Hello, here is the next chapter...
Usually I try to make my notes a little entertaining, but this time I have a little something serious to say. I write because I love it, and I post here because I am among those that seem to enjoy the characters and show as much as I do. But, there are those that seem to think that because we don't write in a particular way, we are either lacking in the skills or the guts. To this, I say...so what and who are you to decide? This website is to display what skills you may have or trying to master. It is also here to display a broad spectrum of ideas...so as quite a few of us write...IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, DON'T READ IT!!!! You don't even have to say anything about it...as a matter of fact, DON'T! Flames are not productive, only constructive critisism is needed...and for those that have no idea of the difference...learn before you speak!
So, in conclusion...those who have been my supporters, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To those others...oh, well...there is a button at the top with an arrow on it that means "Back"...choose another story...
Mertz, Wade Wells, CMS, Bosski, Harm...I love you guys! Thank you!
As always, I don't own Voltron...
I present...
Chapter Seven
In the Castle of Lions…
Allura has been luxuriating in a bath for quite some time now, letting the gloriously hot water soothe her body…not that it really needs it. Once she got back to her room earlier, Nanny showed up within the next few minutes. He was right… and she smiles as she observes her governess piddling around the room while she is enjoying her bath. She had told Nanny that she didn't need any more help at the moment and Nanny had left, determined to return a little while later. Even she can understand the need for a woman to be alone in the bath.
She lifts her hand and lets the water run slowly down her arm and back into the tub, a light trail of bubbles following. Her eyes slowly close and she dreamily goes back to the secret hours she had spent in her lover's arms. Every time with him is like the very first…wetake so much care in exploring each other and making sure that the other is pleased beyond measure. We have achieved something that I have only seen my parents share…the true bond of soul mates. She reaches out to him and is startled by a block. Allura sits up in the tub and rubs her eyes, as if something got in them. She tries again and hits that same wall. Now, what can be wrong…?
Time in the tub is over…she quickly rises and grabs a towel to head back into her main room and get dressed. She picked out her attire this time…the whole pink thing is wearing on me! She moves over to the red gown that she has found in the back of her closet and picks it up. Looking it over and smiling at the result, she hurries to get dressed. Keith will be here soon and I'm nowhere near ready. She presses the intercom and calls for Nanny, "Nanny, I can use your assistance for dinner. Would you please come to my room?"
She must have retros on her shoes, because she's there in less than five minutes. "You must hurry…the boys will be there soon and you're not the slightest bit ready." The young princess sighs and sits at her vanity, waiting for Nanny to do her magic. The governess grabs a brush and slowly strokes her hair, making it shine. "You must remember your manners, dear girl…you are royalty and they are kept in the highest regard."
Allura laughs sarcastically, "You have told me these things a thousand times...I know them inside and out and I keep reminding you that I may be the Princess of Arus, but I am as much of the people as the next man. How can I lead them and expect them to do things when I won't do them myself? You want me to be on a pedestal and there is no reason for me to be on one."
"You must always know your place, Allura…"
Tamping down her temper, she grits out, "I know my place…it's in Blue Lion and on the Voltron Force with the rest of the guys."
Nanny bites her tongue, not trying to argue yet again with her surrogate child. She pulls her hair up and into a flowing cascade of curls down her back, held with a crimson comb. Her tiara sits on her head perfectly and her face is shining. Nanny stands back and smiles lovingly at her, "You will be amazing tonight, and it isn't even a night for a ball."
Allura stands and heads back over to the dress lying across her bed. She looks at Nanny and asks, "Would you please see to the others? I'll be there shortly. Commander Kogane will be here momentarily to escort me." Nanny notices the slight blush coming to her cheeks as she speaks his name. I have to admit that the young man is extraordinarily handsome, but he is just a pilot, so is beneath her in standards. Personally, I really do like the man…would be proud to call him a son, but he isn't for her…and too bad.
Sighing, she relents and tells her charge, "I'll see to the rest. Hurry now; he doesn't like lateness anymore than I do!" And with that she walks out the room. Allura watches her leave then she quickly puts the gown on. Feeling empowered, she readies herself for the rest of the night.
Keith starts to pace the room, trying to find the best way to make this happen and not cause too much pain for either of them. She has to believe it, not want to totally lose control…but at the same time, leave a crack in the door open so that, if the fates will it, I can come back to her. He walks over to the window and looks out over the gardens below. Beautiful scenes of the stolen moments that they have shared flood his conscious and he quickly cuts them off…this is gonna be impossible if I keep this up!
