Chapter 4: The Confrontation Begins
"Nanny," Allura called into the silent room. Suspecting where she'd find the older lady, the Crown Princess of Arus keyed in her override code forcing the door to slide open. "I thought you'd be after me to dress for dinner," teased the beautiful young woman covered in dust. A smear of dirt across one cheek, she felt tired and hungry.
Not more so, Allure contemplated silently, than any other member of the palace staff. We have all done our part this day in the defence of our world and the resulting clean-up required from Zarkon's destruction.
"Oh my," Chodina switched to her alternative personality, quickly closing down the computer screen and the results of the search, "look at the time Princess. How could I have been so silly? Back to your chambers, you're not fit to be seen in that, that…"
"I've been working, Nanny," the soft words carried a rebuke, "with the rest of the staff, not locked away in my office even though I have several days' worth of duties to catch up on."
Shrugging off the reproof, Dina's mind felt a subtle blend of admiration and humour. Allura recently learnt the art of indirect barbs using the sweetest tone to ameliorate the sting of her words. Aiming the softly spoken reprimands at her closest advisors, the young Royal wanted her staff to place the people of Arus above themselves. Her appearance today proved she led by example.
"Well," Dina simpered, "now it is time to clean you up, Princess."
"I guess we could all do with a break," Allura nodded, accompanied by a weary sigh. Her eye caught the holographic particles remaining from Nanny's search. Intrigued, the Princess attempted to capture the after image but the details eluded her. "What," she pointed to the computer as she moved further into the room, "is so important, that it takes you away from helping to restore the Castle to order."
"Since that evil Prince Vocca turned your petty little head," Chodina reminded at the scolding best, "we must see if there is a royal family remaining in this sector of space. There must be someone suitable for you to form an attachment, possibly marry."
Inviting the interloper into the Castle of Lion's went against Dina's training. Keep your friends close, she remembered the wise words of her predecessor, but your enemy's closer, so you may know what they are doing before they do it. Ordering round the clock surveillance on the young man proved useless. Haggar's magic outwitted the Security Chief and her personnel. She'd been more careful since, much, much more careful where her Princess was concerned. Yet, Commander Kogane has manage to bypass all my security measures, Dina lamented.
"I am not in the mood for this old and much hashed over argument," Allura turned her back. Allowing the flush of anger to subside, the younger woman steeled her expression before pivoting to face Nanny. Sighing, she attempted to make her retainer see sense. "There are seven habitable star systems in this sector of space. All have felt the ravage of Zarkon. Of the six royal families, three no longer exist, nor do their people. Two others remain enslaved, effectively cutting them off from trade or friendship with Arus. Pollux is our only ally. I believe," the Princess took a moment to allow the sparkle of amusement to enter her blue eyes, "Prince Bandor is far too young for your schemes and their system in a similar position to Arus."
"Perhaps," Dina tested the waters forcing a giggle as if joking, "when I next consider searching for your consort, I should increase the territory, Princess."
Indeed, the Security Chief uncovered five possible candidates in the alliance worlds, which included Earth. Of those, only one fulfilled all Arus's requirements. This particular young man proved both elusive and reclusive. She couldn't blame him, nor his security personnel for the caution. He would be as much a target for women expecting a certain level of comfort as Allura proved attractive to unworthy suitors. His public profile and history limited, his family's wealth massive, Chodina searched for a picture of the young man. Even if he proved unpleasant to the eye, the inducements of his purse would overcome such insignificant considerations. So far, she'd been as successful in gaining a photo of the industrial heir, as revealing Commander Kogane's elusive heritage. The thought that they might be one and the same amused the older woman with its shear impossibility.
"How far," Allura openly smiled as she watched the expressions of hope and desperation sweep across Nanny's face, "would you look? All the way to Earth, beyond perhaps? Maybe you should decrease your expectations for the future Consort of Arus. A Lord or Barron would do nicely." Adding a hint of sarcasm to her voice, she pretended this topic didn't make her heart fear the ultimate sacrifice the Crown Princess would have to make for her people. "They would get me pregnant with the royal baby that is required to continue my lineage as well as any Prince. In some ways, they might prove better candidates, especially if they come bearing gifts of industry and technology."
Yes, Dina's mind supplied while her alter ego pouted at the rebuke, finally you see the needs of your people, the need to fill Arus's coffers and rebuild our civilization. New money or old, either will sustain our world for the next generation, until we can return our planet to the vibrant, healthy place it once was. You don't need to be in love with him, just produce heirs. Love, as nice as it would be, is not a consideration in this transaction.
"This is not getting you dressed, Princess," Dina frowned. Hurrying the young woman out the door, she'd planted the seed. Now she needed to give Allura time to let it sprout and accept her fate. In a few days, Nanny would start her campaign in earnest by presenting her favoured candidate. Then she'd suggest the Princess invite the young man to visit Arus, perhaps with the trade delegation from Earth. "Come, we must hurry or other's will be waiting on you. It is not appropriate for a Princess to be late."
"It seems," Allura commented softly, more to herself than her retainer, "there are a great many things it is inappropriate for a Princess to do. Yet I'm actively involved in doing many of them and intend for it to continue being so!"
"That will have to stop," Dina announced in Nanny's offhanded way while her intellect dissected the comment. It seemed to encompass more than her responsibility for Blue Lion, leaving the Security Chief to wonder what else Allura eluded too. Had the girl finally learnt to hide parts of her life from her keepers? That being the case, Nanny had her work cut out for her. "It will have to stop, when you marry and become with child. We cannot risk the life of the next Crown Princess."
