This was a request going straight out to Shiranai Atsune. Thanks for this fun little jaunt into something I'd never considered. It got a little weird, one could say fanservice at its core, but I enjoyed it all the way.

A little bit of set up: Lacey (Female Lance) has been helping Lotor work with the coalition as an ambassador. This takes place sometime during Season Six, so bigger Keef and my favorite galra ship, Krolivan (gawd, that sounds awful, but is so easy to write). I'm completely ignoring the quintescence arc/altean colony thing Lotor had going for him. He's just a good guy trying to take care of a bad situation. Which also means, Keith extracting Krolia was just that, no hidden quintessence monster, just those two running for their lives.

So we set the scene with Keith returning from the abyss to find Lacey and Lotor sharing personal time and space. Then Lacey gets into a little bit of espionage with the blades involving some radical pirates and drama ensues.

Enjoy!

Keith ran through the halls of the castle. Home. He was finally home after being trapped in the quantum abyss for two years. Two years in that hellish place that played cruel tricks. That was why he needed to see her. All he wanted was to make sure she was exactly how he remembered her.

His wolf whined where he loped beside him. Keith could feel his excited energy radiating to the wolf and back from the confused animal. "It's okay, buddy."

Then they came to the lounge. Keith paused at the sound of laughter within. That laugh he knew better than any other. Heart beating a rapid staccato in his chest, he reached out and opened the door. "Lacey, I-"

His heart stopped and he froze in the doorway. His hand stalled in the air. She wasn't alone. His smile fell and he took a step back, only stopping because of the wolf behind him. She stared at him from where she sat against Lotor before standing. Shock and surprise fought for control. She whispered, "Keith? Is it really you?"

Lotor stood as well. "Miss McClain, perhaps I should take my leave."

"No, Lotor, you should stay."

Keith's mouth went dry as the galra emperor reached for Lacey's hand. He clasped it in both of his. His mouth opened slightly before he glanced at keith and smiled pleasantly. "It's clear your friend has something he wishes to discuss with you." Then he reached up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll see you soon."

Keith felt his teeth grind while he tried not to glare at Lotor. He moved out of the doorway so Lotor could pass and the wolf growled. Lotor raised an eyebrow and Keith whispered, "Easy, boy," placing a hand on the wolf's head.

The door shut and Keith jumped when Lacey touched his arm. "Keith? What happened to you? You look... different... and bigger."

His nose stung and he hugged her. Closing his eyes, his voice cracked as he said, "I'm sorry, Lacey. I never meant to be gone for so long."

Lacey hugged him back and said in confusion, "It's only been a few months. We spoke on the coms just a couple weeks ago."

"Not for me. Time was different where I was." Keith stepped back and put a hand on her shoulder. "Me and another agent were chased into what's known as the quantum abyss, a place outside the natural flow of time. We didn't know the danger until it was too late. We became trapped. Lacey, I spent two years terrified I'd never come home to you and everyone else... But I did. I'm home."

"Keith, I don't know what to say. That... sounds horrifying." She hugged him again tighter than before. "I'm so glad you're safe." She stepped back and smirked up at him, "But you really are tall now. You sure you're not some cooler, grizzled version of the boy I knew? You don't have a brother somewhere we've never met?"

Keith returned an easy smile and went to sit on the couch. "There's my sharpshooter. Classic McClain, always looking to flirt."

Lacey folded her arms and cocked a hip. "Oh real-" The wolf nudged her from behind and her words raised an octave in surprise before she disappeared in a blink of light.

Keith jolted as she appeared above him, quickly lifting his arms to catch her. She screamed in surprise and fell against his chest. Keith shot a look at the wolf who curled up beside them on the couch. Lacey's arm was hooked over Keith's shoulders and she exclaimed, "What was that?!"

Keith apologized, "Sorry, he's a cosmic wolf."

Lacey turned from the animal to Keith, their noses nearly touching, and blushed. Keith smiled at her, a soft gaze he held only for her. She poked his forehead. "That explains nothing, mullet."

Keith's expression cracked and he held back sudden laughter. Lacey's lips twitched and she bit the corner. Then they both burst out laughing. She leaned into his shoulder and curled into him so he could hold her easier. How he'd missed her laughter.

The door opened. Keith and Lacey blushed and looked at the door where the rest of the paladins and two blades entered. Kolivan and Krolia both looked at him, his mother with significantly more mirth. Keith and Lacey quickly separated and sat a foot apart on the couch.

The wolf yipped and leapt off the couch. It rubbed into Krolia's legs. She crouched and ran her hands through its fur holding the animal around the neck. "You must be Lacey. Keith has told me all about you."

