Lotor walked into the throne room accompanied by three advisers. His itinerary in hand, he trotted down the stairs looking at it instead of his footing. He asked, "Is everything ready for the castle's arrival?"

"All that remains is to change the banners."

"The new design does give us a more approachable vibe, wouldn't you agree?" A teasing voice called from the side of the room. Keith was leaning against a sentry, his hands on the shoulder and a foot balanced on the booted toe. The pretty boy smiled, resting his cheek on the backs of his hands.

It was moments like these where Keith truly seemed to forget the line between acting and reality that made Lotor wonder. Did Keith see how much he actually cared? For him, this game had ended almost as soon as it began. No, that wasn't right. Before it began, when he had feared for Keith's life every day until he woke. When he had raised his voice, shouted, at Talias for telling him he had to rest.

He pushed back the urge to... something... and told his advisers, "Change the banners. This impression has to be perfect." Then he walked toward his pretty boy. Wrapping an arm around Keith's waist and guiding him close, Lotor whispered, "You are meant to be in the north wing, beloved. The paladins are to arrive any moment."

Keith's mouth opened into a small perfectly innocent, 'O'. Eyes wide, he asked, "That's today?" He paused, a hand at his chin. "Oh, no. She'll be so upset with me."

Keith looked away, but Lotor put himself into his view. "Who will, Keith?"

Keith shook his head. "It's nothing. You have bigger things to worry about today. Forget I said-"

"Dearest," Lotor interrupted. His hand cradled Keith's cheek, soft black hair tickling his knuckles. "It isn't nothing. It means something to you, or you wouldn't have sought me out." Keith bit his pouty lip. Lotor cleared his throat and looked into Keith's wide eyes. He had to catch his breath. Then he noticed a familiar hum and realized Keith was speaking. "Pardon?"

"Lotor," Keith breathed with exasperation. He shook his head, that soft smile tugging the corner of his mouth. "Please, you need your focus today."

"I know. There's just a lot on my mind," Lotor lied and hoped he sounded normal.

Keith linked his arm in the crook of Lotor's elbow and started walking again at a leisurely pace. He began again, "I've been working on something, love. A way to reduce our armada's fuel consumption. I believe we are close to testing a theory."

"We?"

Keith glanced up, then away hiding the anxiety in his eyes. "Myself... and Gnov."

"Gnov! Why her? She was so close to Zarkon-"

Keith put a finger to Lotor's lips, instantly silencing him. He smiled hesitantly, and reassured, "I know, beloved, but you yourself put her into this position. She's proven talented and knowledgeable. I doubt I'd be presenting our reduced resource loss program so soon if anyone else were heading the debate."

"I could have."

Lotor's eyes widened as Keith kissed his cheek, standing on his tiptoes to reach. Keith held Lotor's hands in his own. "I know, but this is something I can do for us... for the empire. Please, look over Gnov's dossier? For me?"

Lotor felt regret building in his stomach, but how could he deny the pretty boy's beautiful, pleading eyes. Lotor smiled and kissed Keith's forehead before pulling him to his chest. "Of course, dearest. I would-"

His words cut off in his throat as he realized Keith was trembling. Lotor glanced down in alarm, but Keith buried his face in his chest plate. Had Keith feared he'd deny it? Had Keith brought this up before, but he'd brushed it off? Lotor made a note to pay closer attention to what his consort confided to him.

Keith stepped back, cheeks red. Wiping at his eyes with one hand, he glanced to the side, then back, and said, "Thank you. I should probably go. Before the castle arrives. I'll see you tonight?"

Lotor followed Keith's retreating form a few steps and caught his hand. Bowing his head, he kissed the back of Keith's hand. A gasp in the room made him smirk. Rising, Lotor slowly released Keith's hand, fingers slipping through his like water. "Until then, beloved."

