I have every intention of introducing this new chapter, but I did say that Scythe can do it for his additions in this story, so I'm going to get mine out the way first...thank you to my editors and friends, Wade Wells, Mertz, and CMS....whom without the lively conversation and comraderie this story or any others I write about Voltron might not be seen. You ladies are truly a blessing and I thank you...also I would like to thank those that have been enjoying my stories, your reviews and PMs really make a girl feel good about her work!

Now for the jerk...

(Oh, and Dark...you might like this one! LMAO)

Mwah ha ha...she tends to get a little too damn mushy for me! LOL

Since she has allowed me to do an introduction as well, let me thank MY friends: Lucifer, Diablo, Sultan, and especially my dearest friend, Cypher without whom I would have NEVER come up with some of things that I let this twerp write! LMAO

And of course, my newest dear friend...Dokusetsu...and yes, my dear...you have and are a VERY wicked tongue!

Now...I present...

Chapter Fourteen

In the Castle Of Lions…

Daybreak…and the planet awakens to another beautiful morning. Alira stands out on the balcony overlooking the shimmering lake surrounding the castle. Day three…she thinks and a pang of regret strikes her. In the short period of time that she has been here, she has been made aware of how empty her life actually has been. Being so young when she was captured, her innocence taken when she didn't know any better, she has come to accept everything that has happened to her…without question. Meeting the Voltron force and being in the care of such guardians as Coran and Nanny, she is understanding that she doesn't have to accept that type of life anymore…that she can take full advantage of being the Princess of Arus. Since she was "attacked", they had decided to let her rest for a few days before she has to take back up the royal duties of her station. From what she was made aware of, the role consisted of meetings, visiting the townspeople, helping build towns, managing the kingdom, and finding a suitable Prince Consort. She smiles at that…this would mean that she would be introduced to many men…princes...and she would have her pick. At the thought of that, the image of Lieutenant McClain fills her head and her smile turns malicious. There was nothing more appealing than that man, but she was supposed to be in love with his best friend. That will never do…gorgeous he may be, but he's too straight forward for my taste! There has to be some way to change this…but it would take some time…

Her eyes brighten as she plans her new life...away from Lotor and Planet Doom. For this to succeed, she must betray him… telling the Voltron Force her version of what is going on, but she has to think of a good reason as to why she has not spoken before now. She taps her finger against her chin…Haggar! That's the best reason…Haggar placed a spell on me and it just broke!

Yes, that was the answer! Then the Force would send Voltron to fight Lotor…but what about the real Princess?

Another obstacle…well, there's only one thing that she can do…kill Allura. No need for her to be rescued and destroy Alira's new life. This was the only good thing that Lotor did for her…by sending her here, she could be free and love who she wants. She frowns her brow…this will not be taken away from her too. A quiet determination fills her and she moves back into the room to await Nanny. As she moves toward the bathroom, the governess enters unseen…her eyes boring holes into Alira's back as she thinks, How dare she try to copy my princess? I feel so foolish…I couldn't see that she wasn't my darling Allura! But I must not let her know…

"Good morning, Princess! Lion practice has been scheduled for later today, this morning you can prepare for your law lessons. Let's get you in the shower…"

Alira turns and looks at her, "Good morning, Nanny. Why was practice postponed? Keith doesn't usually do this, does he?" Nanny looks at her quizzically, "Well, you should know, my dear…he's your commander, why I can't imagine!"

Alira nods in answer and continues to head for the bathroom, a little niggling fear growing in the back of her mind. She shakes her head, no need to worry about that now…she has a plan to execute. Standing by the mirror and waiting for the water to be drawn…her mind races with the ingenious plan that she just came up with. She smiles sardonically…that silly princess just doesn't know what she's going to miss…

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Alira enters the dining area, freshly clean and relaxed with herself. Knowing that this is what she was destined to be, she now looks over everything with a whole new set of eyes. Her smile brightens as she looks upon the great seal of Arus, feeling as if she were actually born into this. As she stares at the seal, Lance enters right behind her and silently groans. She was not who he wanted to see the first thing in the morning! Steeling himself, he clears his throat loud enough to have her turn quickly to see who it is. His heart damn near stops when she gifts him with a brilliant smile and moves over to him, but he smiles back and stands warily as she approaches. Alira seems to be having the best luck so far today, the very person that she has wanted to see has come to her…and they are alone. Forget about Keith…this is the man she wants now. She'll come up with something to explain things later, as well as figure out how to come up with a plan to cover up the fact that she isn't a virgin…

Oh, well…I can figure that out later…first things first.

She begins to change her expression…from friendly happiness to seductive siren. His eyes flame at the change and his body immediately responds. Shit, this is Allura, you half-cocked ass! The woman that your BEST FRIEND is in love with!...YOU CAN"T DO THIS!!!!

