Chapter 10

An hour later, Sven stares through the blackness of space as Blue Lion races toward Torres, the closest planet that is still a member of the Alliance. Glancing at the internal monitors, he notes Lance and Hunk both staring straight ahead at their monitors as well, their expressions intense. Tightening his grip on his controls, Sven orders, "Keep alert guys. We are still in Drule territory."

"I still don't understand why we're going now," Lance complains. "It isn't like anything will be approved by Garrison before we get there."

"We aren't waiting for Garrison," Sven informs him, trying to keep his tone even.

"Huh?"

"I have access to some money," he admits. "We're using that."

"Money from where?" asks Hunk, looking confused.

Sighing, Sven answers, "Keith's money from the insurance settlements."

"We're using Keith's money?" Lance repeats, sounding unsure. "Is that a good idea?"

"Good idea or not, he told me to use it," Sven responds, once again in command. "So when we get to Torres, we'll need to move fast. Get as many supplies as possible and leave within a couple of hours. Keith wants us back on Arus this afternoon."

"Understood," Lance says, "I'll see about getting a cargo hold to store everything."

"Good," he replies. "Hunk, see to the food supplies. I have a special request I need to see to."

"Special request?"

Looking at Lance, the Norwegian answers, "Keith said to get the princess some clothes."

"Really?" he replies, his eyebrows almost up to his hairline with surprise.

"She's wearing clothing that's at least a good ten years old and belonged to her dead siblings," Sven retorts, feeling defensive without really understanding why when he wasn't the one that even came up with the idea. "I can't even imagine how that must feel."

"Keith likes her," Hunk states simply, a goofy smile on his face. "He wants her to be happy."

Lance and Sven share a look that questions that statement but say nothing. Clearing his throat, Sven continues, "Lance, after you secure a cargo hold, see about the non-perishable items we'll need, including anything needed to make more clothing."

"Will do."

As planet Torres comes into view, Sven sighs, "Let's move fast people. We have a lot to do and a small amount of time to do it in."

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Stretching in the command chair, Keith looks up at the monitors, silently counting the number of people still standing outside the castle's main gate. The outer door had been opened so people could walk into the inner courtyard, but most had stayed outside. Hitting a button to change camera views, he watches Coran as he speaks to a group of men inside the courtyard.

"Keith."

Turning, he finds Princess Allura walking up to him, looking extremely put out, "I don't understand why I can't be down there with Coran."

"Because I don't have the men to protect you," he answers simply.

"But nothing happened before," she argues, wringing her hands together. "I want to talk with my people."

Sighing, Keith stands up from the chair, "Princess, nothing happened before because you had guards. I'm sorry, but your safety comes first."

"Keith, please! I haven't been able to be around my people since the invasions."

Resisting the urge to groan when she turns her big, blue, pleading eyes on him, Keith feels himself giving in and takes his comm. unit off his belt, "Pidge, come in."

"Yes Commander?"

"Report to the control room."

"No problem," the younger man answers. "Be there in a minute."

Placing the unit back on his belt, Keith capitulates, "I'll bring you down, but if I don't like the looks of things, you will come back in without argument, agreed?"

Allura nods, a bright smile on her face, "Thank you, Keith."

"Without argument, Princess, or we don't go down," he repeats, crossing his arms in front of his chest to emphasize how serious he is.

She simply nods at him again then turns to face the door when Pidge walks in the room and asks, "What's up?"

"I need you to watch control while I escort the princess back down to the inner courtyard for another visit with her people," Keith explains to him, looking thoroughly put out.

The younger man's eyebrow wrinkle with concern, "Are you sure it's safe to go alone?"

Keith turns to look directly at the princess while answering, "Probably not."

"Maybe I should come down with you," Pidge offers, his gaze thoughtful while rubbing the back of his head so his hair stands on end.

Shaking his head, the commander replies, "No, someone needs to man control in case of attack."

"Very well," sighs Pidge as he moves past them to sit in the command chair.