Keith turned, cheeks burning, but an overly content smile plastered on his face. Lotor watched him leave, a similar look on his own visage. Turning to his advisers, he saw embarrassment flash across all of their faces. It gave him surprising pleasure. "So, where were we?"

Keith managed to hold his composure long enough to duck into an abandoned closet. His laughter echoed in the small space until his stomach hurt and his eyes were streaming. The door opened and shut. Gnov's own lips twitched as Keith held his side and tried to get a hold of himself.

"I must say, that was beautifully executed. Seems Lotor shares his father's weakness for a pretty face as well," she commented.

Keith gasped for air. "Never look at me like that again! I nearly broke before he agreed!"

"So the mission is a go?" Gnov asked.

He nodded. "Yes, but he's more distracted than usual. Gnov, I'm worried he'll-"

"Keith, I swear to guard him with my life. Worry about your own part in this."

"Thank you, Gnov. Truly."

A crooked smirk and a cocked hip were his only warning before Gnov teased, "After all, I'd hate to prevent whatever awaits you and the emperor tonight, my lord."

Keith sputtered as she left, her laughter floating through the hall. He waited knowing she had a time sensitive objective. He put his head against the door and replayed his actions over in his mind. It had been Gnov's idea to seduce Lotor, but if he were honest, it pleased and scared him how easily it had come to him.

He shook his head, fighting mixed emotions, and went to open the door. The handle began turning before he touched it. Keith had only a moment to panic. The tall custodian stared at him in shock. "Lord Kogane, what are-"

Keith jumped out of the closet and hit the janitor's arm shouting, "You're it!" before fleeing down the hall toward the north wing of the space base.

"You're being awfully quiet, Keith. Are you even listening to me?" Talias asked.

Keith squeezed her hand in his. "Of course I am. I love your stories."

Talias raised an eyebrow, making Keith smile. "It's been a long time since I told anyone these stories about my youthful flirtations. Lotor would pretend to gag and beg me to stop as a young boy."

"His loss," Keith returned. "My dad... didn't speak of my mom. I mean, I get it now. How could he? But... he always looked kind of sad... when I caught him looking at me when he thought I wouldn't notice."

Talias wrapped her arm around her charge and squeezed. "I cannot replace your mother, young one, and I would never wish to even though you are dear to me, child."

"I know and I appreciate everything you've done for me, but if my dad hadn't been hurting so much, he could have told me like, how they met or who cooked. Let me tell you, my dad had maybe three dishes he could make well."

Talias laughed. "I think that answers that question."

Keith grinned. "Yeah, you're probably right."

"My sister was a terrible cook. She used to set off the sprinklers in her dormitory. Then she grew desperate. She came to me and asked me to teach her. I nearly refused. I'd tried teaching her when we were younger. She managed to burn food goo." Talias's lip twitched at the surprise and disgust in Keith's expression.

"So did you help her?"

Talias nodded. "I told her I'd teach her how to cook only to ensure she didn't kill who she was cooking for, but if he died I'd deny any involvement."

Keith turned, eyes wide. "She was cooking for a man?"

"She and he were on the verge of courting."

"What happened?"

Talias held a hand to her mouth suppressing a giggle. "She became so nervous she lit the kitchen on fire. He had to press the emergency foam extinguishers. They were both doused in it. But when she was on the verge of tears... he kissed her."

"That's romantic."

"I know. So I swore she'd be able to cook Kolivan a proper meal." She glanced sideways to capture his look.

Keith came to a dead stop. He held a hand out. "Wait. Hold up. You're telling me Koli-" He dropped his voice to a hiss and went on conspiratorially, "Kolivan, leader of the Blades of Marmora, and your sister were... a thing!?"

Talias laughed with a hand over her mouth, and nodded. "He was on an infiltration mission when they met. He recruited her to the blades, but ultimately, his feelings got in the way of the mission and he was forced to disappear. I don't know if Krolia ever recovered."

Keith's shock turned to empathy. "No wonder he was so strict with me."

