Author's notes:
Thank you for all the feedback and the amazing support you have shown in this AU KAEX Challenge reply FanFic. I rewrote this chapter, where Keith should have claimed Allura at this point, thus ending the story. We now continue their adventure, discovering more secrets from AU medieval Arus. And Keith has yet to claim his princess bride.
Chapter Nine
"Awakening"
Keith had the most beautiful dream. He was cuddling his betrothed, the princess of Alforia. He was finally back home with her.
Spooned against him, Allura was warm and soft; her skin was smooth, creamy, and flawless. Nuzzling his nose against her bare shoulder, she smelled of now-familiar lavender.
He let out a contented sigh. With her back to him, her long golden hair shone like the morning sun. He threaded his fingers through the soft strands while his other hand palmed her hips, raising her thin chemise, exposing her gorgeous backside.
"Keith..." He heard her breathe his name.
His eyes snapped wide open.
Princess!
Staring at the figure that lay with him, Keith jerked his hand away, edging backwards from the sleeping princess. Was he still dreaming? Surely he must be. He was in his night clothes. His eyes darted around the room. Was he back in Alforia? Had Lance followed his instructions before he'd faded out from the pain?
What pain?
The last thing he remembered, he was bleeding hard from the lacerations on his chest and a gaping wound in his side. Patting his torso, there were no bandages around him and the pain was simply…gone?
But how and when did—
The beauty in front of him shifted and stretched her arms, turning to face him. Her brilliant blue eyes latched onto his.
By all the gods! His heart leaped into his throat. He found himself unable to move, unable to take his eyes off her.
She smiled at him, gently placing her palm on his forehead. "Your fever finally broke. How are your injuries?" She shifted closer to him and reached for the edge of his night shirt.
"Hey." Keith flinched.
"Keep still. Let me check your wounds." Allura leaned over and unbuttoned his shirt, smoothing her fingers to the other side of his torso.
She was touching him and rubbing against him. He could feel her nipples beneath her thin chemise. By all the blazing swords! His body hardened, a lightning-quick reaction to her smooth hands.
Gulping hard, Keith felt immobilised. Just like in his dream, she was warm, soft, and fragrant.
"Does it hurt when I press this?" The golden goddess with bluest eyes pressed the side of his waist. She was on top of him.
"No," he said, his voice hoarse.
No, it hurts down there. Dammit. He shifted awkwardly, trying not to brush his tumescence against her.
He clasped her wrist, his dark eyes searching her face. He had so many questions and he didn't know where to begin. "What happened? How did you—"
She placed her finger against his lips. "You were wounded. While your skin has closed up well, the layers underneath will take a couple more days to heal completely." Her finger felt warm and soft on his mouth. Hell, she was warm and soft all over. He fought a sudden urge to wrap his arms around her.
She then shifted off him, rose from the bed, and took up her dressing robe which she'd left on the chair beside the bed.
His eyes raked over her from head to toe, watching her graceful movements. "Allura, I dreamt you not only healed me, but we also kissed. Tell me that wasn't a dream. Tell me the kiss we had was real."
xoxoxoxo
She could feel his eyes on her. His voice was deep and sensual, and his words sent ripples through her. Did he want to kiss her again? She fought the urge to run back to the bed and hold him close.
And there it was again, that strange pull between them that she couldn't even begin to describe. Whatever it was, it felt stronger now. Was it because she'd revealed her identity to him? Was it because she had gone through the process of healing him, acknowledging the bond they shared as betrothed? Was it their overlapping link to their robot lions? At this moment, Allura wasn't sure.
Avoiding his scrutinising gaze, Allura slipped on her silk dressing robe and tucked a strand of hair behind her earlobe. Her faced turned a beautiful shade of pink. "You're staring, my lord."
"I have yet to be certain that I am not dreaming. And please, it's just the two of us here, I would prefer you address me by my given name," Keith said. He tried to sit up, but winced at the sudden pain. His muscles were still too sore.
Allura scampered beside Keith, helping him into a reclining position, stacking pillows behind him. "What did I just tell you? You need time to fully heal, " she hissed.
"I didn't notice any pain until I moved," he said sheepishly.