Moving over to the supplies still residing in the control room, Keith pulls out a blaster and laser katana, placing them into a utility belt that he straps around his waist. He looks up to find Allura staring at him incredulously, "You aren't thinking of using those, are you?"

"I'm hoping I won't need to," he responds smartly. Holding out his elbow for her to take, he says, "Let's go."

He leads the way to the elevator that takes them down to the inner courtyard. Walking across the short hallway, Keith glances through the clear doorway before placing his hand on the electronic palm reader to open it. His eyes move over the small crowd in assessment as they walk down the stairs into the courtyard. His head whips towards the voices that exclaim, "Look! Princess Allura has returned!"

"Princess Allura."

Looking to find the advisor approaching them as they finish descending, Keith's eyes move over the men following him, looking for threats. Coran seems to know what he is doing, smiles and says, "These men would like to join the castle guard."

That comment brings Keith's attention back to him. Glancing at the men a final time, he questions, "Not to seem ungrateful, but what do we know about them?"

Coran holds up his hand to silence the grumbling that begins behind him before replying, "Most of these men are the sons of former castle guard members."

"Most?" Keith repeats, his eyes still assessing the men in front of him.

"The others can be vouched for," Coran states. He can't help pointing out the obvious, "We need the help, Commander."

"I know," he replies, his eyes finally coming back to the advisor. "But not at the expense of the princess' security."

"We would protect her with our lives!"

Keith looks back at the men as they stand with their hands over their hearts. Sighing, he looks over at Allura to find a bright, gloating smile on her face. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he nods to Coran, "Very well."

His own lips twitching with a smile, Coran gestures to a small group of women standing off to one side, "These ladies would like to rejoin the kitchen staff."

At this, Allura looks over, recognizes one of the women and excitedly exclaims, "Cookie! Is that you?"

She doesn't wait for an answer. Instead, Allura runs over to hug the older woman. Alarmed, Keith watches closely as the princess moves from one woman to another, greeting the women enthusiastically. He manages to listen as Coran spends the next ten minutes introducing each man, but remains alert to Allura's location at all times and curses her ability to make him agree to things he normally wouldn't.

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Thirty minutes later, Keith escorts the princess back inside the castle along with the group of men and women joining the castle staff. While uncomfortable allowing a group of people he doesn't know into the castle, he understands why they are needed. For security purposes though, each one had to be vouched for by someone Coran already knew. The commander wasn't about to allow total strangers into the castle. Glancing sideways at the princess as they ride the elevator back up to the main level, he notes the excitement in her eyes.

As the doors open, Allura exclaims, "I'll show Cookie and the others to the kitchen."

"Princess, I don't think-"

She doesn't wait for him to finish however, and Keith watches her take the cook's hand and lead her down the hall along with the other women rejoining the staff. Taking a deep breath and forcing himself to calm down, he signals the rest of the men to follow him in the opposite direction. Entering the control room, Keith calls up to Pidge, "We've got company."

The younger man turns around in the command chair, his eyes growing wide with surprise at the sight of the men behind him. Gesturing to them, Keith informs him, "These men are joining the castle guard. Most are sons of men who worked here before."

"Most?"

Keith smiles at the younger man, it was the same feeling he initially had. Nodding, he replies, "They've all been vouched for. Can you take them down, show them their quarters and assign them areas?" Leaning closer so the men couldn't hear, the commander adds, "And add an extra security camera to the princess' room. Until we get to know these men better, we need to ensure her safety."

"Yes sir," Pidge answers, still looking doubtful. He signals the men to follow him and leads the way out of the control room.

Taking a deep, calming breath, Keith moves over to the command chair and sits down. Flipping camera angles, he stops when he finds the one looking into the kitchen, where the princess is still in deep conversation with the cook as her workers move around, checking cupboards and learning the area.

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After spending the last three hours running from store to store and helping Lance and Hunk with storing the supplies in the cargo hold before they departed Torres, Sven takes a deep, steadying breath as they fly through space on their return to Arus. Flying behind the cargo tied between Yellow and Red lions, he keeps his eyes on the radar, praying no Doom ships find them. Feeling the tension keeping his body almost rigid in the chair, he calls out, "Status?"