Talias could sense Keith internalizing a painful memory and pointed to the flowers in the garden they walked through. "Here. These are my favorites. They were indigenous to our home planet. Once, I received a bouquet of them from my sweetheart. They were the last thing I received from him."

"I'm sorry. How did he die?"

Talias shook her head, smile sober. "He took a different calling in life, one I could not follow. Keith, when galra wed, it is for life. We may not swear oaths like the world you grew up in, but in my heart there was no other and the same goes for him. To this day, we remain alone."

"Well, I'm here now," Keith spoke up. "It's my job now to bring you flowers."

"Thank you, Keith. That's very sweet of you."

He hid a blush by bending and smelling the flowers. Then he asked, "Are there any juniberry blossoms here?"

Talias looked up in thought. "They are in the west beds, I believe. May I ask why?"

Keith sheepishly answered, "They're Princess Allura's favorite. I... I'd like her to be able to smell their scent again."

Talias pulled Keith close and kissed his hair. "I think that can be arranged."

Keith laughed under his breath. "Thanks."

Talias ruffled his hair with both hands and teased, "You are too precious, sweet boy!"

Keith laughed aloud and leaned into her for a side hug. "Love you too, Talias."

Lance watched Pidge and Hunk with growing boredom. A couple hours had passed since they'd bid their corrupted escort adieu, but the chaotic duo was busy deciding how they could make the next one better. There was a growing prickle in the back of his mind. It was getting worse the longer he stayed still, making him restless.

Stretching, Lance said, "Well, I've sat as long as I can. I'm off to explore."

"But Lotor said we'd have an escort. It's easy to get lost here," Hunk warned.

Pidge leveled her gaze at him over her glasses. "We launched him into space, Hunk."

"Exactly," Lance added. "I'll just ask if I can't find my way. I'm a friendly guy. I'll be fine." Waving a hand over his shoulder, he finished, "Enjoy flirting over robot tech, love-nerds."

"Lance!" They shouted in near perfect unity.

He ran away before they could hurl their own insults. An hour later, he was lost. Not that it was a problem. He'd just picked a direction and kept walking, turning when he felt like it. He was encountering less and less officers despite seeing more galra than ever. Eventually, he realized this was more than a military base. Civilians worked and lived here!

It made him nervous. What was Lotor planning? The prickle in his mind turned to a rumble. Lance recognized Red's growl in his mind. He whispered, "I know, girl. I don't like it either."

A galra with a tray looked at him. "Pardon? I am a male."

Lance flushed. "Sorry. I wasn't talking to you."

The man didn't look like he believed Lance as he hustled about his business. Lance sighed and turned a corner. He didn't like Allura spending so much time alone with Lotor. Shouldn't Coran or Shiro have gone with to chaperone... or something? That was what happened in fantasy novels about princesses.

"He's so cute!"

"I know. He looks so good in blue!"

Lance froze as hushed voices floated around the corner. He heard a third girl say, "Shh! You know he's spoken for."

So... not him, Lance thought. He paid attention and the second girl said quieter, "We can still admire him."

"And he's so sweet. You know what he did when I hurt myself in class."

"We don't deserve the young lord." The three girls sighed in unison. "The emperor's betrothed... I hear they met in combat." Lance perked up. Betrothed? Was Lotor planning on proposing to Allura? "... and the rebel leader is so close, treating him like a son. The young lord is so charismatic, it doesn't surprise me Lotor and him became friends."

Friends? Lotor had friends and was betrothed to a rebel? Lance was reeling in shock. He nearly missed the third girl say, "We should walk through the gardens. He said in class that he and Mistress Talias would be there today." The girls giggled before their voices moved on.

Lance started breathing hard, connecting the dots. Lotor had a friend, some young lord, who was in a garden (?) with some woman. She must be the one Lotor was betrothed to! This was the evidence he needed to separate Allura and Lotor! But the garden? Where could that be?