He turns back to his terminal and an idea pops up into his head…he sits in front of the computer and calls Admiral Graham. If anyone can help him, it would be the Admiral. Keith taps his finger on the desk as he waits for his transmission to go through…
An older gentleman's face fills his screen and answers, "This is Graham…Commander Kogane, what did I do to deserve this honor?"
"Funny, this isn't a social call. I really need your help," he starts, his gut twisting at what he's about to do.
"Anything…what can I do for you?"
"I need a transfer. I have to leave Arus…"
The Admiral's face is frozen. "What do you mean, Kogane? What is all this?"
Keith rubs his head and looks at his old mentor, "Admiral, there is a threat to the life of Princess Allura and, inadvertently, I'm the cause. It would be in her best interests if I leave."
Admiral Graham is not totally convinced, "From what I hear of the happenings on Arus, you couldn't be any danger to her if you were wired with seventeen tons of lazon…what is this really all about?"
The Voltron captain stands and begins to pace in front of the screen. "It's a long story…one that I will go over with you in due time, but right now I am asking you to send an order to Coran tonight so that I can get this handled."
The Admiral nods…he has always trusted the young captain and if he says there is a problem, then there is one. "I'll send the orders, but where am I posting you? I guess that you have that all figured out as well, huh?"
Keith stops in his tracks and looks down, "Actually, I was hoping you would post me on Pollux. Then I can still be near enough if the Voltron force needs me and I can still monitor Arus."
"Fine…the orders will be drawn up as we speak, but Keith…" the Admiral peers at him quizzically, "…what is all this for? What is this danger and why do you have to leave a post that you petitioned to stay in permanently?"
He sits back down, not being able to look into the monitor or Admiral Graham will know what is tormenting him. The ring on his finger starts to glow for a moment, then stops…leaving him puzzled. Maybe he should wait for the seer…No, can't risk it or her…
He forces himself to look emotionless…the Admiral and the Garrison don't need to know about Allura and himself yet…
Damn rules…
"I will explain it all to you when I get on Pollux, but now I have to get ready. Please send them to Coran as soon as possible."
"Already done. I hope you know what you are doing…"
And the screen goes dead. Sighing, he wipes away a stray tear, "So do I…"
Allura stares at herself in the mirror, hoping that what she is wearing will have the desired effect. As she smoothes the lightweight silk down her body, she tingles imagining her lover's reaction to it. The forbidden dress is a deep red, his favorite color, and is slinky, yet form fitting. The neckline plunges to a dangerous level, but not too daring as to cause a scene, but it gapes open only to be held together with fine gold laces. The arms are off the shoulder and taper to her wrists. She spins, looking at the skirt billow open at the two side slits that come to mid-thigh and hug her toned figure. She smiles seductively, knowing in her heart that nothing would keep him away tonight after seeing her in this. The beautiful princess frowns a little at the wild stirrings that are fanning the flames in her loins. I never knew that love could be like this…that even knowing he is in the same castle can have me in a tizzy. We work so well together and have always seemed to know instinctively what the other is thinking, even before the link.
Now, that mental connection just makes everything more magnified, more intense, more…just more! She frowns a little, remembering that strange block that she experienced earlier. She smiles, maybe he was in the shower again! Her face flushes at the times she has caught him there as well as the times they have been together intimately…it has only been a couple of times, but they have all been explosive on her senses. And his tattoo…she never thought she could be so aroused by a picture, but because he wears it and where it is, it's better than those aphrodisiacs that she has heard of.
Allura knows her experience is very limited, but is ever grateful for that…the things that he has shown her and taught her were meant only for him, of this she is certain. He is her Black Lion knight, her sworn protector and her passionate lover.
Thank the lions…
She stands at the mirror, eagerly waiting for her dashing escort.
"I shouldn't be doing this." Katia says to herself. She has been pretty content with staying out of anyone's way and she allowed that man to convince her to come to dinner! She looks in the mirror and checks her appearance once more. The clothes that she has been given have served her well, but she has to make an appearance with the Princess of Arus and now she feels out of place and underdressed. Nervously, she picks up a brush and goes through her hair again, not at all sure that she is presentable. Then, she hears a knock at the door and she jumps; nerves on edge. She moves over to it and presses the button to admit the visitor.