"Nothing so far," Hunk's tense voice returns.

Looking over at the video screen showing the pilot, Sven replies, "So far, so good."

"What do you think are chances are of making Arus without a problem?"

Lance's question is one the lieutenant has no answer for. Clearing his throat, Sven replies, "Well, hopefully we'll have better luck than we did with our arrival."

A loud derisive snort echoes across the comm. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Sven looks back at his radar, praying it will stay clear for the remainder of the flight.

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Flipping through the cameras to check on the newest members of the castle guard, Keith doesn't hear the entrance of the advisor until he loudly clears his throat right behind him. Jumping in the seat, the commander whirls around while swearing, "Damn it, Coran! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

With a smile on his lips that reaches to his twinkling eyes, Coran responds, "I said your name, Commander. You were so intent on those cameras, you didn't hear me."

Stepping around the chair, he glances at another monitor, "Keeping an eye on Princess Allura as well I see."

"You may have vouched for these people, Coran," Keith retorts, feeling highly uncomfortable with the other man's observation. "But until I know they can be trusted, I want better security on the princess. Pidge is putting a camera on her bedroom door, so we'll know who approaches it."

"Understandable from your point of view," the advisor replies smoothly. "It's nice to see you feel so protective of Allura."

"It's my job," Keith snarls between gritted teeth.

"Of course it is," Coran answers complacently, his eyes still twinkling with humor.

Ready to hit the man, the commander jumps the next moment when the overhead system loudly buzzes and Sven's voice fills the air, "Come in control!"

Hitting the appropriate button, Keith looks up when the lieutenant's face fills the monitor, "Sven, what's happening?"

"Drule ships attacking," he answers then swears a moment later. "I'm having trouble getting them off us! Lance and Hunk can't engage with the cargo hooked up between the lions!"

"On our way!" Keith replies then hits the alarm button. "Pidge! We're needed! Report to control!"

Not waiting for his reply, the commander jumps down from the platform. He doesn't have long to wait, Coran raises the dais without him having to ask. About to race for his tube, Keith hears Pidge running up behind him, "Ready!"

Without another word, both men race for their tubes. Setting the key into his lion a few moments later, Keith calls out, "We need to reach Sven and the others quick!"

"Right behind you!"

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Flipping the lion mid-air to avoid a missile strike, Sven swears loudly in Norwegian before firing back on the Doom ships in front of him. He listens to Lance curse out the Drules in even more creative language before he yells, "Where the hell are they?"

"Right here!"

Pidge's smart reply is as timely as the proton missile that hits the Doom ship flying right at Red Lion. Instead of being grateful, Lance calls out, "About time!"

"Sorry to make you wait," the commander sarcastically answers as he flies past the cargo hold to wipe out another approaching Doom ship with a laser knife between Black Lion's teeth.

Shaking his head at his teammates, Sven changes direction and flies after a Drule ship trying to escape. Calling out, "Proton Missiles!" he watches the missiles fly through space and blow the ship apart.

"Sven! Watch out!"

Hearing the commander's warning, Sven jerks back the controls to avoid a missile only to have it change direction and come back after him. "Shit! It's heat seeking!"

He barely hears Keith call out, "Deflection wing!"

Performing evasive maneuvers, he flips the lion over, end for end. After which, the entire machine shakes from a nearby explosion. The wing from Black Lion becomes visible on the monitor before changing direction to return. Breathing out a sigh of relief, Sven calls out, "Thanks Keith!"

"No problem, reengage!"

"Roger that," the lieutenant answers then changes direction to fly after another Doom ship. Targeting it, he calls out, "Lion claws!"

Razor claws deploy from Blue Lion's paws and fly toward the ship, ripping through it. A smile of satisfaction slips across Sven's face. Flipping the monitor screen, he watches Black Lion destroy another ship. Suddenly, the remaining five Doom ships split directions and quickly fly away.

