Disclaimers: Voltron and all associated characters are owned and copyrighted by WEP. Original/new characters belong to the author.

Rating: PG-13 - Innuendo and Sensuality

It's been quite some time since I wrote a light-hearted and fluffy piece - hope that you enjoy!

Originally Posted to the KAEx mailing list 12/14/2014 for the fanfic challenge, "Light's Out in the Cold"

PART 3

As Princess Allura made her way to the top of the stairs, she looked out at the sea of Arussian faces. Her people were cheering for her...She gave them her widest and most sincere smile in return. When she reached Coran's side, she looked up at her guardian with wide, moist eyes.

"Princess?" Coran's voice held a note of concern.

"Oh, Coran! It's glorious!"

With the heart of a proud father, Coran reached out and patted Allura's arm. "Truly it is, my dear! Now, let's give your people what they've waited so patiently for...Their beautiful monarch dancing with a handsome knight of the Arussian court!"

With a quick nod, Allura made her way to where Pidge waited. When she reached his side, Pidge offered his arm in a courtly manner.

"Ready Princess?"

Allura looped her arm through his and smiled. "I sure am!"

The duo made their way down a few steps, stopping when they reached Hunk. The Big Guy gave the Princess a deep bow before taking Pidge's place as her escort.

"Gee Princess, you sure do look nice!"

"Why, thank you, Hunk!" Allura blushed as she took his arm. "You look very dashing, yourself!"

"Awww, thanks Princess!"

There had been such a fuss made about exactly who would have the honor of playing the part of the Moon to Allura's Winter Fairy tonight, that a compromise had been made in that each member of the Voltron Force would take a turn escorting her Highness down the stairs.

Of course, as Commander of the Voltron Force, Captain Keith had been chosen to play the role of the Moon tonight! Keith and Allura would grace the audience with a dance around the ballroom, ending the display with a gentle kiss to bring on the snow!

So, a few more steps down and the couple had reached the one and only, Lance.

"Wow, Allura...you look smokin' hot!" Lance grinned and gave her a quick wink while at the same time offering her his arm.

The Princess giggled as she slipped her arm through his and they began their descent to the bottom of the wide staircase. For those brief few minutes, Allura took special notice of the man waiting for her...Captain Keith.

Oh, how he looked absolutely dashing in his freshly pressed dress uniform! She could tell he'd tried his best to tame that unruly mop of hair, but as usual, his coal-black locks stuck up here and there. Somehow, it made him all the more attractive! She studied his face for a moment - a strong jaw, perfect nose, sexy lips, and those eyes...

Just as their eyes met, Keith allowed his gaze to travel the length of her body, making sure she saw just how much he appreciated each and every curve. She had reached the final step when he returned his attention to her face, letting his eyes linger on her luscious rose-colored lips. Allura watched his Adam's apple bob up and down as he swallowed hard.

Just before offering a most courtly bow, Keith looked deep into her eyes and Allura's breath caught in her throat at the heat reflected in his chocolate-colored eyes. Princess Allura felt a liquid heat flood her veins as a flush covered her cheeks.

Keith took her pro-offered hand and placed a tender kiss upon it - a symbolic means to signify the Voltron Force's allegiance to the planet of Arus and its Princess. But his lips lingered a moment longer than they should have, his tongue darting out and brushing her knuckles before he pulled away. Allura felt her throat tighten and her heart pound in her chest...

They had been playing this game for months now. Meeting in secret, sharing a few stolen moments here and there. Keith had let her know he found her enchanting, but he never allowed things to progress further than a stolen kiss; a meaningful glance; sweet nothings being whispered into her ear. He continually reminded her that no matter what they felt for one another, things could never progress further - that their stations in life would never allow for a real relationship between them. She remained unconvinced.

Keith stepped back and offered his arm to the Princess. As they made their way to the middle of the ballroom, the orchestra began playing an enchanting melody. Once more he offered a courtly bow and this time she dropped into a deep curtsey. He straightened and she stood before stepping into his arms.

"You look beautiful, Princess."

His words were spoken in such a soft and hushed tone that Allura almost wondered if she had imagined them. She looked up and found Keith smiling down at her with that same smile he often gave her after he had thoroughly and completely kissed her senseless.

Allura felt the flush returning to her cheeks as her words tumbled out in a rushed and nervous manner.

"Y-you look so very handsome, Keith."

"Thank you," his reply was murmured against her ear, his breath hot against her skin, causing her to shiver. He chuckled, a low rumbling to let her know his words were meant to tease. "Are you cold, Allura?"

"You aren't being fair, Captain..." She gazed up at him through her incredibly thick lashes. "One day, there won't be anyone watching."

Keith chuckled once more and swirled her around the room. To anyone watching they seemed no more than close friends enjoying the evening...Well, at least to *almost* anyone watching! There were a few people here and there that whispered words about a dreamy romance. And then there was Lance, who grinned from ear to ear at what he was witnessing.

Allura knew that regardless of how much Keith might protest, their relationship had progressed far beyond friendship - she had no doubt that they were in love. And the pretty Princess was growing tired of this game of cat and mouse that her love continued to play!

One moment hot, the next cold, always leaving her longing for something she couldn't quite name. Yet, she knew exactly what it was she wanted to share with this wonderful man! She would be twenty years old on her next birthday - that same birthday she would become Queen. She had already made up her mind that she wasn't going to be a virgin when she took her place upon that throne. She'd also made up her mind that only Keith would do.

She smiled to herself. Perhaps tonight would be that night...

But back to our fairytale couple and their magical night!

As the music slowed, a smattering of tiny white pieces of confetti began to fall all around, looking for all the world like snowflakes floating down to the earth. It was a signal to the dancing couple that the music was coming to a close and the time had come for the two of them to share a tender kiss.

Without so much as a word, Keith leaned in and captured Allura's lips as the faux snow continued to fall.