Once again, thank you for reading. I'm glad that you are all enjoying the soap. Just a little reminder guys that my point for writing this fic is that it is a soap opera themed fic. That means that I am exaggerating everything on purpose. It's really just a fun, light read. I'm more used to writing deeper dramas but I just wanted to have fun with this one. So please, don't over analyze. Have fun reading it as I have fun writing it. If there are any Latin gals out there, you'll know what I mean by true exaggeration in soaps! LOL!

BKNBU: Don't grab your head, the anxiety will not go away and you may actually get a headache. Be sad for Allura, she's having an awful time as well. Dorma didn't make it easy for her either. I'm sorry about your manicure! Luv you too!

Petite0312: Remember…soap opera. And you are partly right. Allura will be fighting a lot of mixed feelings in future chapters. Just wait and see.

Keithfanatic: I think he's my baby too….maybe that's why I make him suffer in my fics? I don't know. I'm nutty that way. And yes, if Allura does not want him, by all means….go get him!

Feli3: You know, I will always go for the happy ending. I can't help it. So don't worry, my dear. In Spanish soap operas make the protagonist suffer till the bitter end….but they do recover. So, believe me when I tell you, you'll get a happy ending for both!

Smithy: Yeah, curse words…I know. I never really thought Lance had a clean vocabulary. I mean…soldiers, war, destruction….that makes for harder men, don't you think? Yep, Nanny annoys me too, especially the one in this fic.

Drowningblonde: You know what was hard about these last two chapters? That I agreed with you for the most part. But then I thought…well, I'm writing a soap opera where things tend to be exaggerated and sometimes just not real. If I was writing a drama, then yes, I wouldn't have written it quite this way. But, when I write, I keep thinking of my theme…soap, soap, soap…then it gets a little easier to swallow. I hope I didn't turn you off.

FroobyB: Don't cry! Shock…we'll just sit while you read the next couple of chapters…lol!

KathdMd: I have a serious date with one of your fics this weekend. I'm dying to know how Morgan and Keith get together and I have my drink, IPAD and favorite couch ready to find out. Well, let's see how the news is broken….it's quite interesting.

Cubbieberry: Girl, don't faint on me! How I am suppose to finish reading your fics if you pass out? Send me your address, I'll send you chocolates! LOL

IAMeyu: Thank you for loving the story. I do hope I keep you entertained. I don't think I drag, but I don't want you to think this will be short story either. There are lots of things that are going to happen. Stay tuned!

1868: Please sleep! I don't want to create an insomniac. LOL. I post every Tuesday/Wednesday. So I hope that this is fast enough for you.

Ok. Thank you all for reading. Bug hugs to every single one of you. You motivate me to keep doing this. Despite the fact that it is 1am right now. LOL. See you next week!

Chapter 7

Dorma walked down the hallways of Castle Doom smiling triumphantly at her soon to be new home. She could barely control her excitement for the upcoming events. Rubbing her stomach as she looked around the golden walls and pillars that held the structure together, she spoke to her unborn child in a gentle tone unknown to those who knew her, "Soon my love, this will all be yours." Taking a turn into another hallway of the castle, Dorma found the throne room. She knew who would be in there and the urge to act came to her.

As she entered the chamber, she noted the king sitting on his majestic throne as his harem danced before him. When Dorma came closer, the king's attention fell on her. He waved his hand to motion the dancers to leave. The women did as ordered without question. They turned and walked out through the side doors without so much as a glance to either the king or the Drule woman. As Dorma finished approaching him, Zarkon asked in his most regal tone, "Lady Dorma, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I came to tell you that you'll soon have an heir to your throne," she stated with a glow on her face and a firm tone that matched his own.

Zarkon stood up, shocked at the news. With his wide reptilian eyes, he walked down the stairs growling, "What are you talking about?"

