A/N: I know, I know. Another Madonna song. Expect more because her music just captures this pairing so deliciously! :3 Next chapter, it's Nine Inch Nails. Thank you so much for your support! KathDMD, wade wells, SallyOn, Nessie, Lance4ever, and Guests, I freakin' love you! Never in a million years did I think anyone would give this pairing a chance.
I do not own VF characters or any lyrics posted. I only own Alistair and Eva.
Chapter 8: Love Without Guilt, Love Without Doubt
(Love without guilt, love without doubt)
Love should always feel like this
Heaven forgive me,
Never forbid me
Love should feel like this
-"Forbidden Love" by Madonna
In a daze, Larmina slightly opened her eyes. A bustling of movement could be heard near the bed. The lack of warmth beside her had startled her into a seating position. The bedroom was a dark blur, flecks of dust dancing in the faint light of the sunrise. As her vision sharpened, she captured sight of a tall figure adjusting a device to his thick forearm.
"Keith?" she rasped, her throat dry from sleep.
The figure came into her view, revealing the narrow features of the commander's face. He was already dressed in his black pilot suit. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he caressed the princess's cheek with his calloused fingertips. Remnants of slumber lingered in his eyes, his lids heavy hooded. A casual smile tugged at his lips as he relished the sight of Larmina's disheveled red hair framing her face and long neck.
"I have to leave for a meeting at GA headquarters," he whispered in a deep voice. "We're going to work out this situation with Wade."
"Oh.." she said, her tone faltering. "How long will you be gone?"
"I'm not sure," he sighed, removing his hand from her cheek. "It shouldn't take long. Action needs to be taken, not just strategizing."
Larmina averted her eyes, staring down at her hands.
"What if something happens? Wade is out there while Lotor is still lurking about."
"Arus is well protected, and Lance will stand in my place while I settle things at GA."
"No," she interrupted, meeting his gaze sternly. "I meant you."
"I'll be fine. I've dealt with similar circumstances."
The worry in Larmina's light blue eyes did not fade away. Her body seized control over her will as she wrapped her arms around Keith's narrow waist.
"Larmina, don't worry," Keith assured, his voice muffled slightly by her hair. "I'll send frequent reports to Arus."
The princess remained silent. He softly brushed her hair away from her face with his fingers. He whispered to her that it was time for him leave. Unexpectedly, the commander implanted a soft kiss on her forehead. In an automatic response, she kissed him back on the lips, her little fingers brushing along his cheekbones. Once their touch had been broken, Larmina felta bitter chill as she left his warmth.
The bed creaked as Keith lifted himself up. The pale blue carpet rustled from his boots as he made his way to the door. Before he stepped through the doorway, Keith looked back at the princess, her wide eyes innocently mourning over his leave. He felt a tug at his heartstrings at the sight. Once again, the stolid demeanor of a commander melted to reveal a silent, gentle man as Keith smiled in her direction. Larmina returned the smile, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear.
Once Keith left the sanctuary of her bedroom, Larmina's smile faltered, her heart swelling as the solitude sunk in. She had so much emotion, so much to say, but could not reveal them to anyone. Her eyed were drawn to her nightstand, where her diary had resided. Betraying her habit of inscribing her thoughts, she decided to swallow down the emotion. In actuality, she did not wish to admit that she felt vulnerable.
To feel vulnerable made Larmina sick to her stomach. To be at the mercy of someone else's presence made her feel a sense of weakness. Larmina never relied on anyone for security. She never wanted to answer to anyone, or worry about some else besides herself.
Now, here she was, terribly missing a man that she secretly shared a connection with. For once, the princess had acted her own age emotionally. Of course, she would not admit this. Looking at the nightstand once more, she scoffed, kicking the lavender sheets aside.
"Great, now I think inanimate objects judge me."
Breakfast in solitude and silence is rather comforting. Larmina was not in the mood to muster up conversation, so she decided to call the palace kitchen for an early breakfast of honey pancakes and fresh cut strawberries. About forty minutes later, a maid showed up with the princess's breakfast. The maid, a woman in her mid-thirties with short red curls, prepped the roll-in table before retrieving the silver tray from a bottom shelf.