He paced faster, suddenly unable to find anyone. After ten minutes searching, he found a janitor. "Excuse me, can you direct me to the garden?"

The janitor gave him a strange look. "Head to the north most part of central. You can't miss it." Then he looked sideways at Lance's arm, making Lance raise an eyebrow. Then the galra reached out and awkwardly patted his arm. "You're it!" Then he was practically running in the other direction.

Lance was left in a state of shock. Shaking his head, he looked at the compass on his gauntlet. North. As he started walking, he realized that was the one section of the ship their escort had avoided. He just hadn't noticed before because they'd spent too much time messing around. Red was growling louder. Lance muttered. "I know girl. I'm close to something big."

Lotor and Allura were close to something big. He could feel it! His mind was spinning with possibilities. Then Gnov cleared her throat. Lotor groaned and excused himself. "What is it now?"

Gnov began explaining what she and Keith had explored in theory, but he found his mind drifting off. "So if we harness the strength of florpins, we can-"

"Florpins? What are you talking about, woman?"

Gnov gave him a patient smile. It pissed him off. She shook her head. "Emperor, you aren't paying attention. Again. How am I to start this trial if you will not help me with the final stages?"

Lotor rubbed his brow and nodded. "Yes, you are right. Please, start again." Even as she started speaking, he could feel his attention drift. Oh, this dossier was going to prove problematic.

Keith and Talias were finishing their circuit through the south garden when beautiful music echoed hauntingly through the large space. Talias gasped and covered her mouth. Keith followed her gaze to see the archivist playing some kind of stringed instrument resembling a harp. The gossamer wires were closely spaced, shimmering if you stared while walking. They were long enough to reach the ceiling where it curved.

His fingers stroked the wires, eliciting a wide range of notes that sent shivers down Keith's back. He looked up at Talias to see she had tears in her eyes. She noticed him looking and cleared her throat. "Shall we go greet the archivist?" Keith was about to say it wasn't necessary when she paced toward him. She said aloud, "Good afternoon, Archivist."

"Talias, it is good to see you. And you as well, master Keith. May I help? What would you like to learn today, young one?"

Talias looked sharply down at Keith. Keith felt caught in the middle of something he didn't quite understand. He answered, "We're only here to enjoy the garden. What is this called?"

The archivist gestured. "This grand thing, is a solar harp. It will play itself based on the light that reflects off its strings. Of course, you can play it manually, but depending on the light of passing stars, your songs will rarely sound the same."

Talias pursed her lips. "I didn't know you still played."

"And you as well, Talias? Care to join me for a duet?"

Talias looked at Keith as if looking for an excuse to refuse. Then she lifted her chin. "I suppose a small song couldn't hurt."

Keith watched as she stood across from the archivist and caressed the strings in passing. He actually shivered this time. She began plucking notes, listening to the natural play of the harp by the light. Soon, the archivist joined her, hands plucking out complimentary notes. Keith could feel his muscles relax listening to them play. Sitting on a bench, he watched as the two players slowly closed the distance between them until their hands practically overlapped.

"Lord Kogane!"

Keith turned at the familiar voice. Lit and Anjac waved as they walked over. Keith returned a lazy wave and gestured to the bench. They sat beside him. Anjac sighed, soon echoed by the other two. Lit said, "I didn't know she still played."

"Hm?" Keith murmured.

Anjac whispered, "She was renowned throughout the universe for her work on the solar harp. Rumor has it, she taught her secrets to her lover, but there has never been confirmation."

Keith settled back to listen. The garden in the center of the empire was peaceful. An artificial wind blew the flowers' scent into the air. If he closed his eyes, he could almost imagine they were on a planet. Home.

A metalic slick was followed by a small projectile flying through the air. Keith saw the flash of silver and screamed, "Grenade!"

The quiet was gone. Keith pushed Lit and Anjac off the bench, covering them with his body and turning his face away from the blast. He heard the grenade hit the ground near them. Less than a second later there was a blinding flash of light and a loud bang. The harp screamed, every string playing at once.