"I think that's it," Keith calls out to stop the attack, "the rest are bugging out."

"Cowards," Lance complains from within Red Lion, "they were brave enough when only Sven could take them on."

"Bullies usually are," the commander responds.

"How many were there?"

Pidge's question has Sven gritting his teeth before replying, "Around twenty."

"Wow, only three were on patrol when we flew through here the other day," the youngest member of the group responds.

"I know," the Norwegian snorts in disgust. "Doom has obviously stepped up their patrols."

"They're probably worried about more Garrison troops arriving," Keith answers thoughtfully. "I'll have to call back in, and have them alert us when the supply ship will be arriving so we can escort them in. For now, let's get back to Arus."

"Roger that," the other four men reply and all of the lions continue on their way home.

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Racing into the control room, Allura finds the advisor sitting in the command chair. Glancing to the side, she finds one of the new guards standing at another monitor, as if waiting for something. Moving forward, she gains Coran's attention by saying, "What is happening? I didn't hear the alarm go off in the kitchens. Cookie told me about it when she came back from a break."

"Doom ships attacked Sven and the others on their way back," he answers her, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Keith and Pidge went out in the lions to help protect them."

Racing forward as fear for her soul mate goes through her, Allura exclaims, "Are they all right?"

"Yes," Coran replies then finally turns the chair around to face her with a smile on his face. "They made quick work of the remaining ships and are on their way back."

Relieved, the princess looks back up at the screen to find the lion ships approaching the castle, a large cargo hold between two of them. Feeling excitement building within her, she states, "I'm going out to meet them!"

"Princess, wait!"

She refuses to listen to her advisor and races out of the room. Reaching the elevator in short order, Allura steps inside and practically bounces on her heels while waiting for it to reach the ground floor. Pushing through the doors as they open, she races down to the door to the inner courtyard and places her palm against the electronic lock. She pushes through the door when it opens and races down the stairs then out of the castle. Spotting the lions nearing the castle, Allura finally stops and waits. She barely notices the advisor arriving next to her, his deep breathing telling her how fast he ran. It takes all the patience she has not to rush forward as the yellow and red lions slowly lower the cargo container to the ground before landing themselves. As if he can read her mind, she feels Coran's hand on her shoulder, keeping her from advancing. She gives him an impatient look but forces herself to calm down. Once all the lions are fully on the ground, Allura shakes off her advisor's restraining hand and rushes forward.

She reaches the container before the men do and stares at the door in anticipation. Sven reaches her first, a wide smile on his face as he exclaims, "You look like a child at Christmas."

"What's Christmas?" Allura questions, her expression showing her confusion.

Shaking his head, Sven expands, "Like a child eagerly anticipating a gift."

"Oh," she responds thoughtfully, "that's Christmas?"

"I'll explain Christmas later," the Norwegian responds with a smile. "For now…"

He reaches over and removes the security locks then opens the door. Allura's eyes grow wide with wonder at the boxes filling the container. She barely notices Lance stepping beside her until he speaks, "This should help feed everyone until the Garrison supplies arrive."

"Garrison supplies?" Allura questions. "Where did these come from?"

"From Garrison."

Keith gives Lance a sharp look then turns back to the princess, "Let us get them unloaded. If you will step back please, Princess?"

As he instructs the others to follow him in and begins lifting boxes, Allura grabs Lance's sleeve to stop him, "What did you mean?"

"Just misspoke," Lance answers with a placating smile. "I better go help."

He moves away from her and over to the cargo just in time for Keith to shove a box into his chest, "Big mouth."

"She doesn't know," he responds with a grimace of pain.

"No thanks to you," Keith hisses back.

"I'm sorry," Lance replies sharply. "Let's just get this damn thing unloaded."

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As the men begin unloading boxes and bringing them into the castle's interior courtyard, Allura walks over to her advisor, who is speaking with one of the new guards. Once he finishes his conversation and the guard moves away, she asks, "Why are they hiding things from me?"

"What gives you that idea, Princess?"