"Mother!"

Kolivan laughed, earning a surprised glance from Shiro. He sat on the lounge closer to Keith and said, "Krolia, don't embarrass the boy," and winked at Keith.

Keith blushed harder and covered his face with a hand. Lacey laughed nervously and asked, "So you're his mother?"

Krolia sat between Keith and Kolivan and wrapped an arm behind the latter's shoulders. "Yes, but I should start from the beginning."

Pidge and Allura crowded onto the couch beside Lacey. Hunk sat on the floor and Shiro sat on the back of the lounge. Keith felt the wolf put its head in his lap and rubbed it's forehead. This was going to be a late night.

Lacey smiled at the captain and tapped the nano microphone on the side of her bracelet. "So where are you going next, now that this job is done?"

The captain was a grizzled pirate. Her crew was made up entirely of women. Her long hair curled around two horns that curved up and backwards before angling outward slightly. Her armor came away in layers within her private chamber. Sitting cross legged, she leaned sideways to fill a glass with a couple shots of blue alcohol and answered, "It's not that important. Perhaps to the far Nervolt system. I hear there's a brothel ring there that needs to be destroyed."

Lacey lifted an eyebrow. "Come now, captain. I know you're out for bigger fish than that. A brothel here or there can be taken down by any of your smaller vessels. Where are your true goals set?"

The captain smirked around the lip of her glass. "My dear Lacey, you really are shrewd for your age."

Lacey walked closer and sat on the edge of the desk in front of the captain. "Or perhaps, we've just grown close enough for me to read you like you read me."

The captain leaned forward and traced Lacey's collarbone with one slender finger. Smiling, she whispered, "Alright, Lacey dear, I'll tell you." Lacey grinned conspiratorially and leaned forward. The captain played with Lacey's hair and said, "I've heard of a great treasure being moved from the empire to a base not far from here. It's my intention to steal it. The one it belongs to will pay any ransom I ask. They'll have no choice."

Lacey pushed off of the desk and knelt with one leg between the captain's. "A ransom? You really are a pirate, Vathra."

Vathra sipped again and gently kissed Lucey's lips. "A ransom I can use to fund my campaign to free every woman in the universe from the shackles of men. Are you sure you won't continue with us, little Lacey? This job doesn't have to be one and done. I hardly ever have a one night stand."

Lacey wrapped her arms behind Vathra's neck and kissed her again. "I'm sorry, but I can't. Though, our goals are similar. My team needs me to help with our own campaign to free the universe of tyranny. Still... I wish we could sail together again someday."

Vathra gazed at Lacey with eyes holding so much more life experience than her own. She ran her fingers through Lacey's hair a final time and said, "I know, my little bird. Perhaps we will."

The door of the captain's cabin opened and Vathra's first mate said, "We've arrived."

Lacey sighed and stood. "I guess this is goodbye?"

Vathra blinked slowly. "Until the wind brings you back to me. Goodbye, Lacey McClain."

Lacey nodded and went to the door. "Goodbye, Vathra." She made it all the way to the docks without anyone stopping her. Vathra hadn't told her crew she wasn't coming with them. Tapping the bracelet, she activated the alert and kept walking until she was in a dark alley.

Two minutes later, a familiar voice said, "You have no idea how hot you are dressed like that."

Lacey smirked and folded her arms over her tight cropped shirt that exposed her cleavage. Low cut pants tucked into thigh high boots and Vathra had given her a large number of gold hoops to wear over her wrists and neck. "Have you ever looked at yourself in that armor, Keith? You teased me everytime you called."

Keith dropped into the alley and lowered his hood to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and sagged into him. After a minute, she took a break and said, "You should hurry and get this intel to Kolivan. She's already got her eye set on another prize and if you wait too long, we'll lose her again."

He smiled down at her. "You're right." Keith slipped the bracelet off her wrist and tucked it into his pocket. "This everything?"

"Yeah," Lacey nodded. Keith turned to leave when she touched his wrist. "Keith, please tell me you'll be careful. Vathra is not someone to take lightly. She's a man killer and she executes every man she catches who doesn't submit to become her slave. I'm not against her feminist ideals, but she needs to be stopped. There's better ways than her's."

Keith grinned confident and strong. "I'll be careful. We'll bring her to justice for her actions." He pulled her to his chest and hugged her. "I love you and nothing would make me risk that. Not even a homicidal pirate queen."

She blushed and smiled. "Get going, mullet. I'm late for a meeting at the embassy."