Dorma kept her cool, despite feeling the pounding beats of her heart hitting the inside of her chest. She would never allow the king to see her fear. Someone had to be the strong one in the family and if it wasn't going to be her future husband, it would be her. Continuing to smile as the king approached, she replied, "Your son produced a future heir, Zarkon. He lives inside of me now." She waited for him reach her before continuing, "I suggest you do what you need to do…I'm sure the Empire would frown knowing that you or Lotor turned away a legitimate heir to the ninth Kingdom of Korrinth."

Staring at Dorma, Zarkon switched tactics. If the woman spoke the truth, then she was right. Korrinth would never forgive the discrepancy. The Drules were a violent race and very liberal to use tactics that would get them what they wanted. But, they were also very conservative and traditional when it came to family and the royal line. Taking a deep breath, he calmly asked, "And, what do you mean by that Dorma? Why would the Empire think I'd turn away my grandchild?"

She met the king's yellow eyes. Tilting her head and acting surprised, Dorma asked, "Zarkon, you don't know how far Lotor's…lust…for the Princess of Arus is, do you?" The king looked at her with a questioning gaze before answering her own question, "Lotor not only plans on marrying her, but he believes she should produce a child with him." She turned her back to him before continuing to speak, "Interesting… your heir will be half human. It seems that the Drule lineage is slowly fading away with your family, Sire. First you and now Lotor."

"Lotor knows better than that," Zarkon spat out, "Allura is just a toy, a game, nothing more."

"That's not what he told my brother," Dorma shook her head in regret. "Lotor knows about the child, Zarkon. He didn't accept him. He told my brother that there were better ways to take care of the child."

Zarkon's fierce yellow eyes glared at Dorma's back as he roared in anger, "He what? I will not accept this stupidity from my son. He is an imbecile if he believes Allura can hold a place within Drule royalty."

She smiled before turning toward him again. Carefully, she asked him in a humble tone, "So I have your support?"

Gently taking her hand, Zarkon kissed it and smiled at her, "Do not worry, my lady. My son will fulfill his commitment. He will marry you and the child that you carry…" he said as he touched her abdomen, "will be the heir my empire. This I promise you."

Dorma smiled at the king. Nodding graciously, she answered, "Thank you, your Majesty. But, I do need your assistance with one more thing to secure our union."

"And what shall that be?"

Taking out her datapad, she showed Zarkon an impressive sight. The king's eyes grew wide with surprise, "I need to share this…with the right people."

Laughing wholeheartedly, the king answered, "It will be done."

VVVVVVVVVV

Allura paced nervously around her room. After Liam had dashed off when she had relayed the news to him, she now wondered if she should have said anything at all. She didn't think he cared so much what had been done to her, but rather, what had been done indirectly to him. She was no longer pure. Nanny was beside herself, telling the princess that the prince had done right by defending her.

"Princess," Nanny called out from her bathroom as she prepared the oils for the princess' bath later that evening, "Why do you worry? He is doing what real men do. I haven't seen any of those ruffians defend you, have I? No, they defend him!"

Allura didn't have a chance to answer as she heard a knock at her door. About to stand up to open it, Nanny ran out and beat her to it, "It must be one of these ruffians trying to see you again! I'll send them away immediately." Arriving at the door and then opening it, Nanny's lips curved up into a smile, "Prince Liam."

Smiling, the prince bowed to the older lady standing in front of him, "Nanny, I was wondering, if Allura is willing to see me again."

Turning to the princess, who stood up and walked to the door, Nanny responded, "Allura?"

"Of course Nanny," she nodded, "Liam, please, do come in," Allura immediately said as she walked a little closer to the door.

Liam wasted no time moving past the governess to reach her. Bowing to the princess, he told her, "I've spoken to Coran. We need to work together to fix this problem, Allura. Kogane cannot stay one minute longer. He should leave as soon as possible. Don't you agree?"

Surprised by the question, Allura suddenly felt conflicting thoughts. She knew something was wrong yet, she couldn't control herself from answering, "Of course." Trying to convince herself, she thought that perhaps she was wrong about Liam. Maybe, he did care. Her thoughts broke when the prince gently took her hand within his, and before she knew it, raised it to his lips, planting a soft kiss on the back of her hand.

