A/N

Thank you for all reviews, follows, and favorites. I apologize for the delay in updating. This is a relatively short bridge chapter. I will try and update again soon! Have a great rest of your weekend!

D

Disclaimer: WEP owns Voltron and its characters and locations. The story is mine. All other characters and locations are also mine. Please do not use without my permission.

Chapter 12

Pacing in his studio apartment, Artie cursed under his breath impatiently. Rallock had left twelve hours earlier, leaving Rydrax's atmosphere in his disguised ship. The Drule assured the former Arusian lord that he would be contacted once they had the princess. Artie was to remain diligent, alert, and ready to receive his guest. So far, the former Arusian lord had heard nothing from his Drule co-conspirator.

Hating being kept in the dark, Artie decided to watch some television to try to occupy his mind and pass the time. Turning his viewer on, he flipped to the Galaxy Alliance News station. Staring at the screen, he started when he realized coverage of the Arusian engagement party was being broadcast on the intergalactic news.

The camera panned in to show a pretty news anchor standing with the gleaming Castle of Lions in the background. Reporting just as the party started, the anchor commented on the occasion and the exclusive guest list. The shot switched from the anchor to a closeup shot from inside the party: the princess and the commander walking down the stairs and into the grand ballroom, huge smiles painted onto their breathtaking faces as they were greeted by cheers and applause.

Rage filled Artie. All of his hate, all of his loathing, all of his vengeance exploded forth. Picking up his viewer, he hurled it across his room, smashing it against the far wall. The viewer exploded into a million pieces as soon as it hit, leaving a large dent in the drywall. Breathing heavily, Artie fought to control his fury. Soon, the princess would be his. Soon he would have his revenge on Kogane. Standing, he walked over to his small window to look down on the street below. Gripping his communicator in his hand, he awaited Rallock's call. The Drule better call soon, he seethed as he gazed at the dark and deserted street to his waiting hover car below.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Lord James Dearling stood nervously on the side of the dance floor, his wife trembling imperceptibly by his side. The couple fought to appear normal, but terror gripped their insides. They feared for their daughter, they feared for their princess, and they feared for themselves. What would happen to them when it came to light that they were involved in the Drule's plan against their princess?

They discussed their plan the rest of the way to the castle. Watching the princess like a hawk, they waited to see her go off by herself. So far, she had not left her commander's side, and even now, she stood surrounded by her cousin, the Polluxian princess, and her Terran husband. The other members of the Voltron Force stood close by.

Turning away from the happy scene, James sighed in defeat. "This is never going to work. We have almost no chance of getting the princess alone," he whispered to his wife. "Maybe we should just report the situation. The Voltron Force can help get Liesel back."

"No!" His wife shrieked in terror. "We can't take that chance. Our daughter's life is in danger! We can't risk her safety." New tears threatened to fall as Natasha shook from her fear.

Gazing worriedly at his wife, James tried to reassure her. "Ok, ok. We will go through with the plan. We just have to pay attention and watch for our opportunity. Do you have the chip?"

Natasha nodded her confirmation.

"Good," he breathed. Pulling his wife's arm into the crook of his elbow, he led her to the bar and handed her a glass of champagne. "Now, drink this; it'll help calm you a bit." Reaching for a glass for himself, the lord gave a start when a voice boomed from behind him.

"James! Natasha! We have finally found you!" Koran greeted him, with Lady Crystali on his arm.

Turning toward the princess's advisor, James guided his wife around to face their old friends. Forcing a smile on his face, he responded, "Hello, Koran! Crystali! What a wonderful party!"

"Indeed!" Natasha agreed, a little less enthusiastically. "Everything is so elegant."

Crystali watched Natasha closely. Her friend was not herself at all. Normally gushing and smiling over events held at the castle, Natasha stood quiet and reserved. Exchanging a glance with Koran, Crystali decided to press a little. "Natasha," she began. "Where is Liesel? I thought she was attending the party." The other lady flinched noticeably at the mention of her daughter.

It was James who answered. "She is home with her nanny," he said quietly, his brow sweating as he tried to make his lie seem natural. "She came down with a stomach bug this afternoon, and was very upset when we told her she would have to stay home." Locking eyes with Koran, he grew in confidence as he got caught up in his story. "In fact, we can't stay very long. We promised we would make an appearance, grab her a piece of cake, and be home before she went to bed."

Chuckling slightly, Koran accepted his friend's explanation. Glancing at Crystali, he couldn't help but notice the look of concern on his date's face. Just as he was about to ask her about it, she caught his eye and shook her head slightly. Acknowledging her signal, he instead turned back to Lord and Lady Dearling. "Well, I hope you enjoy the party. Please give your daughter our regards and that we hope she feels better soon. Perhaps she can attend the princess's bridal tea."

"Yes, of course," James agreed distractedly. "Thank you." Offering a slight smile, he turned to guide his wife away. "Good night." Natasha offered a small smile as she was led away. Breathing out a huge sigh of relief once they were out of earshot, James flashed a small reassuring smile at his wife as they headed to the dessert table.

Koran watched the couple as they walked away. Glancing at Crystali, he saw that the look of concern had shifted to one of fear. "Something is amiss, Koran," she explained. "There is something they are not telling us."

"How can you be sure?" Koran asked.

"Woman's intuition," Crystali explained. "Just a hunch. I think we better speak to the commander."

Koran agreed as his eyes flitted across the room in search of Keith. Finding the commander laughing and looking relaxed across the room with his group of friends, he guided Crystali toward the happy scene. He didn't want to ruin the joy of the evening for Keith and Allura, but he couldn't ignore the worry Crystali clearly held in her heart. Glancing back at James and Natasha, he hoped Crystali's feeling was wrong.