Keith winked and lifted his hood. "See you 'round, sharpshooter."

Lacey admired his ass as he climbed back into the shadows before leaving the alley and making her way to where Blue waited. The lion purred in greeting and she hugged her. "I missed you too, beautiful." Climbing into the lion, she settled into the pilot's seat and set a course for the central hub of the galra empire. Then she changed into the pajamas she kept handy and went to take a nap.

She woke up to Blue's chuffing and went to the pilot's seat. Her hud lit up with an incoming message. She opened the frequency and stretched. "Morning, Lotor."

The person on the other end cleared their throat and she looked at the screen. It was one of Lotor's ambassadors. He nodded in greeting and said, "Unfortunately the emperor has been delayed, paladin. However, we should be hearing from him shortly if you will proceed to the landing zone."

Lacey yawned and answered, "Yeah. I'm clear for entry?"

"Affirmative. See you on the ground, paladin."

Closing the channel, she yawned and went to change into one of the many evening gowns Lotor had gifted her. She chose a cape that draped off of one shoulder to accent. He'd said this was a formal event and she needed to fit the role. The embassy wanted an ambassador to look and act perfectly and she made it her goal to fulfill that qualification. Lotor needed her to.

Then she guided Blue to the landing pad. Soldiers saluted her in greeting and flanked her as an escort. It no longer bothered her, though it had taken several months to grow accustomed to even after Lotor's comfort that they were to ensure her safety. Once in her office, her galran superintendent stood to greet her. He said, "Lady McClain, how wonderful to see you again."

Lacey went to her desk and grabbed a stack of mail. "It's nice to be back. I hope I'm not late."

"Not at all, miss. When Lotor arrives everything will be set in motion."

"How long will he be delayed?" Lacey asked.

"Pardon?"

Lacey raised an eyebrow. "You said he was delayed earlier. I hope there's been no trouble."

The superintendent smiled a little too forcefully and shook his head. "Ah, no. He should arrive shortly, milady."

Lacey wanted to pry, but the superintendent was an underling. No doubt he didn't have any real answers anyway. She settled at her desk to get to work while she had free time. Her interrogation could wait until Lotor landed. He'd be able to tell her why he hadn't met her on the landing pad like he'd promised.

Keith nodded to his fellow agents and prepared to infiltrate the pirate ship. He cut through the hull and entered. His was the advance team. Their objective was to get eyes on the target before the main force went active. He led through the star ship using the scaled map Lacey had paced for them to the captain's quarters.

Lacey had explained that the captain had a secret vault built off of her own bedroom for high value assets. If what she'd stolen from the empire really was so important, it would be nowhere else. A quick scan found a false wall by the sofa. Removing the panel revealed a thick door locked with a digital combination. Lacey had prepared them for this too. Good thing the vault wasn't a match for Pidge's tech.

A noise in the hall made an agent look back. They drew their knife, but waited for permission. Keith nodded to them and the other. "Go. I'll handle this."

Silently, they vanished from beside him. Two seconds later, the door unlocked and Keith pulled it open. Inside was dark. He activated his night vision and ducked in. Heaps of stolen merchandise lined the walls, but it was the shape of a person on the floor that Keith ran to. They were turned away from him, but their long white hair and imperial uniform gave them away.

Keith cursed and rolled Lotor onto his back. He was unconscious. Krolia asked in his ear, "Keith, have you reached your objective?"

"Affirmative," Keith confirmed, "but the objective has changed. It wasn't something they stole, but someone. Lotor was in the vault. I'm extracting him now. Alpha Team, rendezvous at our previous location." They were silent through the coms. "Alpha Team, do you copy?"

Nothing. Fear trickling up his back, Keith lifted Lotor over his shoulders as Krolia said, "Get out of there. Place a tracker and abandon the objective. That's an order, Keith."

"No. I can still continue."

"Keith, listen to me! You don't have time for an extraction. You'll never get him past the guards!" Kolivan was practically shouting. Keith could imagine him pushing bravo team forward even as he sabotaged the mission.

"Give me time then." Keith stepped out of the vault and adjusted Lotor's weight. He flexed to run when a shadow filled the doorway. Then he noticed his comrades lying immobile on the floor. "I have hostiles."

"Keith!"

Keith heard his mother and Kolivan scream his name in unison. He let Lotor slide to the floor and reached for his blade. He didn't see the figure from the side until it was too late. A wooden stave swung around and connected with his head. He fell in a heap half across Lotor while his vision swam as he struggled to stay conscious. The last thing he saw was the triumphant face of the self proclaimed Pirate Queen Vathra standing over him. Then darkness took him and his parents' screams faded to silence.

