Chapter Eight

Pidge wriggled uncomfortably in his stiff uniform. He felt a little bloated after eating too much. He glanced at Hunk next to him, still working on his third helping. Shaking his head, Pidge dipped down to glance underneath the table. He tossed a full biscuit to the waiting mice. After a moment, their bellies were rounded and stuffed. He grinned at his little friends.

"You guys excited about the wedding too?" he asked quietly. The response was an onslaught of cheery squeaks and chatters. Pidge chucked. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Took 'em long enough." He sat back up in his chair and shifted his gaze to the head of the table. His devoted commander and princess were chatting happily with Sven and Romelle. It was almost like a mirror image. Both men were dressed in uniform, and the uncanny likeness of the cousins was only put off by Romelle's hair being swept up in a beautiful updo.

Pidge gave a sigh. He was suddenly a little lonesome. At all of sixteen years old, he normally would have gone out on dates and other social events. But, the pressures of being a Lion Pilot and living in the castle left little opportunity to meet anyone. Even with the war being over, he was busy with Mary Ann in upgrading the castle's systems. And while Mary Ann was a beautiful woman she was well past his age. And he had noticed Lance eying her on more than one occasion.

Hunk noticed Pidge's shoulders slump a bit. He gave him a light nudge with his elbow. "Hey lil' buddy, what's the matter?"

Pidge glanced up at him. "Oh, nothing, Hunk. Just thinkin' too much as usual." He pushed his glasses up on his nose. "You wanna go out on night patrol with me after dinner?"

"Sure, kiddo," Hunk answered. Usually when Pidge asked Hunk to join him it meant he had some things on his mind. Pidge considered Hunk to be like a big brother. A very big brother. He idolized him to a certain degree. They were definitely a unique pair, their size difference accentuating the comical view of their friendship. Hunk turned his attention to the head of the table. "So when's the big day gonna be?" his voice boomed over the idol chatter. All eyes darted to him and he froze for a moment as if being scrutinized. "What'd I do?"

Keith and Allura grinned down at the awkward giant before smiling at each other. "We haven't decided for sure, but it will probably be at least two weeks just for the preparations." Allura answered.

"Yeah, and don't forget," Lance said, chewing a bite of his dinner. "Cap's gotta learn all that Royal stuff so he can become King."

Nanny scowled down at the uncouth young man. "Such manners in the presence of Royal persons!" She flicked her index finger at the back of his ear.

"Hey!" Lance covered his ear with his hand. "I'm just sayin'! Sorry!"

Everyone around the table tried their best to stifle a laugh at Lance's expense. The hot-shot pilot crossed his arms in front of his chest and proceeded to pout. Keith gave him a serious look, reminding him of their earlier discussion. Lance took note and immediately straightened, mumbling an apology again. He scooted his food around on his plate with his fork idly.

"Well, then," Coran stood from the table, checking his pocket watch. "The hour has gotten away from us. I'm sure the Princess and Prince consort wish to retire early so they can begin their plans bright and early."

Keith stood up beside Coran. "Thank you, Coran. I believe it's almost time for night surveillance as well." He nodded his head over to Pidge.

Pidge promptly stood up. "Sure thing Cap, er, your Highness," he corrected himself, eyes darting around for a moment to locate Nanny's whereabouts. "You ready, Hunk?"

"Sure thing, Pidge," Hunk finished chewing a morsel of food and pulled his napkin out from his shirt before standing up. He took a few steps toward the door before looking back and giving an awkward bow to the rest of the table. "Uh, good night, your, um, Excellencies!" He fumbled for the control panel and to his relief got the door to open. Pidge trailed out behind him.

"Well, my dear, should we leave these two alone now?" Sven asked Romelle, his thick accent tracing every word. Romelle smiled and gave a small nod.

"Yes, Sven. They need their rest for tomorrow," she said, turning to face her cousin. "Allura, why don't we plan on lunch? You should have some 'girl time' and that will let the boys have some fun. Queen Orla, would you join us?"

"I would love to, my dear," Orla answered. She stood from the table. "Coran, my friend, would you accompany me on a stroll? I fear I've forgotten how lovely the gardens of the castle are." Coran blushed lightly and bowed.

"It would be an honor, your Highness." He stepped forward to her and offered his arm. They vanished out of the hall. The twin-like cousins shared a curious glance before softly giggling.

"Romelle, I look forward to lunch tomorrow," Allura stood and gave her cousin a light hug goodnight. "Sven, you be sure that my cousin gets some sleep."

"I should say the same to Keith!" Romelle smirked at her. Allura instantly turned beet red as slipped her arm through his. Keith tilted her head towards her and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Now, now," he said. "Let's save the clever retorts for Lance." He winked at Romelle. Lance, hearing his name, stood from the table. Not being able to tolerate it any longer, he undid the very top button of his uniform's coat and wriggled his head around. He took a step over to Keith and Allura.

"Well, guess since the pomp and circumstance is over and I can change back into 'Lance-gear,'" he half smiled. He took Allura's hand in his and gave it a squeeze. "Princess, I'm so proud of you." He leaned in and kissed her cheek. "You've come a long way, you know. I'd like to take credit for a good chunk of that," he grinned as he puffed out a breath and polished his nails on the front of his jacket.

Allura smiled up at him. "Sure, Lance. You can have my smart-alec side." She gave him a wink before turning to embrace Keith. "And you can have all of me," she whispered, kissing him tenderly.

Lance rolled his eyes. "Aw get a room already, man."

Keith grinned. "A room? We've got a whole castle!"

Sven snorted a laugh. "He got you there, my friend," he chided to Lance. "Come on now, let's let them be." He gave Lance's sleeve a tug and headed for the door, his arm wrapped around Romelle's shoulders. "Goodnight!" he called from the doorway, pulling Lance along with them.

Nanny came around to the couple as the rest of the kitchen staff cleaned off the table. "If you two don't head upstairs for some rest I'm going to have to put you both to work! Now go, go!" She smiled and playfully swatted at them with a napkin.

"Yes, Nanny," they answered in unison. Keith wrapped an arm around Allura's waist as they stepped out into the hallway. They stepped slowly to the elevator. An awkward silence came over them as they rode up to the private suite. The elevator doors opened and they stood in front of the suite doors.

Keith looked down at his beautiful princess bride. Her eyes were bright, but a flash of nervous fear caused her to tense. Keith reached forward and typed in the pass code, allowing the door to sweep open. He guided Allura into the room as the door shut behind them.