Ears ringing, but vision mostly unaffected, Keith risked a glance. Talias and the archivist were laying a few feet from the harp. She sat up in a daze, one hand to her head. Keith crouched, glancing around the garden for who had attacked from behind the bench. Lit and Anjac looked to him for guidance, confusion and fear in their young eyes. In what he hoped was a whisper, Keith said above the ringing in his ears, "Stay low."

Then he put a hand on the bench. Fifteen feet. Gritting his teeth, he took off running. More canisters landed around him. The sound of mist being forced from its container was accompanied by an acrid smell that burned his throat. Keith slid to a stop in the middle of the path and raised his mask shouting, "Don't breathe the smoke!"

Already the air was hazy and a fog clogged his mind. Keith took several deep breaths through the mask's filter, his body fighting the poison. He bent over, coughing hard. Then something hit his ribs and he went sprawling. Before he realized what had happened, he was restrained and forced to his knees.

A dozen assailants spread out in the flower beds. Masks covered their faces, hiding their identities, but he knew this had to be the group behind the conspiracy against the empire. He twisted his hands behind his back. The butt of a rifle connected with his head, throwing him forward, and an unyielding voice commanded, "Don't try anything."

While he coughed again, another warned, "Don't injure him! We can't leave any evidence of a struggle."

Keith gasped, "That's your plan? Kidnap me and kill the woman?"

A dark chuckle passed through the group. The leader who had spoken crouched and lowered the mask over Keith's face, revealing his scathing anger. Keith glared at the male from where he lay and earned a swift kick to the gut. Keith spat at the one who'd kicked him. The leader mocked, "I'd heard rumors about the beauty of the imperial consort." He reached behind Keith, whispering in his ear, "Since they're true, after we've killed them, I'll sell you in some dark corner of the universe where you'll never hope for rescue from your beloved prince."

A small weight was removed from Keith's waist. His rage turned to horror when the leader approached the unconscious forms of the archivist and Talias holding his luxite blade. Keith screamed, "I'll kill you if you touch her!"

He ignored his captor's cruel laughter and tried to rise. This was bigger than he'd been led to believe! His eyes flitted to the bench where Lit and Anjac had succumbed to the poison. A large hand shoved him forward onto his face. Groaning and straining, he heard the leader pause and instruct, "Gas him again."

A hissing canister materialized beside him. Keith fought panic, holding his breath. Another boot kicked his ribs. Fighting the spasms, he struggled not to gasp. The assault repeated. When he thought he'd black out, a familiar roar shook the walls.

The red lion shoved her way through the arched doorway. She was crouched to pounce, a deadly predator. Her focus was narrowed on the small beings around her cub. Her prey had yet to notice her. Her terrifying growl made the ground tremble. One near the edge looked her way in alarm. Then she attacked.

A roar shook the lab, knocking things from shelves. Allura, off-balanced, stumbled into Lotor. Catching her shoulders, he asked in alarm, "Is that one of the lions?"

Gnov appeared in the doorway, weapons drawn. "The red lion is in the north wing! Lotor, we must go!"

He took a step, fear pulling him. Then he remembered Allura. "Go ahead. I must get the princess to safety."

Gnov snarled, "Those aren't my orders. I will not leave you unguarded."

Understanding hit him full in the chest and he cursed. Turning to Allura, he tried to keep his voice calm as he said, "Princess, the sentries will escort you to the castle. Gnov, lead on." Then they left the altean princess in the witch's lab.

Lance heard Red before he saw her. The rage within her reverberated through their bond. He had his bayard drawn when he entered the garden. The scent of crushed flowers and hot metal were overwhelming. He spotted Red crouched on her sternum, tail lashing behind her tossing petals into the air.