He woke up with a groan. The floor was hard and cold. With a jolt, he sat up and instantly regretted it as a pounding headache nearly made him vomit. Concussion. Not surprising given how hard he'd been struck. More carefully, he looked at himself and saw that his uniform was gone. They'd left him with his boxers and a thin shirt that barely covered his torso.

He was held within a cage not even large enough for a yupper. Chains dragged as he shifted. They led from cuffs on his wrists and a collar around his neck under the door of the cage to a thick metal ring in the center of the room. Okay. Time to think rationally. The pirates had kidnapped Lotor, but worse was the fact that Vathra'd been ready for the blades. Somehow, their order had been compromised. Keith took a deep breath and slid against the side of the cage. First he needed to get out of here.

"Finally awake?"

Keith looked over his shoulder. Through the bars of the cage, he saw Lotor's face hidden in shadow. Keith noticed Lotor was also caged, though he didn't see any others in the room. They'd shackled and collared him as well, and his armor was gone. A simple long sleeved shirt hung almost as a tunic above his pants. The emperor held his head with one hand, his elbow propped on one bent knee. Keith asked, "Are you injured?"

Lotor closed his eyes and shook his head. "No. How about yourself? You seemed restless with pain."

"I'll be fine."

"Hah," Lotor chuckled under his breath. "No need to be a hero on my part. We both share the same fate in this."

Keith sat back to back with the emperor. The only thing separating them was a thin layer of metal. The room was dark. A single beam of light snuck around the edges of the vault door. The light only intensified the pounding in his temples. Keith put his head in his hands and murmured, "Fuck this headache, though." He ran his hands through his hair and took a deep breath. "I know this seems hopeless, but the good news is the blades know we've been kidnapped. It's only a matter of time until we're rescued. We just need to focus on staying alive."

Keith heard Lotor shift by the sound of the chains and he asked, "Have you been in many hostage situations?"

Keith shrugged. "A few."

"And how did they fare?"

"Hm... The garrison, a military school the other paladins and I attended as kids, taught us the basics. The first was when Sendak attacked the castle. Shiro and Lacey were taken prisoner. Pidge was trapped inside the castle and Allura and I were locked out. Hunk and Coran were off planet with no way of contacting us or vice versa. There was no negotiating with Sendak. I felt so useless until Pidge finally lowered the particle barrier. We fought and managed to rescue them." Keith paused for breath and slouched. "Kolivan and the blades taught me more. He showed me how to stay calm and direct the entire operation with tact and skill. I helped several rescue missions under his orders." Keith smiled sardonically. "I even took a corrupt politician hostage."

"No one I know, I hope," Lotor quipped.

Keith snorted. "No, ah, maybe? Some commander beneath Zarkon, I forget which, had seized control of Olcarion. We were asked to help free their leader. We thought he was being coerced, but our intel was wrong. To save my friends, I threatened him. The commander was done using him though. We barely escaped and the olcari learned of their leader's deceit."

Lotor made a small noise in consideration and sighed. Keith raised an eyebrow when the emperor's hair fell through the bars of their cages onto his shoulder. He hugged his knees and whispered, "Then... not long in your time before I came home... I slipped up."

"You lost a hostage."

Keith wished the dull tone of Lotor's voice saying such a horrible thing could help remove some of the guilt he felt. He began, "My mission to extract Krolia went sour fast. I was overpowered. Warlord Trug aimed her gun at my head and Krolia..." Keith chewed his cheek. "You have to understand. Blade protocol is to hold the mission above everything else. We don't negotiate with terrorists. But out there... we were on our own. No one would come to help... so she did what she had to... to keep me safe."

Lotor turned to look at him. Keith was glad for the darkness to hide his shame. Lotor said, "Of course she would break protocol under those circumstances. You are a paladin and important to the leader of your order."

"Even that shouldn't have mattered." Keith couldn't meet Lotor's gaze. "Krolia is my mother, Lotor... and the first thing I did when we met was put her in every parents' worst nightmare." Keith ran a hand over his face and finally looked at Lotor. "How about you? This your first time being kidnapped?"

Lotor leaned a shoulder into the cage. "This is my first time being kidnapped... though I have been the integral part of a prisoner exchange."

Keith's jaw dropped and he turned rapidly. His head hated him for it, but then the pain passed. Kneeling, he reached between the bars as far as he could and touched Lotor's shoulder. "Fuck, I'm sorry. I completely forgot about that."

Lotor blinked slowly at where Keith's fingertips rested and cleared his throat. "It was not your decision."