"Is everything alright, Princess Larmina? I don't wish to pry, but you don't usually eat alone."
"Yeah, I'm fine. A lot of things have been going on, so breakfast alone will calm my mind."
"I see. Sometimes a nice meal first thing in the morning will set your day right."
Bidding her goodbye, the maid bowed before leaving the princess's bedroom. Larmina thanked her as she settled herself down onto the bed, pulling the table close to her. Tearing into the steaming pancakes with a fork and knife, the scent of hot honey tickled her nostrils. The juices of the cut strawberries seeped into the pancakes, adding a sweet-tart flavor to the soft cakes. Comfort food was an understatement. At least she could smile for just a moment.
Before Larmina could finish the rest of the half-eaten stack, her voltcom rumbled with life as an incoming call was transmitted. Swallowing down a large bite of pancake, she reached over to grab the device from her nightstand, pressing a button to answer the call. In an instant, Allura's voice greeted her niece.
"Larmina? I'm hoping you are awake."
"I am now."
"Ha ha," Allura chuckled. "I seem to be your wake up call."
"Nope. My stomach beat you to it. What's up?"
"At eleven 'o clock, I will be making some announcements to the people of Arus on security precautions. They must know of Wade's whereabouts."
"Ignorance is bliss," Larmina dryly commented, indirectly suggesting that the people of Arus should not be scared out of their wits.
"It is better for them to know then to have them panic over a possible attack. Larmina, it is our responsibility to alert them and assure them of safety."
"Alright. I'll be ready by eleven."
"Also, please dress in something appropriate."
"What's wrong with my cadet uniform? It's clean!"
"As a princess and representative of the royal family, you must dress accordingly. I am doing the same, as should you."
"Fine, but no corset. Breathing is nice, you know?"
"So I've heard," Allura said. "See you at eleven."
Straightening out her white silk gloves, Allura strolled down the hall of bedroom quarters to retrieve Larmina. Soon after her discussion with her niece earlier this morning, Allura arranged for a servant to assist the young lady in choosing appropriate attire for the speech. Chuckling with sealed lips, she shook her head as she envisioned the young lady quarreling with the servant over a corset. 'Some things don't change.' Her navy blue bodice shook as she chuckled as if it was also amused by the wily red head.
Arriving at Larmina's bedroom door, the crown princess overheard raised voices from behind the door. Her smile quickly vanishing, Allura entered the security code of her niece's bedroom, stepping into the verbal fires.
"I am notwearing that rib-crusher!"
"Your highness, it is proper attire when addressing the citizens of Arus!"
"My aunt is speaking, not I. I'm just standing there! My cadet uniform is just as proper!"
"Princess, I'm only following orders."
"Then I am changingthe orders."
Allura had had enough of this scene. She refereed the argument, stomping up to the flustered servant and the rambunctious young lady.
"Abigail," said Allura to the servant, "I'll take care of my niece."
"Y-yes, your highness. I did exactly as you instructed, b-but-" Abigail 's stuttering was interrupted by a gentle raise of Allura's hand.
"It's quite alright! Don't worry. I'll handle this.." she said with a stern tone, staring down Larmina.
The red haired princess merely crossed her arms before her bosom and looked away. Abigail was excused from the bedroom, leaving the women alone to settle the dress dispute.
"Larmina, we go through this everytime there is an event or announcement! It is our duty to keep the Arusian tradition alive."
"Well, maybe tradition must be broken. My uniform is just as admirable as a silly dress."
"As a princess, you must-"
"if you say 'proper attire' one more time, I swear-"
"You swear, and I'll make sure you regret it."
Larmina was silenced. Her aunt was not one to threaten, but, when the time came, it was wise to abide by the future queen's demands.
"Look," Allura began, "this is just for a little while, not an entire day. If you just bear through with this, we will have lunch outside in the garden, and you can wear whatever you wish. Alright?"
Chewing on her lower lip, Larmina mulled over the offer. It was just for a short while. Was an outburst really necessary over a dress? She would not speak of this thought, especially in front of her aunt. She valued her small amount of wins over any authoritative figure.