The rumble he thought was growling, was actually Red purring. Lance relaxed a little when he jogged up. "What happened, Red? How did you get in-"

He froze. A man knelt before her. His hands were tied behind his back, but his forehead was pressed to her jaw. A relieved smile crossed his lips. Lance heard him whisper, "I'm fine, girl. You saved me again."

He looked different. His hair was longer, but well groomed for a change, and he wore strange clothes in a style Lance knew he'd seen somewhere before. He finally noticed the mangled and burnt corpses littering the beautiful garden and called, "Keith?" Keith gasped, pushing back on one leg to crouch. Lance ran over, reaching to cut him loose and asked, "Keith, what happened? What are you doing here?"

Keith shook his head and rubbed his wrists. "You can't be here, Lance! Lotor won't-"

"Is Lotor keeping you here against your will? Keith, did he threaten you?!" Lance held Keith's shoulders, forcing him to meet his gaze.

A familiar flash of annoyance flared in Keith's eyes. "It's not like that." He coughed, the sound harsh in his throat, and pulled out of Lance's grip before stumbling a short distance away. Lance followed, relieved to see he hadn't changed too much. Keith knelt, picking up his luxite blade, before turning a female galra with long raven hair onto her back. He checked her pulse before sighing and wiping a hand down his face. "Talias?" No response. Keith pointed to a bench across the disheveled path. "Check those two for me."

Lance raised an eyebrow at the unyielding tone. With a last glance between the female and the tender look in Keith's eyes, Lance did as told. The galra he found were uninjured, vitals stable. He looked back to see Keith carefully checking an elderly male before taking the female's hand and holding it to his lips. Even from a distance, Lance could see the concern etched in his posture. He remembered the name he'd overheard. Mistress Talias was the female. Was Keith the young lord? He pushed the idea out of mind and returned to Keith. "I think they'll be fine. They're just unconscious."

"Thank heavens. Verolle would never forgive me if they were hurt." Keith tucked a flower into Talias's hand. The stem was broken, several petals missing. Keith settled her hand with the flower across her chest.

"Keith, we need a medical team," Lance gently reminded.

Keith seemed to startle. "Right. Someone should be on their way to-" His eyes widened. "No! Lance, you can't be here! Quick! Into the lion!"

He reached for Lance's arm and began to drag him to Red. She opened her mouth. He couldn't break Keith's hold. When had he gotten so strong? "Wait! What's going on? I don't understand!"

"There's no time to explain now."

Lance stumbled as Keith yanked and pushed him into Red's waiting maw. Then he was closed in darkness. "Keith!' He put his hands against Red's teeth. "Let me out, Red!"

She briefly touched his mind, urging him to relax like a queen cat to her kitten. A sense of calm washed through him. Closing his eyes, Lance took a deep breath before going to the pilot's seat and opening the monitors.

"... to take him and go, Red. I know you're angry... no. It's not that." Lance watched Keith kneel before Red again. "You and loverboy have a strong bond. I can feel him through our bond, Red. I've been trying to ignore our connection. It's not my role to pilot you or Black, but I want to. I miss you guys so much, but please, you have to go."

Keith stopped rambling, instead pushing his emotions through the bond to the lion. Lance gasped as Keith's longing and sense of duty struck him, accelerating his heart and leaving him breathless. His own confusion reached Keith. He wanted his friend back. He concentrated, begging Keith to come home.

Then he felt the others. Keith wasn't just connected to him and Red. Black's unmistakable purr echoed loudest, the others' voices mingling beneath. Lance knew they were standing in their bays aboard the castle. Allura was alarmed. Lance looked down to see Keith looking directly at him. He gasped before realizing Keith was actually looking to the cockpit.

Red stood despite Lance not touching the controls. He wasn't happy with their decision, but he trusted the lions and those they allowed to pilot them. He trusted his friend and leader. As Red left the garden, he looked back to see galra run into the garden to the injured.