Nanny gasped with delight.

Smiling sweetly at her, Liam simply said to her, "I am very sorry for what was done to you. I need you to know that this doesn't change anything. I am yours despite the circumstance and I will always treat you as the gem that you are."

A bit uneasy, Allura answered, "Thank you…for helping me."

He nodded and gently squeezed her hand. "Allura," he began changing the subject, "I know it may be too forward of me, but I must tell you that staying in this room…reliving all those horrible memories, it's just not healthy. You need to resume your life…get past this."

"Yes, I agree!" Nanny suddenly blurted happily after witnessing the prince's actions.

Looking at both of them, the princess, curtly nodded, "I guess…"

"It is the right thing," Liam acknowledged. "Staying in this room…thinking of that bastard…" Hearing Liam call Keith a bastard left an uneasy feeling under Allura's skin for a moment before the anger reentered her mind as he asked, "What would you normally do at this time?"

"Lunch," the princess simply told him.

"Yes," Nanny cut in, "I was going to bring the princess lunch before you came to visit, your Highness."

"Nonsense!" Liam smiled, "You're having lunch in the dining room with me. You can't hide in your own castle! I won't take no for an answer."

"Absolutely!" Nanny answered for Allura, "I will immediately go to the kitchen and prepare you both a feast," she finished before running out of the room.

"Now, you can't disappoint your nanny can you?" Liam told her with a smile after the older woman left the room.

Sighing, the princess nodded, "I guess not."

"Good," Liam answered, "But before we do, we need to do something first. Come with me."

XXXXXXXXXXX

Moving around his room in MedTech, Keith tried to find his way. It was almost noon and he had spent most of the morning in bed. It drove him crazy not being able to do anything. The only good thing, so far, was that his vision was beginning to clear. Instead of seeing just light, he could now see shapes. He still had a ways to go, but as least he wasn't seeing the darkness he was the day before. He had been trying to get to the window when Lance walked in on him, "What are you doing?" he demanded as he walked up to Keith.

"I'm tired of lying in bed," Keith answered as he continued toward the window, "I think I'm beginning to see shapes of things…thought I…"

"What?" Lance asked sarcastically, "Touch them? Come on Keith, get back to bed." He took his arm to help him back in bed.

"I don't need your help," he answered.

"Of course you don't," Lance snorted as he led Keith to his bed.

"Lance, when will I be able to see her?" he asked with a guarded tone.

"I don't know," Lance shook his head. "I still haven't been able to see her either."

"Why?"

Sighing, Lance didn't know how to tell him that they had all been restricted from seeing Allura. Nanny had put up the first front, Liam, the second. Allura had not challenged it. "I'm sure soon. You need to get better first." Keith's features hardened when he heard Lance's explanation, "Calm down, you'll be able to see her soon, I'm sure…"

A look of despair entered Keith's eyes before he cut the lieutenant off, "Lance, do you think she'll…ever look at me the same way?"

"Keith, Allura is a kind woman. She knows what happened and that it isn't anyone's fault. You both need to talk it out and work things through." At that moment, the door to Keith's room opened and Allura walked in with Liam at his side, "Allura?" Lance said surprised. "What…"

Keith sat up immediately, "Allura..."

"Shut up!" she told him in a commanding voice. Taken aback, Keith did as told. Allura, unaffected by the look of despair on his face continued, "Captain Kogane, you are hereby dismissed from your duty as Captain of the Voltron Force and pilot to the Black Lion."

Lance stood up, worry and anger flashed in his voice and eyes, "What are you saying? Did this prick put you up to this?"

Shocked, Keith tried to decipher who else was in the room, "Princess, please, I'm sorry…I never meant to hurt you…if you would just let me…"

"Kogane, your pitiful excuses will not work on Allura," Liam interjected. "You have forty eight hours. Blind or not, you are to leave this planet and never return."