"Lance," she replies quietly, gesturing to the man as he walks by carrying a rather large box. "He said these would hold us until the Garrison supplies come. When I asked where these were from, Keith interrupted our conversation and said Garrison. He was lying. I could tell. If these aren't from Garrison, where did they come from?"

Arching an eyebrow at the men as he watches them continue to carry the boxes into the castle, Coran replies, "Interesting." His eyes fall on Sven and he continues, "I'll find out. For now, leave them be."

"But Coran…"

Placing a hand on his charge's arm, Coran smiles, "It might be a matter of pride. Leave them be for now and I'll do my best to find out later."

The princess glances uncertainly at the men as they continue to haul boxes. She feels the advisor giving her arm a reassuring squeeze and finally looks back at him to nod. Walking into the castle courtyard, Allura finds the men still stacking the boxes and going out to haul in more. Her eyes move over the stacked boxes, her fingers itching to rip them open and discover their contents. Her feet seem to move of their own accord until she is standing next to the pile of boxes the men had already deposited inside, her eyes moving over them inquisitively again.

She startles when another large box is set down hard next to her, breaking her concentration. Looking over, Allura finds Keith reaching into his pocket. He withdraws a folded pocketknife and holds it out to her with the suggestion, "Why don't you get started opening and sorting the contents?"

Smiling brightly, Allura gladly accepts the knife and starts opening the box Keith had just set down. She misses the slight smile on his face as he watches her enthusiastically cutting open the box and impatiently lifting the lids. As she pulls out a crate of apples with an appreciative gasp of someone getting exactly what they wanted, he shakes his head at her and walks away.

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Allura spends the next hour opening boxes as the men continue to drop them near her. She thanks a shirtless Hunk as he sets down another box, the men having stripped down in the late afternoon heat. Looking back down at the box, the princess resumes sorting the contents. Soon, she has the courtyard divided into groups, perishable foods, nonperishable foods, and general supplies. The sheer amount of supplies the men had brought back is almost overwhelming. They didn't only get food, but bolts of fabric and other supplies to make clothing, seeds for planting, gardening, cleaning supplies and much more.

Carrying a box of fabric over to the supplies area, she sets it down then places her hands on her aching lower back as she rests. Looking over, she watches Keith and Sven carry in the last of the supplies.

They set the boxes down then stand up straight and look around as they speak. Her eyes move over her sodalis vitae, taking in the sweat slicked skin of his biceps just before he pulls his shirt back on. Wishing she could hear them, Allura starts to walk toward them only for Lance to step in front of her with another box and announce, "I believe this is yours."

"Mine?" questions the princess as she accepts the box and sets it down on top of the others. Lifting the flaps, she spots brilliant blue fabric. Lifting it, Allura cries out in joy at the sight of the beautiful new dress. Holding against herself and looking down at it, she exclaims, "I haven't seen anything so beautiful in ages! Thank you!"

Smiling sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head, Lance replies, "It wasn't my doing really. Sven worked with the shop to pick out things." He points back to the box, "There's more in there."

"If you look closely, you might even find something sweet."

Allura looks up to find Sven approaching them with a smile, "Enjoy the clothing, Princess."

Setting down the dress, she swiftly approaches the lieutenant and hugs him, "Thank you."

When she pulls back, his cheeks are red with embarrassment and he nods awkwardly, "Just following orders."

"Orders?" Allura questions, her gaze curious.

"Guys, let's get this stuff sorted and stored," Keith instructs in an irritated tone as he moves toward them. "I'd like to get some sleep tonight."

The men scramble, moving away from the princess and back to the boxes. Once they're gone, Keith approaches Allura. He refuses to look her in the eyes as he says, "We'll take care of the rest of this. Why don't you take your new things and put them away."

He moves away before she can answer. Watching him closely, Allura smiles to herself as she remembers Sven's line about orders. Picking up her box, she starts for the stairs only for her advisor to step up to her, "Princess, let me help you with that."

Handing him the box with a smile of thanks, she whispers, "Keith had them get me clothing. But I don't think I was supposed to know it."