Did Keith look embarrassed that she was fussing over him? Royal rules be damned. I almost lost him. In a blur, she recklessly lunged at him, her hands on his chest, her eyes brimming with tears. "I wasn't sure I would be able to save you. I've never done anything like that before. I couldn't heal my mother and nanny. When I saw your wounds, how deep they were..." She trailed off, her voice flooded with emotion.
Keith lifted her hand and gently kissed each finger sweetly. "I owe you my life, Allura."
His face was so close. Was he going to kiss her? His eyes searched her face, seeking permission. He kissed her forehead, then her cheek, his warm lips lingering on her skin. Finally, his mouth covered hers and all of Allura's coherent thoughts were gone. His kiss was everything she remembered: it was passionate yet gentle, sweet, full of longing and it was even slightly…more. She was unaware how long he kissed her, but the time they broke for air, they were both breathing hard.
Flushed, Allura remembered her manners. "Are you hungry? I can have our breakfast sent up here," she said, her voice shaky. She had never been kissed by a man before and Keith's potent kisses were simply...divine. Gathering her wits, she yanked the bell cord beside the bed. Snapping her fingers, she remembered the item on top of his dresser drawer. "By the way, your second in command left your gauntlet. Would you like to call anyone on Altea to let them know you're all right?" she asked. Deep inside, she wanted to find out if there was someone else in his life. Surely, as a prince of a large kingdom, he would have women throwing themselves at him? A twinge of jealously tugged at her heart.
"I would like to let the king know that his beloved heir is alive," he replied with a weak smile.
Allura nodded and reached over the armoire, handing the gauntlet to Keith. Standing beside the bed, she watched him activate his gauntlet. He pressed a button and a translucent screen appeared, hovering above the device.
Keith held out his hand, inviting her to join him. "Come and meet your future father-in-law. He would be very pleased to finally meet you." A small grin tugged the corner of his lips.
"But I'm not...properly dressed. Look at me." Rumpled from sleep, Allura straightened her tousled hair, pulled her robe closed, and tightened the sash on her waist.
"You look beautiful," he said, reassuring her. His warm, dark eyes melted her heart.
Reluctantly, Allura clasped his hand and sat beside him when the screen came alive.
"Holy seven hells, Keith! You're alive. Thank the lions!" Lance exclaimed, raking his fingers through his messy brown hair.
"Good to see you too," Keith grinned.
"Your father told me to interrupt him the moment you called. Keith, you can't believe what's happening. The king is with his war council. Wait, here he is."
Images shifted and next thing they saw, a gushing king's face plastered on the screen, startling Allura.
"My son! My son is alive! Thank all of Arus!" King Kenneth exclaimed, his face flushed, unabashed tears of joy rolled from his ruddy cheeks and greying beard.
"Father, I owe my life to Allura." Keith paused, glanced at her, and squeezed her hand. "She has healed me completely. Father, may I present Princess Allura of Alforia, Blue Lion's warrior and champion."
"I cannot thank you enough. The whole kingdom is indebted to you and your miraculous gift of healing. You have saved my son, I am in your debt. Name anything and it shall be yours, my child."
Allura's eyes widened, startled by the king's unexpected offer. "Anything, Your Majesty?"
"As long it is within my capacity, of course. Keith is my only heir. My son is alive because of you."
She paused for a long moment. "I would like to negotiate the terms of the treaty you signed with my father, King Alfor."
"What?" King Kenneth froze.
"What?" Keith stared at her, shocked.
xoxoxoxo
"Rest assured, Your Majesty, the union of two kingdoms shall proceed as signed, but with the provision that whether in Alforia or Altea, and any other future kingdoms added to the sovereignity, the queen shall co-rule with the king. Equally," Allura said.
"I see," King Kenneth the Wise brushed his beard.
Keith continued to stare at Allura. He was rather stunned with her request, but strangely, her assertiveness did not displease him. Surprisingly, he felt rather amused, at the same time proud of his princess. Turning to the screen, Keith spoke, "I agree, father. I would like to further add, that Allura maintains the right to continue as Blue Lion's warrior. There can be no other way."