"Hi, beautiful...are you ready?" he starts until he really looks at her. Her hair is pulled back off her face with a light green band and the dress matches her eyes. The neckline is sweetheart shaped and gently covers her bosom while the waist cinches at her narrow hips. She is breathtaking and he can't stop staring. She blushes under his intense stare. To be a little coy, she bats her eyes at him, "Do you like what you see, Lieutenant?"
Lance has to freeze…his loins firing to dangerous levels. He steps closer with heat emanating from his eyes and she steps back in response. He stops, seeing the insecurity in her expression. "I'm sorry, kitten…"
She smiles at him and walks toward him, placing her hand on his chest. He places his warm one over hers and looks into her eyes. "No need to be sorry…" and she kisses him gently on the lips. Lance knows that if he follows his instincts, they would not be going to dinner and he wants her to have some fun outside of the bedroom, so he clamps down his ardor and smiles, "Well, beautiful, let's go see the others. Allura and Keith should be there by now."
Nodding, she puts her arm through his and they leave out. Katia begins to warm up to the idea of being part of the make-shift family here and she giggles. "What's so funny?" her companion inquires.
She looks up at him and caresses his cheek, "Oh, I know I am safe now…and I haven't felt that way in years. Lead on."
He pats her hand and they make their way to the dining area.
As Katia and Lance arrive in the dining room, Hunk and Pidge are looking over some schematics to the repair bays, Coran hasn't arrived yet and neither have Keith and Allura. He takes her over to the other pilots and introduces her. "Guys, you remember Katia…she helped Allura escape and has been hiding in the West Wing ever since." She slaps him on the arm and smiles at the other two men. "I am glad to formally meet you." Hunk and Pidge stare at her, realizing that she is a beautiful woman. "Pleased to meet you, ma'am," says Pidge and he bows slightly. Hunk gapes, until Pidge hits him, "Oh, yes…pleased to meet you."
She nods and pats Lance on the arm again, "Show me to my seat." The lieutenant takes her over to the table and holds her chair out for her to sit in. As she gets comfortable, he moves back over to the guys. Hunk grins happily at him, "So, you decided to bring your girlfriend to dinner, huh?" Lance sneers at him, "Shut up…she needed to get out of her room."
"I see…she is very pretty, Lance." Pidge tells him, peeking around him to see her again. Lance has to smile at that, "You're right…" then he looks around the room. "Where is our fearless leader and his 'date'?"
"They should be here momentarily; he had to go get her." Hunk supplies and he grabs a roll off of the table. The Green Lion pilot hits him. "Hunk, wait for dinner!"
"Sorry, I am hungry."
"As always!" returns Lance and they all have a laugh. Katia takes in her surroundings and feels comfortable. She looks at the table setting and is reminded of her home many years ago and feels tears form. A gentle hand lands on her shoulder and she turns to looks up. Lance smiles down at her and chucks her on the chin. "Now, no tears…this is supposed to be fun, right?"
Katia laughs, "It sure is…now, when are you going to show me all this fun you promised?"
Damn, she just had to say that! "Whenever you're ready…I'm willing to show you whatever you want." Katia blushes, but does notdrop his gaze. He smiles wickedly…this one is a fighter! Lance leans over to whisper in her ear, "We'll talk about this later, Kita…now I must wait for our leader." He lifts back up and caresses her cheek before heading back to Hunk and Pidge.
Keith walks briskly to Allura's room, dreading the end of the night. At least he can have this one last time with her until things can be figured out. As he reaches her door, he knocks softly, almost wishing that she were asleep and not wanting to go to dinner. A soft voice answers, "Come in…"
He presses the button and the door slides open. He has to walk a little into the room to see where she is and is stopped cold. His eyes widen and his mouth goes dry at the enticing vision in front of him. Every nerve ending in his body is on full alert and he can't move another muscle. It gets worse when she turns and faces him, her eyes shining with her lips parted breathlessly. Not a word is spoken…she reaches out to him with her mind, **Good evening, my love…**
Her words wash through him, giving him the full blast of her desire for him. He looks down at his own attire and suddenly feels under-dressed.