"How do you know?" Coran asks as they walk up the stairs together.

"Sven said it was orders," the princess replies, the smile still on her face.

Reaching the top of the stairs, they enter the nearby elevator to take them up to the living quarters level. As the doors close, Coran remarks, "That was very kind of him."

"I don't understand him," Allura says as they ride up. "He ignores me most of the time, but sees to my needs?"

"Perhaps you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, Princess," the advisor remarks kindly as the elevator doors open and they start down the hall toward her room. "Just be glad you have new clothing. Speaking of which, I hope it is appropriate."

"The dress I pulled out is beautiful," Allura responds, a smile on her face at his tone, "and very appropriate."

"Good," Coran replies as they reach her room and the princess presses the button to open the door.

They step inside and Coran moves over to place the box on the bed. Turning back to his charge with a knowing smile on his face, he says, "Well, I know you will spend the rest of the afternoon trying these on. Enjoy yourself and I'll see you at dinner."

Suddenly impatient, Allura barely waits until the door closes behind him to reach up for the zipper on her dress. Quickly stripping out of it, she tosses it haphazardly onto the bed then pulls the blue dress out of the box.

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Opening the final box, Sven glances down at the contents then looks back at his commanding officer, "The last box is for Princess."

"Last box?" questions Keith as he looks down, his eyes narrowing. "You've already opened two others. How much did you get her?"

"Well, she's a princess," Sven says in his defense as he stands back up. "You said to get her clothes-"

"Not an entire freaking wardrobe," the commander retorts, looking aggrieved. "Is there anything left on that card or did you blow it all?"

Digging the card out of his pocket, Sven tosses it at his friend with the remark, "I seriously doubt that we even put a dent in it."

Keith snorts as he pockets the card. Looking up, he finds they are the only two left in the courtyard. Knitting his brows together inquisitively, he asks, "What happened to the others?"

"I sent them to get cleaned up when we got down to the last couple of boxes," Sven answers with a tired sigh. Stretching, he says, "Been a long day."

"Yeah, and another one starts tomorrow," Keith remarks as he finishes marking off the manifest. Gesturing to the box, he says, "Why don't you drop that off at Princess' room and go get cleaned up for dinner as well. I'll check in with control then do the same."

Nodding, Sven picks up the box and leaves the courtyard. Making his way to the living quarters of the castle, he is almost to the princess' room when he hears, "What is that, Lieutenant?"

Turning to face the advisor, Sven smiles, "Last box for the princess."

The advisor gives him an astonished look, "She has two boxes in her room already, and Hunk dropped off a rather large one to my room a short time ago. I know Galaxy Garrison can be generous, but this is quiet extraordinary."

Feeling highly uncomfortable, Sven simple nods and continues down the hallway. Reaching the princess' room, he knocks, "Princess, one last box for you."

He hears some mumbling in the room then the door opens. Princess Allura, covered with a robe, looks at him with wide eyes, "Another one?"

"Last one," he answers and sets it down inside the door. Sven hits the button to close the door then turns to find the advisor next to him.

Coran arches an eyebrow at him, "Might I have a word, Lieutenant?"

Sven reluctantly follows him down the hall. Coran opens the door to his room then ushers him inside. Once the door closes behind him, he listens to the older man say, "I know you're probably under orders to keep quiet, but I'd like to know how you managed to get all of these supplies."

Ready to bolt, Sven pulls on all of his military training to keep his face impassive and replies, "Not sure what you mean, Coran. All the supplies were authorized by Garrison."

"I don't mean to insult you, but that is utter rubbish," Coran says without scorn as he moves to sit down in a wing back chair near the fireplace. Facing the lieutenant, he continues, "You forget, I've spent most of my life working in the political arena. I know how long it takes to get things approved. The sheer amount of supplies you've returned with, not to mention all the clothing for the princess, must have cost a small fortune and would have taken weeks to get approved. Yet, you managed it in less than a day."