"Allura!" Lance shouted.

Turning to the Red Lion pilot, Allura glared at him with hatred in her eyes, "What?"

"Are you listening to yourself!" he shouted in disbelief.

"You have no say in this!" she argued back. "Back off Lance, if you know what is good for you," the princess told him as she began walking out of the room. Liam trailed not too far behind. "Forty-eight hours Keith," she reminded him before she left.

When both of them left, Lance looked back at Keith. He swore when he noticed Keith paler than ever. "Keith…"

Beside himself, Keith answered, "What have I done…what have I done?"

XXXXXXXXXXX

Walking over to Coran's office, Lance did not even bother to knock. Instead, he bypassed the security access code and entered unannounced. The act did not bother Coran as he watched the Red lion pilot walk in. With his eyes filled with anger, shock, and even confusion Lance shouted, "You can't let…"

"I know," the advisor nodded in understanding, standing up immediately, "I heard what happened from Gorma, who viewed the entire thing through the observation window. How is Keith?"

"How do you think?" Lance lashed back. "I left him with Gorma, who was trying to calm him down. What are we going to do? You can't let Keith leave."

"I'm not sure we can stop it," the advisor sighed. "It's gotten a bit more complicated."

"What do you mean?" Lance asked with a worried tone.

"It seems that Liam and Allura contacted Admiral Graham prior to visiting Keith. He knows what occurred and has ordered Keith back to Earth."

"No!" Lance shouted. "What's going to happen to him?"

"I had just finished speaking to the admiral before you walked in and explained everything that happened. Under the circumstances, Keith will not be tried in court, but he still will be ordered back to Earth…"

"And?"

"The Garrison will hold their own investigation as well. Apparently it's protocol. I'm not sure what will happen after that."

"Damn it," Lance sighed, "How the hell is he going to take this?"

"I'm sorry Lance, I'm not sure what else I can do for now. I'll speak to Allura…I'm not sure what came over her."

"It's Liam," he answered. "Somehow he's influenced her in a way that I never thought possible," Lance then turned around and headed toward the door.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going back to MedTech," he answered. "Hopefully, Keith will be calmed enough to hear the second part of this nonsense."

"It may not be the best time." Coran suggested.

Lance shook his head as he walked out of the room without even so much as a glance back, "When will it be?"

XXXXXXXXXX

Later that night, Lance had no other choice than to sit Hunk and Pidge down to give them the news. After recounting the events that took place earlier, both men fell silent in astonishment. Hunk, with a heavy sigh of frustration spoke first, "So it ends like this? After everything he's done for her, she's just throwing him out?"

"I don't think it's fully her, Hunk," Lance replied with a heavy tone. "I mean, I hate to think of Allura as being influenced by Liam in such a strong way, but, after everything that happened…I don't know," he snorted.

Pidge, who had not uttered a word since he had walked into the room, finally spoke, "This is not Allura. She wouldn't do something like this."

Lance stared curiously at the young man, "What are you saying?"

"Nothing," he shook his head, "Nothing. I just mean that she wouldn't behave this way. That's all."

"Well, apparently, she is," Hunk responded with a bit of anger in his tone, "When is he leaving?"

"They gave him forty-eight hours, but Graham wants him ASAP," Lance answered, "Gorma had to give him a sedative. He's been asleep for most of today." He paused, moving his gaze to the floor, not really speaking to anyone in particular, "I've never seen him like that."

"Like what?"

"Destroyed."

XXXXXXXXXX

Lotor walked into his father's chambers after the king had beckoned him. He found his father by the fireplace. The wood crackled lightly as he sat in a grandiose chair, taking in the heat. "Lotor, what a surprise that you actually came in on time," Zarkon mocked.

"You called for me, I aim to please," he answered sarcastically, "What do you want, Father?"

"I wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate you. Fatherhood is a wonderful thing. I think you'll do a mediocre job to say the least, but not everyone can be as good as me," Zarkon smiled back his sarcasm.