Keith watched the lion leave before shutting his eyes to stop himself from crying. The whole event had taken less than three minutes, but left him drained. Heavy footsteps approached before someone knelt, holding his face in both hands. A familiar scent made Keith open his eyes. Lotor was mouthing his name. Keith focused. It was so hard. He'd been fighting since he'd accidentally breathed in the assassin's chemicals.

"Keith? Can you hear me?"

Keith leaned into Lotor's sweaty hand and nodded. "I'll be alright. The others, they need medical attention."

Lotor looked past Keith's shoulder and back to Keith's eyes. "Tell me what happened."

Keith sighed. "My conspiracy theory was right, but they were more organized than I anticipated. They planned to frame me and our allies for the others' murders, then kidnap and kill me to drive a wedge between you and the paladins. They would have succeeded had the red lion not come to our rescue."

"Where is she now?"

Keith smiled bitterly, unable to hold the tears anymore. "I sent her home."

Lotor moved his hands under Keith's arms and lifted him to his feet. Keith's knees buckled. Lotor adjusted his grip, picking him up and cradling him. He asked, "Are you in pain, beloved?"

"I... can't feel my lips."

Lotor's eyes narrowed. Then he started walking, commanding, "Gnov, figure out where they came from then give me your report. I will be with Lord Kogane and the others in the medical sector."

Keith felt Lotor pick up his pace, making his head roll against Lotor's chest. Lotor denied the medic's offer, choosing to carry Keith the entire way. Keith barely made it out of the garden before everything faded to black.

He woke up in a bed shivering despite thick blankets. A tube taped to his cheek passed air into one nostril. Through chattering teeth, Keith called, "Hello? Is anyone there?"

A form shifted in a chair. Lotor stepped into the light. Dark circles lined his eyes and his hair was frazzled as if he'd been pulling at it. When he took Keith's shaking hand, his palm was still sweaty and hot. It felt good. Keith fought a particularly violent shiver and asked, "Why am I so cold?"

Lotor gently brushed the hair off Keith's face, lightly stroking his cheek. "Your body is ridding itself of the poison. The others are under induced comas until their blood levels drop to normal spectrum, but I wanted you to wake up. You handled the toxin admirably, I thought it a well informed gamble. Can I get you anything? More blankets?"

The warmth of Lotor's hand on his face was enough to quell his chattering teeth. Keith whispered, "Hold me."

Lotor's eyes widened in shock and he took a step back. "Keith, are you sure you're alright? Did you hit your head?"

Keith shook his head. "Please, you're warm."

Lotor's mouth parted slightly, mentally considering the possibility Keith had a head injury. Keith lifted the covers as much as he could. It seemed to reassure Lotor and he carefully crawled into bed beside him. Immediately, Lotor's warmth radiated to Keith. He sighed and pushed closer, tucking his legs. Keith heard Lotor yelp when his freezing feet touched his legs, but the dark prince didn't move away. Lotor carefully wrapped an arm around Keith, tucking his head into the crook of his neck. Keith sighed in relief. Ten minutes later, the shivers had stopped completely. He whispered, "Thank you."

Lotor returned, "I should be thanking you. You beset Gnov on me, dearest. You manipulated me to ensure I had a bodyguard I wouldn't be able to refuse."

Keith let out a tired chuckle, answering, "I had hoped I'd be wrong, but I'm glad my scheme worked. Will you at least listen when I suggest you take a security detail now?"

"I'm afraid you were right, on all accounts. Your friend hacked a sentry. Apparently they launched the... what did they call it... robeast coffin into space with a reprogrammed sentry strapped to the front."

"Hah!" Keith crowed as loud as he could muster, poking Lotor in the chest. "I told you we needed to buff up the firewall on their software."

Lotor kissed his forehead. "Still, I wish you had just told me all of these things. You nearly died. You all did."

Keith tucked himself closer still, folding his arms between them. Lotor responded by tightening his hold. Keith responded, "We can talk more in the morning. I'm still tired and you look like hell, yourself."

"Alright, dearest. Sleep well."