Running his hand through his hair in agitation, Sven turns away. When he looks back, he finds the advisor waiting patiently for his answer. Deciding never to play chess with the man, he finally admits, "Commander Kogane paid for the supplies, but doesn't want you to know about it."

That reply leaves Coran looking surprised and speechless. He slowly stands and mumbles, "How?"

"His wife's death," the Norwegian replies, feeling highly uncomfortable to be giving away so much information. "Beverly had insisted on buying life insurance shortly after they were married. There was also a wrongful death suit brought against the cab company that hit her, on Keith's behalf."

"But-" Coran starts as he shakes his head, still stunned. "Surely, he will need that money?"

"We really didn't use that much of it and he never really wanted it," Sven answers honestly. "Admiral Graham had to talk Keith out of donating it to charity when he finally found out about it."

"Oh my goodness," Coran utters as he slowly sits back down. "We will have to find a way to repay him."

"No, don't even bring it up to him," Sven says as he moves forward and sits on his haunches in front of the older man. "He'll be furious if he finds out you know."

"But to be so generous…"

"Leave it be," the lieutenant warns him once more.

Finally, Coran nods to him, "Very well."

Standing back up, Sven finishes, "I'm going to get cleaned up for dinner. Keith went to check in with control."

Nodding, the advisor stands as well, "I'll check on dinner and join the commander in control. I think you gentlemen have at least earned the night off."

Smiling in thanks, Sven follows him out the door. Leaving him, he walks down the hall, making his way to his room.

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An hour later, Keith stands near the window in the dining room, struggling not to yawn. It has been a long day fixing Yellow Lion then hauling all those supplies in and making sure they are secured. God knows they don't need half of them to disappear. He has every intention of eating dinner then heading for bed since Coran informed him that he would take first watch. Fighting off another yawn, Keith turns away from the window to face the room's interior. He isn't the only one tired by the day's events. Hunk and Pidge are sitting at the table, half-asleep. Sven and Lance are standing to one side talking, but taking turns yawning as well.

Ready to walk into the kitchen and demand that they serve, Keith stifles another yawn. He almost chokes on that yawn a moment later when Allura walks into the room. Dressed in a royal blue, floor-length, evening gown with an empire scooped neckline that gathers just under her chest and flows down to the floor, a short train of sheer blue organza follows her. Her long, blond hair is gather into a ball on top of her head before flowing down her back in a river of rippling curls, she takes his breath away. She smiles brightly at him as she approaches him, "Thank you for the dress, Commander."

Feeling his mouth going dry at the sight of her, Keith manages a nod before finding his voice, "I'm glad you like it."

"I like everything," Allura replies, still smiling brightly. "But I was wondering something. How did they manage to get everything in my size?"

"Sven took one of your dresses with him," he answers simply then tries to step past her. Only, Allura won't let him go. Placing a hand on his arm to stop him, she continues, "Oh and I must thank you for the chocolate. I haven't had a treat like that in years!"

"Chocolate," Keith murmurs, his tone low as he looks over at his lieutenant and glares at the man.

"Sven said he had only been following orders when I asked about the boxes of things earlier," Allura says, looking uncertainly up at the commander, sensing his anger. "I thought the chocolate was a gift from you."

Keith finally looks back down at her and notes the hurt expression, which makes him feel like an ass. Taking a deep, calming breath, he replies, "It was. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

She nods but continues to look up at him uncertainly. Holding out his arm, he says, "May I escort you to your chair?"

Her smile returns as Allura takes his arm. Keith walks her over to her chair and holds it out for her. Once she sits down, he pushes in the chair for her. Excusing himself for a moment, he walks over to Sven and furiously whispers, "Chocolate?"

"You told me to," Sven replies smugly, trying hard not to laugh.

"I most certainly did not," Keith snarls as quietly as possible, trying to keep his voice down so Allura won't hear him. His eyes move over to Lance, only to find him trying not to smile. Furious with both men, he demands, "Exactly when did I supposedly give this order?"