Keith barely shook his head, more careful this time. "It shouldn't have come to that. Everything happened so fast. We didn't have a chance to intervene."

Lotor covered Keith's fingers with his hand. "What's done is done, though I appreciate your sympathy... misplaced as it may be."

Keith tilted his head. "What do you mean by that?"

Lotor shrugged out from beneath Keith's touch and scooted to the far side of the cage. "I am aware of your advances toward Miss McClain, paladin. Surely you have noticed mine as well."

Keith's eyebrows rose incredulously. "You want to do this now? When we're probably being shipped off to the largest slave trafficking auction in the entire universe?!"

Lotor folded his arms and glared at the floor. "I am, paladin. I had planned to ask for her hand in marriage the night I was captured." He sighed and rubbed his brow. "I suppose there is no better time to make my intentions known to the one vying for her affection."

"Oh."

Lotor smirked at him. "Is that all you have to say to my confession? Just... oh?"

Keith rubbed the back of his neck. "It's... I didn't know you were so serious."

"I have to be. Everything I do is serious."

"Then," Keith met Lotor's eyes, "I really don't have any say in the matter."

Now Lotor seemed perplexed. "Nothing? No challenge to duel? No threats?"

Keith smiled softly. "Why would I? It's her choice. I won't make her do anything she doesn't want to do. If she decides she'd rather be with you than me, I'm going to respect that decision."

"Huh," Lotor breathed. "And here I thought..."

Keith sat facing the door of the cage. "Were you worried about that the entire time I was unconscious?"

"If I'm being honest, yes. I had no idea if your animosity would affect how you act during this difficult time."

"Well, you don't have to worry anymore. I'm just an assassin. Your safety takes priority over mine." Keith took a deep breath and explained, "The pirate who stole us hates men. All men. She thinks the universe would be better off without them or psychologically crushed beneath the boots of women. The planets and ships she attacks are given one leniency. Submit and be sold as slaves or be executed. You're a special case. She plans to trade you for ransom."

Lotor put a hand to his chin and furrowed his brow. "Are you sure about that? From what you just admitted, you are invaluable to the blades. Kolivan and your mother are no doubt balancing every option to ensure your safety."

Keith shivered. That was probably true. His mother had woken so many nights in tears during their forced stay aboard the abyssal whale. He'd hugged her so tight then, to remind her he was still there. She'd saved him. Keith rubbed his nose and looked at the ground. "Even so, the pirates will have to make their ransom soon. Kolivan won't open negotiations without evidence we're both alive. We should expect anything."

Lotor grunted in reply and their conversation fell silent. Keith couldn't find a comfortable position, but they didn't have to wait long. The door opened and Keith scooted closer to Lotor. The legs of five pirates stepped into the room. Lotor's cage opened first, the padlock coming free and the door sliding upward.

"Time to go, scum." Lotor didn't move while Keith's cage opened as well. Someone hit the side with a loud metallic clang and they both flinched. The pirate who'd spoken crouched and grabbed their chains. "Fine. We'll do this my way."

Keith gasped and grabbed the chain on his collar half a second before she yanked. Lotor cried out and slid two feet forward on his stomach. Two women grabbed his wrists and drug him into the light. Keith slid, but managed to brace himself. The chain was taught between his hands and the pirate in a tug-of-war.

The pirate barked a laugh. "The assassin still thinks he can fight. Adorable." The other women took hold of the chains on his wrists. Keith lurched forward and curled up coughing while clutching his throat.

Lotor coughed as he was pulled past by the neck and demanded through his teeth, "Unhand me!"

Keith's wrists lifted into the air until he was eye to eye with the pirate who'd knocked out his team. Keith resisted the urge to spit and asked, "Where are the others?"

She smirked and turned him around with his hands behind his neck. She breathed on the back of his ear, "If I were you, I'd worry about myself." She shoved hard. Keith stumbled and started walking.

Lacey was pacing her bedroom. Where the FUCK was Lotor? The others in the embassy were starting to act cagey and refused to even look at her. Staring at her door, she finally came to a decision. Something was wrong. Striding toward the door, she didn't even get to reach for the handle before it turned and a woman bustled into the room. Lacey took a step back. "Krolia? Why are you here?"

Krolia reached for her arm and said, "You have to come with me now."

Lacey blanched and grabbed Krolia's other hand. "Keith? Is he alright?"

Krolia shook her head rapidly. "Not here, Lacey."