Keith noticed Allura's eyes shining as she gazed at him. Sitting beside her, he watched the way her mouth curved when she smiled. His princess seemed well pleased. He then added, "The exchange of knowledge, commerce, and trade, especially medical and technological expertise, shall also be shared with Alforia."
"I see you two shall make brilliant co-rulers. I hereby confirm that all you have requested shall be granted, upon my honour, as King of Altea."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." She smiled at the king and beamed at Keith. Her entire face lit up. She was absolutely stunning when she smiled. A strange giddy feeling bloomed in his chest. Oh gods! How he wanted this magnificent, passionate and beautiful woman. He wanted to express how he was grateful for healing him, saving his life when no one else could. Perhaps after this discussion he could ask her to—
"Now that we have settled that, I would like to prepare you for some grave news," King Kenneth spoke, interrupting Keith's thoughts. "We are now officially at war with the Kingdom of the West. They thought they were successful in killing you, making Black Lion inoperable. There are two armies, marching by the thousands, heading in two directions: Altea and Alforia." King Kenneth signalled Lance to come up to the screen.
Lance stepped up and spoke, "Keith, the army that's headed your way is just two days away from Alforia. I'm afraid if we send fresh troops to you, they won't reach you in time. And we are still fortifying the castle walls from the previous attack. All I can suggest is that you evacuate Alforia. Leave while you can."
"Leave my people? I will not abandon my kingdom," Allura interjected. "I shall defend Alforia, alone with Blue Lion if I have to," she exclaimed hotly.
Keith placed his hand on Allura's arm. "Lance, we have two lions in Alforia. I shall remain here. You have a large army at your behest to defend Altea. Plus you have the Red Lion," Keith replied with a calm command.
When they heard a knock on the door Allura leaped to her feet, while Keith continued speaking with both Lance and his father.
When the discussion ended, Keith felt drained. He felt he had just expended what little energy he'd regained. Was there a way to stop a war before it even started? He wanted a peaceful solution to warring lions, avoiding any bloodshed. And Alforia didn't have enough foot soldiers or knights to defend the castle. He sighed heavily, scrubbing his hand over his face. Talking both to Lance and his father was exhausting.
When his bedroom door slammed shut, he saw Allura pushing in the breakfast trolley that was deposited outside his bedroom door. "You overworked yourself," she said, handing him a bowl of creamy porridge. She puffed out a breath. "I can't believe this is happening."
"We barely have two days to prepare the castle and move people to safety, and I can't lie down like this all day," Keith said, holding the porridge bowl in one hand and spoon in another.
Allura sat beside him on the bed, folding her legs underneath her while holding a small cup of diced fruits and berries. "Keith, tell me about your attacker…the one who wounded you. Tell me what the warrior looked like."
"He got out of his lion and challenged me one-on-one. He had his armour on and his helm's visor was down, but his voice sounded gruff and he was a foot taller than me." Keith slowly took a spoonful of porridge.
She snarled, slamming the cup of fruits on the pillow in front of her, berries spilling out on to the bedsheets. "Why did they attack you? This is all too confusing and does not make any sense at all." Allura said, picking up the berries and putting them back into the small fruit cup.
She looked so upset, she didn't even notice that one side of her robe slipped off her shoulder, revealing her smooth, creamy expanse of skin. A rosy nipple was visible through her flimsy chemise. His blood roared, pumping hot need down between his thighs. And she sat so close to him, he could feel her warmth. Keith fought the urge to pull her clothes off and devour her.
Calming his riotous thoughts, he gently lifted her chin. "What's wrong, Allura?"
Her face was so close, he wanted to kiss her again, longer this time.
But her eyes blazed, boring into his, her intent angry and serious. "I know who attacked you, Keith. And I will kill him for it. He shouldn't have dared harm my betrothed."
(TO BE CONTINUED)
END NOTE:
It is school holidays / school term break in Australia. For the next two to three weeks, I shall be furiously writing and typing at break-neck speed the next set of instalments of this AU FanFic. In the meantime, please add to follow and favourite and send me your feedback by leaving a review. Thank you so much for your continued support! Long live Voltron! Long live Keith and Allura!