Directing her light blue eyes to the extravagant crème dresser, Larmina acceded with a mumbled, "Ok." Allura smiled warmly.
"The pink and white gown," she directed.
"Pink?" the young princess whined.
Allura silenced her with a clearing of her throat. While Larmina reluctantly sought after a pink and white silk gown, Allura mused over her niece's stubbornness and need to fight. A wave of sadness washed over her body at a passing thought. 'She is just like her father.'
It had been so long since Allura allowed herself to think of her brother, the dearly departed Alistair.
Alistair was the eldest child of King Alfor, Allura being the beloved baby of the two children. The siblings were different despite sharing the same bloodline, much like the two faces of the same coin. Alistair was rough around the edges with a temper not to be reckoned with. Allura, although sharing the fiery temper, was naturally gentle and open-hearted. The crown prince was known for his vicious mood swings as a child. The servants simply did not know how to handle the wild boy. It was only Allura that he seemed to get along with. King Alfor was rather hard on his son when he lashed out. The two just seemed to live for disputes, clashing like thunderstorms. Allura was usually the referee, a role that followed her into adulthood.
In his early twenties, Alistair met a peasant girl with crystal blue eyes and fiery red hair during a visit to the marketplace. Eva was her name. It was a controversial affair that was kept under wraps. Although Alfor did not detest Eva, she was unfortunately not of royal blood. Damned politics, one can assume.
In response, Alistair, as the crown prince, abdicated the throne, giving Allura the title of heiress apparent. The news had been chaotic. This was the first time a royal had done such a thing voluntarily. This allowed him to marry Eva, leaving the castle to live as a commoner with his new wife. It wasn't until Eva became ill years later that he returned to the Castle of Lions. As enraged as Alfor was, he could not turn away the sick woman or his apparent grandchild, little red haired Larmina.
"..-ura? Aunt Allura!"
Larmina's voice came in and out. Allura had been so emerged in her recollections of her brother that she had forgotten about the present moment. Her niece had already slithered her way into the silk gown, needing assistance to seal the zipper in the back. Smiling sheepishly over her absentmindedness, Allura walked over and slid the zipper right up.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. Just pick a pair of pearl earrings, and we'll be on our way."
"Oh joy."
"Sarcasm gets you nowhere, dear niece."
"It amuses me, dear aunt."
"Don't be a wiseass."
"Wiseass? Lance truly is rubbing off on you. Are you going to start holding poker nights and smuggling in nudie magazines?"
"If I do, I give you full permission to club me over the head."
"Can I have that in writing?"
The walk down the corridors was quiet. Allura had been revising her speech in her head. It was not complicated: greet, inform, comfort, and bid adieu. Still, the woman wanted to be sure that she presented an air of tranquility with her people. They could always sense tension.
Beside her walked Larmina, her dress complimenting her aunt's very nicely. While Allura's gown was white and navy blue with long, bell-shaped sleeves and a fluttering train, Larmina's gown was white and pink with short cap sleeves and a lace trim hem stopping just above her toes. Her hair had been pulled into a low braid, a nice compromise between wearing it down and tying it up in a ponytail.
Reaching the balcony doors, the women encountered two servants bowing deeply before opening the double white doors. Allura nodded her gratitude to the gentlemen, Larmina following at a comfortable distance (a far distance).
Praise erupted from the crowds collected below the balcony. Allura stepped up to the smooth railing, waving her hand in greeting. Larmina remained near the open doors, rubbing her arm for comfort. The blonde woman turned around, gesturing for Larmina to stand beside her. With an exaggerated sigh, the princess dragged her short heeled shoes over to the railing. Allura narrowed her eyes and raised her brows at her niece's obvious scowl. Knowing very well what the blonde woman was capable of, Larmina forced a smile on her lips. Allura returned the smile with an approving nod before addressing the crowds below.
"My people, I am sure that you are aware of what has occurred over in the Denubian system..."