Lacey bit her lip to stop asking more questions and nodded. Turning to her wardrobe, she quickly changed back into what she'd been wearing. "Alright, I-" Lacey froze as she looked at her console. "Krolia..." She merely pointed.

Krolia came around the desk and covered her mouth with a hand. Taking a deep breath, she reached a shaking hand to her gauntlet and pulled a wire loose. Inserting it into the console, she stepped out of view and said, "Answer her call, but don't look at me. I've put a tap on the line. I'll record it for Kolivan. Keep her talking as long as you can and I might be able to discern her location."

Lacey nodded and sat before her screen. The pirate queen stood on the bridge of her ship. Her most loyal crew were present as well as the 'delayed' emperor and Lacey's favorite blade. Lacey answered the call, finally revealing herself. "Vathra, what have you done?"

Vathra smiled with wide eyed innocence. "Whatever do you mean, my dear Lacey?" Lacey glared. Vathra put a finger to her mouth. "Oh, you mean these lovely kittens." She ran a chain through her hands before yanking. Lotor struggled to stay upright, breathing hard through his teeth. "I told you, bird, that the one he belongs to would pay any ransom... though I hadn't expected the other one. The one you set upon me. I see why you tolerate him. After all, even I was tempted to keep him when I saw him in that catsuit the blades wear."

Lacey threatened, "If you hurt either of them, I swear to whatever deities you believe in you-"

"Now, now, Lacey. I'm the one making the demands here." Vathra stood and waved her hand. Two pirates brought in two blades of marmora. Their hoods were down revealing stoic expressions. "To ensure you understand how serious I am, I feel a demonstration is in order." She smiled at her first mate. "Kill them."

"No!" Keith struggled where he knelt. "Vathra, please, don't do this!"

Vathra's smile turned soft and she pouted her lips as she caressed Keith's hair. "That's better. I like a man who knows his place." Then she waved her hand again and her first mate shot twice.

"No! Fuck!" Keith's voice cracked as he looked away from his fallen comrades.

Vathra played with Keith's collar and moped, "Oh no, I've made the kitten cry."

Lacey had tears in her eyes when she asked, "What do you want?"

Vathra turned her playful smile on Lacey. "All business. I like that about you. Meet me at the place we first met. Join my crew. I'll even let you decide which of the kittens gets to live."

"Vathra, you're a bitch."

"I've been called worse," Vathra replied with a shrug. "Oh, and don't go blabbing off to your paladin pals or those blades. I like to keep these things... personal. Surely you understand?"

The call ended abruptly and the console went dark. Lacey choked on a sob and covered her face with her hands. Krolia put a hand on her shoulder. "Lacey, we have her location. We're going to get them back."

"This is all my fault."

Krolia pulled Lacey against her. "No, sweetheart. Don't blame yourself. That woman has had justice coming for a very long time."

Lacey nodded and stood wiping her cheeks. "We should go." Krolia squeezed Lacey's shoulder and then they left the embassy as discreetly as possible.

Keith was tossed haphazardly back into the cage and it slammed shut behind him. He heard Lotor protest, "If you think I'm going to crawl like some animal-" His words ended in a cry of pain and he was kicked into his cage. Lotor muttered several choice words under his breath. Then he noticed Keith's sniffles and came closer. "Keith, are you alright?"

"What do you think?!"

Lotor's fingertips brushed Keith's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I know they were your friends."

Keith buried his face in his arms. "She killed them. Just because she wanted to hurt her."

"And you." Lotor's voice went sharp and he said, "She's demoralizing us. I know you're upset, but you must stay strong. For Lacey."

Keith took a deep, stabilizing breath. "For Lacey."

Lacey hid her bayard in the layers of the evening gown she'd planned to wear to Lotor's meeting and asked, "Are you sure? She's tricky. I don't know if she'll even keep her word."

"No, she won't," Kolivan said as he lifted his hood. "That's why we will not give her a chance to go back on her ransom."

Krolia patted Lacey between the shoulders. "Just keep her distracted. We'll take the shot once we're in position."

Lacey nodded and entered the spa. This was where the message had been sent from. Allura, Pidge, and Lacey had been having a relaxation day when Lacey accidentally walked into the wrong room. The pirate had been very kind and understanding, the two having a couple lovely hours before Lacey went back to her friends. Then she'd told Keith and he'd told her how lucky she was to still be alive. It was after that Lacey'd asked Keith to let her help bring the pirate down. The things she'd done were deplorable and nothing could redeem her.

Lacey made her way through the spa to the outdoor bathing pools. They were covered, but steam still rose through the gaps in the boards. Lacey glared at the pirate queen where she sat between a blindfolded Keith and Lotor. Vathra smiled at Lacey like she was greeting an old friend. "You came."