Not sparing the older woman a look or word, Allura thought, I'm not about to give up any part of my life any time soon. I have plans, Nanny, and they do not involve marriage to a man of your choosing or children in the near future. When I am ready, I'll make my move. Right now, even I know this is not the time for Arus to host a royal engagement or wedding. Zarkon would order an all-out attack, if he discovered Blue Lion's pilot had been replaced because she's with Child.
"No, no, no," Nanny sounded angry as Allura stepped out of her shower half an hour later. The maid stopped her work, aiding in the palace clean up to help her Princess change for evening meal. Pointing to the outfit arranged on the bed, Dina stated in a terse tone, "the blue one. Pink is for formal occasions and this is not a formal occasion. The Princess is only having dinner with the Voltron Force and Coran in the casual dining room. Pink will set those excuses for men above their station."
"Actually," Allura frowned, stepping into her sleeping chamber, "I'd like the white dress with embroidered flowers in gold, the one gifted to me by the Earth Envoy the last time he visited."
"But," spluttered Nanny indignantly, "it is too fine for a simple meal!"
"I have a wardrobe full of garments that I never wear, Nanny," Allura indicated the room full of precious threads and gems in a voice filled with distain. "My people are starving while we at the castle eat three meals a day. Every time new fields are established; Planet Doom sends out an attack force to destroy the little rebuilding our people manage."
"There may come a time," Nanny fussed, "when you will need all your gowns."
"I think we sometimes hold dear that which is not important. This dress," she took the offering from the maid, "is a symbol. The people of Earth gave it to me to represent a glimmer of hope when all seemed lost. It expresses that help is at hand. I must have faith the meaning behind the gown will bring relief supplies from Earth and other planets within the Alliance. Arus needs food, medicine, building materials, not more gowns to clothe their Regent. We need loans to establish industry, rebuild cities, not inconsequential gifts."
You are growing up, Dina's mind supplied, while Nanny fussed with more retorts about dignity and position. Still she helped the girl into the dress which brought out the curves Allura hid under her normal clothing. Is there more to this sudden change in attire than I've recognised? Chodina had to wonder. The earlier comment about her involvement in unworthy projects still puzzles me. Heike, you suggested your daughter had an ulterior motive for remaining at the beck and call of Voltron Force. I am beginning to wonder if it is entirely to do with duty. Maybe I need to observe Allura's interactions more closely. Maybe I need to place her in an unusual situation and watch the Princess's reaction.
Leaving the maid to help Allura with her final adornments, Nanny begged off. Heading for the control room, she found Coran at his usual seat before the newly upgraded defence system consol. Keith stood at his shoulder, discussing repairs for Yellow Lion. Each member of Voltron had sustained some damaged in the last battle. Not wanting to disturb them, Chodina left silently. Requesting cook send a reminder through the closed com system, it gave the men fifteen minutes warning before the evening meal commenced, time enough to dress suitably.
Time enough, Nanny considered, to set up my test, or, at least the first part of it.
"Why," Lance looked down the table as he stood behind his chair, observing the change in seating with a frown, "are you next to me, Nanny. You usually guard the Princess with Coran on the other side. This is highly improper surely," he teased the flustered woman, glad to get one over on her, "to let Keith sit beside the Princess."
"It is time," she informed in a vicious tone, "for you to learn some table manners, young man. In a little under one month we host a formal reception. Representatives of several Earth companies are arriving to talk trade with the Princess. You will be required to sit among them and protect Her Royal Highness. I will not have you embarrass Arus with bad etiquette. We start your training now. You will remain standing until Princess Allura is seated. Then the gentlemen on either side will be allowed to sit as honoured guests. Only after the important dignitaries are settled, will the remainder of the table take to their chairs."
Grunting, Lance sent an evil look towards his Commander. He would not soon forget Keith's sudden elevation to the position of honoured guest. Clicking her tongue at his side, Nanny continued to berate Red's pilot, demanding a neutral expression in all circumstances so as not to draw attention to himself.
Allura, seated at the head of the table tried to hide a smile at the byplay between Nanny and Lance. Well aware of the importance of the series of meetings with the Alliance Industrialists, her blue eyes flashed to the man unaccustomed to sitting beside the Crown Princess. Keith supported the discussions, more than that, he understood the planet needed investment to develop any kind of industry beyond the subsistence farming currently allowed by Zarkon's intrusions.
At the other end of the table, Dina took note as Allura turned to survey the young commander's reaction to her overtly trivial display. The man appeared very comfortable seated at the Princess right-hand side, as if he had attended many such events. Thinking on this, Chodina could not remember when Commander Keith Kogane seemed ill at ease with the Arusian Court rituals. She had never needed to chastise the man and he always deferred to Coran and the Princess as was their due. Even on first meeting Allura, he knelt before her in a practiced move, bowed over her hand and touched it only lightly. Filing away the information, Dina watched the interaction from under her long lashes.
A slight smile broke out on Keith's face in response to the Princess's unusual overture. Caused by Lance's antics or the Princess's attentions, Chodina couldn't be entirely sure. Either way, he did not dare return Allura gaze. Ignoring her silent plea to share a moment, the Security Chief could swear Commander Kogane only pretended to be oblivious, while the Princess's hopes were crystal clear to the old retainer.
So, Chodina let her mind wonder over the momentary glance, our young Princess is considering her future. Well, when I have all the information I'll make my recommendation. Until then, I'm going to be watching this pair closely. Nothing can develop until after she is well married and born at least two children. Even then, if we are still at war, Allura may have to make more sacrifices. Love is not compatible with conflict and I'm afraid I'll have to teach that lesson sooner than I would have liked