Her hand gestures were graceful yet powerful in motion as if to reach out and touch the hands of her people. She was comfortable standing atop the balcony before hundreds of peering eyes. Their panic and tension did not cause her to falter in speech. If anything, Allura had alleviated their worries with just her presence alone, a true offspring of King Alfor. She truly was a queen, a powerful woman. Larmina felt so sheepish standing alongside her aunt. She didn't belong there, nor did she want to belong.
"Rest assured, the Force is on the case, and you will not, or ever will be, subjected to such danger."
Allura was so...feminine. The fullness of her ample breasts. The way her waist narrowed to a single point, only to shoot out in the delicious curves of her hips. Her eyes sparkled with the gallantry and power of a queen. Larmina felt pathetic in her aunt's shadow. Her body was not as blossomed, and she was much shorter in height. To sense hundreds of peering eyes on her only made Larmina feel ill with nausea.
"I shall go over any safety precautions should anything occur here on Arus."
The young lady would never admit to this insecurity in comparison to Allura. Do not be mistaken; she loved her dear aunt. The woman was her surrogate mother for the past several years. However, she secretly felt that she could never measure up to Allura. Sure, Larmina was the tomboy of the royal family; the princess with a rebel's snarl and a taste for multiple ear piercings and heavy metal music. Was she gallant, though? Sweet? The words did not even exist in her vocabulary.
So, what did Keith see in Larmina?
He did not pursue a romance with Allura despite touching moments. In the past, Larmina would hear her aunt recounting these moments with a flicker of her emerald eyes and a flush of her cheeks. The young lady would muse over what was so entrancing about the commander. Sure, she had seen photographs of him when he first came to Arus. She was not very fond of the "mullet" situation, as Lance referred to it, but, nonetheless, he possessed this hypnotic aura about him. He was strong and silent. His winter eyes told of stories that would not leave his lips. If he did speak of secrets, one would have to swear to keep mum until death.
Returning to the present moment, Larmina stared at Allura as she concluded her speech to the citizens of Arus. Clapping erupted just after the woman finished speaking. Stress was still apparent amongst their faces, but respect for the future queen outgrew the tension. A close mouthed smile tugged at Allura's rosy lips as she took hold of her niece's hand warmly. A pang of guilt pierced Larmina's heart, a sickness birthing in her stomach. What if Allura found out about her secret rendezvous with Keith? Would she still love her only niece?
'Would she look at me the same way?'
On a short break from this morning's meeting, Keith picked up a cup of coffee in one of the break rooms. He nodded at a couple of passing representatives from Ebb, trying to repress the urge to smack them for their trickery on Coran and the princesses. It was in the past, and all was forgiven, but breaking trust is something very difficult to repair with the commander.
Taking a second sip of black coffee from the foam cup, Keith walked over to a wall length window, gazing at academy students practicing flight formations. A little sloppy, he observed, but that's why it was called "practice."
Before taking another sip, a pop of color captured his attention on his left wrist. Careful not to tip over the coffee in his right hand, he took his pinky and pulled down the sleeve of his pilot suit. Larmina's navy blue hair tie from last night. Keith began to remember the caress of her red hair as it fanned over his fingers, the warmth of her face and breasts pressing against his chest.
"Keith," called out Coran, walking up to the commander. "We have about a half hour before we return to the meeting. Are you planning on debriefing the princess now or later today when this is over?"
"Hmm," Keith hummed, the duty almost having slipped his memory. "I'll just check in with her, let her know how this is going."
"Alright. She should be finished addressing the citizens of Arus about now, so you'll have a chance to reach her."
Keith nodded to the elder ambassador before excusing himself to contact Allura via voltcom. It took about ten seconds before the crown princess answered.
"Yes Keith, what is it?" came a somewhat strained voice.
"Princess, I'm on break for now, but I just wanted to let you know what we've done thus far with the alliance."
"Alright. Hold on one second..."
He could hear footsteps in the background. The swish-swish alluded to him that Allura was outside.
"Sorry about that. I had to step aside for privacy. Having lunch with Larmina in the gardens."
"I understand. Before I get into details, um...H-How's Larmina?"