Lacey waved a hand angrily. "Yeah, I did. What else was I supposed to do?"

The pirates laughed and Vathra stood. "And I believe this means you've accepted the terms of ransom?"

"You know I can't do that." Lacey held her ground. "The only way I will join your crew is if you release both of them alive."

Vathra lifted her chin. "Now, now, Lacey bird, that wasn't the agreement."

"Fuck the agreement!" Lacey felt her blood pressure rise. "You are damned if you think I'll let you do anything to them!"

Vathra's smile fell and her gaze turned cold. Drawing her pistol, she aimed it at Lotor. "Going back on a deal? Now who's the pirate? New agreement. Give yourself up. I make you my servant and their deaths will be quick."

Keith took a sharp breath and Lotor gasped. Lacey looked between them and narrowed her eyes. "Or you do as I say." Throwing her cape over her shoulder, she raised her bayard in blaster form. "I will kill you if you touch either of them."

Vathra rolled her eyes. "So dramatic. Though I always knew you were. I guess this means you all have to die." Vathra lifted her gun and aimed it at Lacey. "The only mercy you shall have is that you won't have to watch your lovers die."

Lacey's finger was shaking on the trigger. "It doesn't have to be like this."

"My dear, I don't think it could go any other way."

Lacey held her breath. Then the spa lit up with gunfire. The blades had engaged the pirates. Lacey rolled sideways into cover and shot. The first mate grabbed Lotor, but then the blades overpowered her. Lotor fell to the ground where the blades surrounded him. Then Lacey looked at the bodies and realized Vathra wasn't one of them.

She ran forward as the blades helped Lotor sit up and removed the blindfold. "Where'd she go? Where's Keith?!"

Krolia cursed and looked at Kolivan. "We have to find him!"

"We will, Krolia. I swear it."

Lotor groaned and rubbed his neck. "Her ship is behind the spa." Lacey raised an eyebrow. Lotor shrugged. "I've spent a few days here. I recognized the smell from the salt baths."

"Lacey, come with us," Krolia said.

She followed Krolia and Kolivan at a dead run in her heels. They couldn't let Vathra get away again. Especially not with Keith. They exited the spa to see the pirate queen dragging Keith to her ship. "Stop!"

Vathra paused and glared back. "You really don't want to do this, bird." Krolia went round to the right while Kolivan went left. Vathra appraised them and pulled Keith before her. The blindfold had fallen, revealing dark eyes that practically glowed with anger. "Call off your hounds, Lacey."

Krolia and Kolivan halted. Vathra licked her lips. "Lacey, Lacey, Lacey, what am I to do with you? So ambitious... Two men, each a prince in their own right. Tell me, when you let this whore-son shove his tongue down your throat, could he still taste my scent on your lips? Oh don't look so surprised! You're not the only one who can place a tap. It's almost quaint to think you could trick me."

"Release him, Vathra," Kolivan said blatantly.

"So you can kill me? Please, I know how this ends for me. I only plan on taking as many of you with me as I can. Starting with this one." Vathra put the barrel of her gun to Keith's temple.

Lacey felt time stand still. This was exactly what she'd been afraid of in that alley. She blinked and met Keith's eyes. He smiled and mouthed, 'sharpshooter'. With that she knew what she had to do. Taking aim, she fired.

Keith took the hit first, the blast knocking him sideways out of Vathra's hold. Lacey fired again, twice, and Vathra flew backward and lay still. Kolivan and Krolia ran forward and checked that the pirate was dead, but Lacey sprinted to Keith. He gasped and touched his shoulder, then sucked in a pained breath.

"Don't." Lacey yanked off her cape and used it to wrap Keith's shoulder. "I'm so sorry."

Keith smiled through the pain and sweat on his face and said, "I can't believe you actually shot me."

"You trusted me to make the shot?"

Keith wrapped an arm around her shoulders and lifted himself to kiss her. "I never doubted. It's a shame this bonding moment can't end with you carrying me like I did all those years ago for you."

Lacey blushed and pushed Keith off. "In your dreams, mullet."

Kolivan crouched beside Keith. "Can you stand, boy?"

Keith nodded and groaned, "If you help me."

Kolivan wrapped an arm behind Keith's shoulders and lifted him to his feet. Then Krolia gently hugged him and kissed his hair. "Keith, I'm so glad you're safe."

"I'm sorry, mom. I'm so sorry I did this to you again."

Krolia's tears fell into his hair. "You did nothing wrong, my son."