**You look amazing…you would be even if you were in a burlap bag!** she reassures him and he laughs finally. Words cannot express the depths of his feelings for her, so he just moves over to kiss her palm. The hot caress sends shivers down her spine and he tamps down the urge to grab her and place more kisses in other places. She sighs as she feels those urges hit her as well and she steps closer, placing her hand on his chest. Her hot little hand almost undoes him and he steps back. "Allura, you look amazing, but we need to get to the dining area or we'll be missed."
Her expected disappointed sigh flows over him and he smiles a little. Seeing her in this way and knowing what I have to do …dammit, I can't do it! But, it's for her safety…I have to keep remembering it's for her safety... "Are we ready?" and he presents her his arm. She shyly places her hand on him and replies, "Lead on, milord."
He refuses to speak any of the pet names that they use…his heart can't bear to say those things to her, and then watch her heart shatter. They leave the room and head to the main dining area in silence. Allura sneaks a look at him out of the corner of her eye. He is dressed in a red pullover shirt and black pants. His hair is still rumpled, but it's always sexy on him. His eyes seem a little distant, and this is beginning to concern her, but seeing his eyes flame with his desire in her room reassures her, so she tries not worry. They enter into the room and they see everyone gathering around the table. Allura spies Katia at the table and grins happily. "Look, Keith…there's Katia! Lance must have brought her…this is turning into a party after all!"
Keith just looks at her and smiles gently, not answering. They move over to them to make their presence known. Hunk and Pidge notice them, but Lance has his back to the door so he doesn't know yet. Pidge taps him on the arm and points behind him, making Lance turn around. "About time you…" starts Lance until he sees Allura's dress and his jaw drops. Hunk and Pidge bow reflexively.
"Wow, Princess…you're…" Pidge stammers.
"Yeah, you're…" stumbles the Yellow Lion pilot.
Neither man can finish their statements and secretly are jealous of the man standing there with her hand on his arm. Lance smiles wolfishly, "I can see why you guys were so late! Did she need much help?"
"Shut up, you asshole!" hisses Keith and Lance grins, but the grin is not returned. He looks at his friend pensively and remains quiet for a bit. Something is definitely up with our commander…he thinks, so he turns his attentions on Princess Allura.
"May I escort you to your seat? It would please me greatly…" says Lance smoothly. If Keith wasn't already in a foul mood, having Lance flirting with Allura wasn't helping. He pierces him with a steely gaze that is totally ignored. Allura laughs and lightly hits him on the arm, "You must ask my escort…it would be rude of me to just abandon him."
As she looks at Keith, she sees the turmoil of emotions in his eyes and is shocked when he says, "She would be delighted to have you as an escort."
Both of them drop their jaws as he gently removes himself and heads to the table.
"What the hell is wrong with him? Why is he so short?" asks Lance as he leads her to her seat. All she can do is shake her head, not understanding any of this. She reaches out to him, **Keith, talk to me…** and all she gets is a solid wall. Stricken, she tries again just to be met with the same blockage.
Keith feels her mind touching him and it is taking all the concentration he has to keep her out of his thoughts. She doesn't need to know what he's about to do…not yet. If she gets in, she'll figure it out and it'll all be for nothing, that's why he has been blocking her. He looks at her, trying to give her a half smile of comfort and fails miserably. Her face blanches with her eyes asking the questions that he has been trying to avoid until the right moment. Hoping to avoid them for a little longer, he looks up just in time to see Coran come in with a grim look on his face and he realizes that his request has come through. Standing, he moves over to him and inquires about the expression.
"Coran, what is the matter?"
The royal advisor stares at the captain blankly and shakes his head, "You're not going to like this, but you have been reassigned…"
"What?!" It hurts to play ignorant like this…
"Admiral Graham needs you to assist Sven and Bandor on Pollux for a while. Seems as if they had put a request in for Garrison's help and you are have been having problems with rogue Doom troops trying to establish a base in the outskirts of the main city. Most of their elite corps have been deployed for off-planet missions and they can really use someone else with Garrison experience."
Keith nods and takes the missive from Coran, looking it over as if to understand what he's supposed to be doing there. Of course the orders are faked, but he doesn't need to know that.
"You need to let the rest of the force know…"
Keith's eyes catch Coran's and he says calmly, "I'll inform them after dinner."
Coran raises a brow at his next question, "And the Princess?"
Keith looks down, "I'll tell her first…before I tell the others. She'll understand."
Coran secretly doubts it, but he nods and leaves the captain at the door. Keith folds the note up and puts it in his pocket…his heart pounding even more than it had been over this.