"Before I left," Sven answers, not even hiding his enjoyment as his eyes twinkle with merriment. "You said to add chocolate and flowers." He snaps his fingers as if in remembrance when he looks over at Lance, "We forgot the flowers."

"Damn, knew we were forgetting something," Lance says, his glee almost obvious.

"I said only if you felt it was necessary," the commander growls. "And you knew I was being facetious."

"Well, it was," Sven replies with a gesture toward the table. "Look how happy she is. A little bit of chocolate did that."

Looking over at the table, Keith finds Allura speaking animatedly to Hunk and Pidge, a bright smile on her face. Turning back at his men, he sighs in defeat, "Fine."

Still chuckling, Lance moves away and joins the others at the table. Once he is gone, Sven quietly whispers, "Look, I know you don't want to contemplate a future with Allura." He ignores the glaring black eyes trying to burn holes into him, "But she is a wonderful person, warm and caring."

"I know that," Keith quietly snarls back, still furious that he even brought it up. "What's your point?"

"It doesn't hurt you to be nice to her," Sven says with a pat on his shoulder before walking away to join the others.

Rolling his eyes, Keith turns around and returns to the table. He can feel the heat of Allura's gaze as he sits down across from her. Looking across the table, he finds her still watching him closely. Her eyes turn warm as he continues to hold her gaze. Sven's words come back to him and he relents. Smiling at Allura, he teases, "So, will you be able to eat dinner after having all that chocolate?"

Her cheeks flush a deep red as she murmurs, "I didn't eat that much of it…"

The table erupts into laughter. Smiling at the princess, Keith takes in the rose of her cheeks and the fullness of her lips. The memory of his wife suddenly comes to the forefront of his mind, making him feel guilty and causing an uncomfortable tightness to start in his chest and expand. Unable to look at the princess any longer, he turns his attention to Hunk and Pidge to begin a different conversation. Allura swiftly brings it back as she says, "I'd like to go with tomorrow when you visit the village."

"Visit the village?" Keith questions, his whole body becoming still with sudden agitation.

"Yes, I thought we were taking some of the food down," she replies, looking hesitant.

"Princess," the commander starts in an uncertain tone.

"I'm sure it will be fine, Commander, as long as the entire team goes," Coran responds, having entered the room in time to hear Allura's question.

He takes his seat next to the princess before turning his attention back to Keith, "We don't expect you to hand over all of the supplies, but a small amount to try to draw out some more help for the castle wouldn't be remiss."

Highly uncomfortable with the idea of bringing Allura along on an unsecure excursion, Keith says, "I don't mean for this to sound rude, but I don't want the princess to go. The village isn't safe and we don't have the necessary systems in place to fully secure the castle much less a trip to the village."

As Allura opens her mouth to argue with him, Coran places a hand on her arm to quiet her. Looking back at the commander, he replies, "I understand your concern, Keith. However, the people need to see their princess, to know she is working to bring back Arus. A short excursion shouldn't cause too much trouble."

Sighing, Keith looks over at Allura to find her waiting impatiently for his reply. Deciding it wouldn't be worth the battle to keep arguing the point, he finally nods, "Fine, but for no more than an hour. First sign of any trouble, she returns to the castle."

"I don't think that is being unreasonable," Coran answers while patting Allura on the arm.

The conversation ceases as the doors to the kitchen open and the new cook enters carrying a tray. As dinner begins, the group changes the conversation to lighter topics.

xxxxxxxxxx

Pulling her new nightgown on that night, Allura steps over to the mirror to look at herself and smiles. It is a woman's nightgown, not one of the prim, boring ones she has spent her entire life wearing. Wishing Keith could see her, the princess picks up her brush and walks over to her bed. Sliding under the covers, she runs the brush through her hair. Finishing, Allura sets the brush aside, turns off the light, and settles amongst the pillows. Closing her eyes, she soon falls asleep.

Opening her eyes to find herself in her dream world, Allura sits up to look for Keith. When she doesn't see him, she stands and looks around. Curious as to what he could be doing since she knows he planned to go to bed early, the princess sits back down in the grass and waits.