Keith groaned again and asked, "Is Lotor alright?"

Lacey grabbed Keith's hand and led him back through the spa. "He's better than you at the moment. We need to get you to the medics."

The blades walked the other direction and Kolivan looked back. "Krolia, I must see to this. I'll meet you when it's done."

Krolia nodded and squeezed his hand. "Go."

Keith leaned into Lacey. "You sure I can't get you to carry me?"

"Hang on, Keith. I know you've been through a lot. Just a few more minutes."

Lacey supported Keith more and more until she was afraid she'd drop him. Then Krolia wrapped an arm behind Keith's shoulders on his other side and they stumbled their way into a room the blades had turned into an infirmary. Lotor sat on a spa bed getting his blood pressure checked. When Keith saw the emperor, he grinned and summoned the strength to rush forward and hug him.

Lotor gasped in surprise before returning the embrace. "It seems you were correct, paladin. I'm glad we've retained our lives."

Keith fell backward and Krolia caught him. "Whoa."

Krolia leveled a stern look at her son. "That's enough chit chat. Onto a bed. Now."

Keith groaned, but did as told. The blade attending him sucked a breath through their teeth. "That'll scar nicely."

Lotor's medic finished their examination and said, "You're weak from captivity, but otherwise healthy. With rest, you will have a full recovery."

Lotor asked, "So I'm free to go?"

The medic shrugged. "I wish you wouldn't, but I cannot stop you."

"Thank you," Lotor said with a gracious nod of his head. Then he stood and left the room.

Krolia shook her head. "That man needs a hug."

Lacey felt Keith's hand in her's and turned to him. He smiled and nodded to the door. "Go to him. I'm sure a friendly face will help."

Lacey chewed her lip and followed Lotor. "Hey, Lotor."

Lotor paused and glanced back. "Lacey? To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Lacey jogged to catch up and hooked her hand in the crook of his elbow. "I'm worried about you. Please, you just had a terrifying experience. You need to talk to someone."

"Lacey," Lotor began, "your concern is warmth to my heart. I should thank you."

"For what?"

Lotor started walking and said, "For sending the blades. If Keith hadn't been taken as well, I wouldn't have had such riveting companionship."

"Keith?" Lacey looked up with a smirk. "You're friends with him now?"

"Heavens no! What gave you that idea?"

She covered her mouth as she giggled. "Ah, so the hug back there was..."

Lotor raised an eyebrow. "Simply a break in tension, milady, in the aftermath of a shared trauma."

Lacey rolled her eyes again. "Sometimes I don't understand why you insist on this rivalry between you two. If you'd look two inches past your elegant nose, you'd see just how similar you and him really are."

"Oh trust me, I know." Lotor stopped and turned to face her. "Which is why I can't afford to hesitate any longer." Taking her hands in his, he looked into her eyes and said, "Lacey, I love you. It has always been my single intention to have you at my side."

"Lotor?"

Lotor reached up and brushed aside her hair. "Lacey, will you become my queen?"

Lacey's pulse quickened and she looked up at him. "Are you asking me to marry you?"

"Yes, Lacey. I had planned to tell you that night at the embassy, but well... it got a bit mucked up." Lotor's smile twitched nervously. "You don't have to answer right away. I know you have many tasks."

"No, Lotor, it's... ah..." Lacey licked her lips and took a step back. "I'm sorry. I completely misread the time we've spent together."

Lotor's brow furrowed and he tilted his head. "I don't understand."

"I'm sorry, but I can't marry you, Lotor." Lacey played with her hand and spun a silver ring she didn't usually wear. "Keith and I are affianced. He proposed a few days after he returned to the castle."

Lotor's eyes widened and he glanced away. "That cheeky bastard." A bitter smile marred Lotor's face and he bowed his head. "Thank you for your honesty, Miss McClain. It seems the red paladin is more honorable than I ever believed him to be. Please give him my regards and well wishes on a speedy recovery." He lifted her hand to his lips, "And Lacey, I wish you both every happiness."

Lacey watched the emperor prince leave with her heart filled with sympathy. She'd hurt him more than Vathra ever could. In time, he'd get over her, but he hid his pain well. Taking a deep breath, Lacey returned to the makeshift infirmary. Keith was asleep on the bed. Krolia and Kolivan sat beside him.

When they saw her, Kolivan nudged Krolia and stood. Krolia bent and brushed Keith's hair aside to kiss his forehead. "Take care of him, Lacey?"

Lacey hugged her future mother-in-law and answered, "Always." Then she settled beside Keith and held his hand in hers. The way it was always meant to be.