull them off. Do you know him?"

Keith didn't answer for a moment. "Yes, I know him. He's trying wrest control of Voltron away from you."

Allura looked startled. "What? Voltron belongs to Arus and her people."

"I know that, but now that you're part of the Alliance, they think they can dictate how and when he will be used."

Allura walked a few steps in front of Keith, then turned and faced him. "What do you think?" She asked.

Keith walked over and took her hand. "I think Voltron belongs here, with you to decide where and when he is used. I told the brass that before I walked out on them."

"Keith, you didn't!"

"I did. And after that farce of a trial with Lotor…" Keith's voice trailed off. "Let's just say I'm not too happy with Galaxy Garrison at the moment."

"What happened?" Allura went pale. "Lotor...he wasn't freed."

Keith shook his head. "No, but pretty damn close. They gave him life in a maximum security prison on Mars. I told them what he was capable of, but no one listened." Keith scowled. "I really don't like what's going on back on Earth. I want to have a long talk with Uncle Alex when he gets here."

"You haven't talked to the Admiral?"

"No, he walked out of the hearing before I did. When I left, I couldn't find him, so I went back to my old house and packed. I haven't seen him in about a month."

Allura looked out across the lake. "And to think I thought our troubles were over once the war ended." She said softly.

Keith held her tightly. "I'm here now. Along with Lance, Pidge, and Hunk. Nothing will happen with us here. I promise."

Allura looked up at him and smiled. "I love you. I love you all."

Keith smiled back. "Glad to hear it. Let's get to bed, 5:00 AM will be here before you know it."

Allura groaned. "Lance told me. I thought you were kidding."

Keith led her back to the Castle. "Now Princess, you know me better than that. I never kid about Lion Practice!"