Lotor's features changed immediately, "What are you talking about?"

"Don't belittle yourself, Son. It isn't becoming. You know damn well what I speak of," the king responded calmly as he sat up in his chair and made himself more comfortable. "Lady Dorma paid me a visit earlier today."

The prince paled and immediately replied, "She's lying!"

"Oh, I don't think so, boy," Zarkon shook his head, his voice growing serious, "Dorma is not the type of woman who would lie about something like this. Besides, no one lies to me, Son. No one," he responded with a snort.

"Well, you are wrong to think she wouldn't lie to you, Father!" Lotor shouted, losing his patience, "Dorma wants nothing but the throne!"

"And she will get what she wants since we now have an heir!" Zarkon shouted back as he rose from his chair with such power that Lotor took a few steps back. "Lotor, you're on thin ice as it is. I've already ordered an engagement ball in your and Dorma's honor. It's two weeks from now, be ready. Your wedding will take place in a month."

"That's…"

"That's my order!" Zarkon cut in, "I don't know how you can live in this fantasy world."

"What do you mean?"

Zarkon laughed before continuing, "If you ever thought the Princess of Arus would set foot here as Queen, you were seriously mistaken, Lotor!" the king fumed. "I made the mistake to taint our race with your mother. I will not have you further my mistakes!"

Speechless, the prince just stared at his father with such hatred, he couldn't think of what to say to him other than, "I hate you."

"The feeling is mutual," Zarkon replied in a venomous tone. "Now, I suggest you start looking for the ring you'd like to give your future bride. The treasure room is at your disposal. You are dismissed…Son."

Defeated, Lotor turned around and walked out of his father's room. He didn't have much time, but he had to think of a way to get out of the mess he put himself into. He would not lose Allura. That would be the ultimate defeat.

XXXXXXXXXX

Lance carefully opened the door to Keith's room the next morning, not wanting to wake him up if he was still asleep. He was surprised to find him quite awake and standing, looking pensively out the window.

"Keith?"

The captain turned around and looked directly at his second-in-command, "Good morning, Lance."

Walking toward him, Lance could see Keith's eyes had finally turned back to their regular dark brown, "You can see?"

He nodded, "I woke up this morning able to see well again." Going toward the closet in the room, he retrieved a jacket that Lance has brought him the day before.

"Where are you going?"

"To speak to Allura," Keith responded, "Lance, I need to see her."

"Keith…"

Finding Lance blocking the door, Keith's eyes hardened, "Get out of my way."

"I'm not stopping you, but…"

"But what?"

"She's not here," Lance replied calmly. "She and Liam are visiting another town this morning." His hardened eyes softened and the worried look struck Lance with understanding, "Don't worry, Hunk and Pidge went with them."

"She shouldn't be out there. It's too soon," he answered with a heavy sigh.

"Coran is monitoring control and we've put extra fighters in the air," Lance replied. "We're taking every precaution possible."

Nodding, but still uneasy, Keith answered, "What time is it?"

"A quarter past twelve. You hungry?"

"No, not really," Keith told him, "I'm still feeling the effects of whatever Gorma gave me yesterday. Even after I showered, I still felt like horrible."

"Well, I'm sure that will pass with time. Come on, you haven't really eaten well since you got here," Lance suggested. "Let's get something to eat. We can talk."

Sighing and knowing there was nothing else he could do until the princess returned, Keith nodded and followed him out the room.

XXXXXXXXXX

Last minute, Keith decided to go to Control and check on security measures while Lance went to the dining room to get him something to eat. Entering the kitchen, Lance watched Nanny bark out orders to the small staff. The woman seemed to be in a good mood as she ordered the cooks about. Seems like dinner is going to be a festive event tonight, Lance thought bitterly. Trying to focus on the present, he walked up to the woman, "Hi Nanny," he smiled.

As she turned, the older woman's features soured, "What do you want?"

"Well," Lance sighed, "I was wondering if Keith and I could get…"

"He still here?" she asked sardonically, "Why I thought he was dismissed yesterday and would be on a flight back to Earth by now?"

