Letter 3
One year later on Arus
Princess Allura and Coran stand together in the docking bay anxiously awaiting the arrival of a certain shuttle from Earth. Soon they are rewarded as a small shuttle clears the clouds and makes a soft landing in the bay. The door opens as an equally anxious Pidge comes barreling down the steps, followed closely by Hunk and Lance.
"Pidge, Hunk, Lance…oh I'm so happy to see you guys! " Allura cries out as they all fall into a huge group hug.
"Princess, it's been too long. How are you doing? And you Coran?"
"We are all well, thank you for asking Hunk. I suggest we go inside. Nanny has outdone herself preparing a welcome home feast." Coran smiled warmly and stepped aside knowing what was to follow his statement…
"Nanny's cooking? LET ME THROUGH!" Hunk took off at a full run for the dining room as the rest broke out into a full belly laugh.
Lance shook his head saying "Oh it's good to know that some things never change."
As the group walked together into the castle, Lance took the Princess' elbow and held her back from the others. When Allura looked up to question him, Lance placed his finger to his lips to quiet her. Hunk, Coran and Pidge turned a corner and Lance felt it was safe enough to speak quickly and quietly to the princess.
"I've heard from Keith. He's sending me an e-mail for you. It's crazy, taking such a risk but he said he just had to get this message to you. Meet me in the interior gardens at 9 o'clock tonight" Lance stressed the next rather forcefully, " and DON'T let anyone else know. OK?"
Lance looked around again just to be certain that no one was listening in. A bright smile came to Allura's face as she replied, "Of course." They entered the dining room and saw that Hunk was already on his second plate!
9 o'clock… the day just dragged by but the time had finally arrived. Allura checked the hallway to be sure it was clear, she didn't want Nanny to follow her and have to explain why she was meeting Lance alone in the castle's interior gardens. The door opened to reveal Lance setting up his personal laptop by the wrought iron chairs. She moved with purpose and sat down in the chair next to his.
Lance looked up and smiled knowingly at his excited friend…NO… Allura was no longer just a friend. She had become like his little sister and he knew just how much she missed his best friend and "brother".
"OK, I've got it all set up and as soon as I decrypt his e-mail, I'll leave you alone. When you're done just hit this key and I'll take care of the rest." Lance smacked his lips as he finished, "I'll wait over by the gates." He patted her hand and stood up.
Before he could move away, Allura grabbed his wrist, "Thank you Lance, I know what a danger this is but it means the world to me." He smiled, nodded and moved towards the big black wrought iron gates that lead to the exterior gardens. The princess took a deep breath, let it out slowly and with a smile looked down on the computer screen…
My Darling,
I am having yet another restless sleepless night. I fondly remember our midnight talks in the gardens. I wish I was there with you now. As a matter of fact, do me a favor…close your eyes, count to ten and say my name.
Forever
Your Dark Angel
Allura was confused but as in his other letters, he requested her to do something to symbolize a feeling of being together. So she closed her eyes and began to count. "1 2 3 4"
(Once Allura closed her eyes, Lance opened the gate and as a tall, thin, figure dressed in black slipped in - Lance slipped out.)
"5 6 7 8 9 10…Keith"
"Yes my love?"
Allura's eyes shot open and as she stared at Keith in front of her she felt the air leave her lungs in total shock. In the next instant she sprang from her chair knocking Keith back in surprise and began kissing and hugging him wildly.
"Oh my God, is this real? Are you really back? Oh Keith, my love!"
"Allura, sweet… sweet princess mine. This is real but I'm sorry to say that it's only for a couple of hours. No one else can know I'm here. Lance will cover for us but we still must be careful."
Keith then took Allura's face between his hands and placed a long lingering kiss of passion to her soft lips. She closed her eyes and surrendered to the kiss as a single tear slid down her cheek. Keith was here holding her, kissing her but they only had a short time. She wasn't going to lose a moment with him by weeping about it, there would be plenty of time to cry later. Right now she was elated to have him here with her.