"Nanny!" Lance replied, flabbergasted at the comment.

Turning around to dismiss him, Nanny continued barking orders, ignoring Lance and any requests that came from him.

"Nanny, please," Lance begged. He would have rather told her a few things that clung to the tip of his tongue, but held off. He needed her help at the moment.

The portly woman turned on Lance, "I will not lift a finger to help that criminal! You want something, go get it yourself!" Finished, she turned her back on him.

Sighing, Lance turned to leave when unexpectedly, another cook walked up to him with a tray. She was the second cook in charge, Helena, an older woman whose daughter was save by them in one of the attacks a year ago. Since then, she was nothing but grateful to the entire team, "She doesn't mean it, Lance," Helena stated, "You know how much she loves the princess. She just needs time. Here, I prepared both you and the captain a plate. Go."

"You think he did that to her?" Lance asked, taking the tray.

"No," she shook her head, "He'd never do such thing," Helena smiled gently at him, "I'm a believer that things will work out. Maybe not as fast as we want them to, but they will work out." Noticing Nanny was about to turn toward them, Helena quickly added, "Now, go! Before she sees you're still here!"

"Thanks, Helena!" Lance replied quickly, walking out.

XXXXXXXXXX

Making his way back to the dining hall, Keith couldn't help noticing the stares and murmurs from those he passed in the hallways. He knew word had gotten out, but he never realized that people would believe the hearsay.

He couldn't wait to speak to Allura. This had to end. He had to explain. He didn't think he could put up with anymore of those looks from those that days before he considered good acquaintances and maybe friends.

XXXXXXXXXX

As they returned from their trip to Rosten, Allura listened to Prince Liam's humorous tales from his planet. Her laughter was heard through the hallways of the castle. Keith could hear it coming closer. They were walking toward him. Allura saw Keith immediately as they turned the corner and froze. The prince, too enthralled in his tale, didn't see Allura's features change.

"Princess," Keith called to her as he stepped forward.

When Liam finally noticed, he became immediately enraged, "What the hell are you still doing here?"

"I need to speak to you," Keith replied, directing his attention to the princess. He tried moving more towards her, only to stop abruptly when Prince Liam stepped in between them, "Don't you even think of touching her, Kogane!"

Ignoring him, Keith looked over his shoulder at the princess, asking, "Allura, please, talk to me."

The look in her eyes changed almost instantly to one of hatred, "Didn't Liam ask you, what you were doing here? Keith, is it too hard to accept that you are not welcomed here anymore? Would you just get off my planet and out of my life?"

Feeling an overwhelming pain at the sight of her eyes filled with hatred, Keith simply nodded, "I…I'll do as you wish."

Lance, who had heard the commotion as he walked up behind the pair, put the tray on a side table and quickly went to them, "Keith, where are you going?" he asked as he finally looked at the rest of the occupants in the hall.

"I have to go," Keith muttered as he looked at his friend with a look of defeat, "I'll be in my room packing."

"Don't bother," Liam smiled maliciously, "I took the liberty of having the staff pack your belongings. They are in the hangar. Your transport has been ready since this morning."

Lance's mouth almost dropped. "Allura, you can't be serious!"

Looking as if fighting her feelings, the princess finally looked up at her two friends, "Admiral Graham wants to see you. You should…just go, Keith."

Lance could immediately see the pain flaring in his friend's eyes before gaining Allura's attention by saying, "Then, I'm going with him."

Allura's eyes widened with shock and even hurt, "You can't!" she shook her head.

"No," Keith's firm voice answered, "You're not."

"But…"

"I need you here," Keith replied firmly and Lance understood. He wanted him to watch out for Allura. That was Keith's request of him. Looking back at the princess, he sighed, "I'll do as you wish, and I'll leave as requested. Take care of yourself, Princess."

Allura nodded uneasily before he left.

"I'll go see him off," Lance snorted at the two of them before following his friend.