But, as his head says this, his rebellious body completely ignores him. She finally reaches him and looks into his face. His handsome features are slightly angled, not sharply like the prince's. His eyes are sky blue and his hair is the color of chestnuts. She longs to run her hands across his face, but catches herself. She has to play this slowly…

"Good Morning, Lance. I was just waiting for the rest of you guys before I had them serve."
He nods, "Thanks, didn't know you actually liked to get up this early! I think that Captain Protocol just likes to get under our skin!" He moves over to the buffet table and grabs a cup of a juice resembling orange juice. He takes a quick sip, fully aware that she is staring at him. He suddenly feels nervous, and Lance McClain never feels nervous! He turns to look at her and gives her his most piercing stare, hoping that she will back down…

No such luck…she smiles again and says, "Is there something wrong? You seem a little tense…"

Wow, haven' t heard that line since he was on Earth! Okay, I'll bite… "No, I'm always this happy to have been through strenuous hand to hand combat training and now have to have my stomach go on strike because I have to wait for the rest of the team!" She laughs and the sound lifts his spirits. He moves over the lounge area and takes a seat, hoping that the atmosphere stays this light, but as he looks in her face once more, he knows he's in for another big surprise. Alira refuses to stay away from him and makes her way to the chair, but as she walks, her foot catches on the hem of her gown and she falls forward. Lance's quick reflexes bring him to her in enough time to catch her before she hits the floor. Her hands grip onto his shoulders and her eyes bore into his. He can feel himself being pulled to her and he delivers a futile attempt to keep her at bay…

"Are you alright, Princess?" he asks shakily, his arms reflexively grip her body tighter to him. She moans a little, proud of herself and the craftily engineered trip that landed her here. "I'm fine…" Her eyes darken, "Lance…"

"No, Allu…" and he is effectively cut off with her soft lips pressing against his. The shock of feeling those soft lips sliding across his fires his blood and in the back of his hazed mind he experiences a sharp pang of jealousy. Keith tasted these lips first and that didn't sit too well with him right now…never mind the fact that she has claimed to love his friend.

Well, he's not here! His addled heart tells him, but his mind tries once more to introduce some sense.

She loves him!

She wouldn't be kissing me if she did!

Asshole!

Jerk!

The war brewing between his mind and heart comes to an abrupt stop when her seeking tongue fishes for his. The chattering ceases and he is completely lost. He grinds his lips against hers, his tongue probing ever deeper and his hands struggle to not roam over her body. Alira pulls him closer, allowing her senses to be overwhelmed by the passionate pulses that throb in her loins. Lotor had never made her feel like this and she hungers for more. If she could absorb him into herself, she would…

Lance straightens them up and moves his hands across her back, his mouth slanting across hers. She gives as much as she takes, and she takes it all. They are so engulfed in the passionate kiss they are sharing, that the dark-haired man that enters the room now is completely ignored. At first; a deep seething hits the handsome pilot, but then his mind remembers the mind-blowing night that he shared with his Allura and he calms down, but the seething changes to deep regret. This will kill Lance, but now is the best time to bring this façade to a halt.

"Ahem…" he calls and the couple jumps apart. Lance stares at Keith with dazed eyes and Alira shoots daggers at him. He smiles sardonically and crosses his arms, waiting for the recriminations to start. Lance's face turns blood red and Alira starts to shake uncontrollably. Keith rushes over to her and reaches out to catch her before she hits the floor once again and Lance stands there in shock. Her eyes flutter as if she was possessed by something and Keith continues to look at her. As she hovers in and out of consciousness, Hunk and Pidge enter the room and stare at the threesome, questions pouring out of their gazes.

"What's going on? Keith? Lance?" asks Pidge as he and the big guy rush into the room. Neither man answers, so they look at the fainted princess in the Captain's arms. They all watch as she starts to stir and her eyes open again. "Keith? Oh, Keith!" she exclaims and she wraps her arms around his neck. Both men are stunned at this action after what they were just a part of. Lance's jaw drops and Keith's jaw clenches. She leans back and coughs a little. "I don't know what happened…I remember being in bed and a large explosion, but…"

They all gasp…does she not remember what happened over the past few days? "Princess, do you know what day this is?" asks Pidge as he lightly puts his hand on her arm. She stares at him blankly, "What day? I don't…Keith?"

He sighs and his eyes harden…she's not gonna make this any easier, is she? He plays along for a minute, "We were attacked a few days ago and you were almost captured."

She smiles tremulously, "I'm so glad you were there," and she hugs him close again. Lance is still in shock, not understanding what just happened to him, but he does know something…she's not gonna forget what she did with him, how she made him feel…

"Allura, you don't remember anything? Anything at all?" he asks, his heart pleading in his eyes for her to say something. He sees the flash of recognition, but she shakes her head...this is happening all too fast! Thinking on her feet was never her strong suit, but she seems to be doing a good job…damn. The last thing she wants to do is deter Lance from being with her, but she has to do this to keep the plan. I'm sorry, handsome. Maybe later…

But the luck that she thought she had has disappeared and she doesn't know it yet. Keith looks coolly at her and asks, "Are you sure you don't remember anything? Like why you were just in here playing tonsil hockey with my second lieutenant?"

The Yellow Lion and Green Lion pilots stare at Lance incredulously, until Hunk smashes him in the face with a quick jab.

Lance hits the floor and stares at the hulking man, shaking his head to clear his head of the still ringing bells. "Gosh dammit, Lance…you have to have her too?! You never fucking change!" and with that, Hunk grabs him by the collar, pulling him immediately to his feet and he threatens to put his lights out. Lance tries to wriggle free, but the grip Hunk has on him is like steel and he can't even think of anything to say in his defense.

Pidge frowns, "Gee, Lance…" is all he says and he turns from him, almost ashamed to call him friend anymore.

Keith pushes Alira away and comes over to the fighting men to get in between them. "That's enough! Stop it!"

Hunk's eyes flash and he growls, "You should be doing this…I know I would if she were my girl!" His huge hands grip even tighter and Lance is starting to lose his breath. Keith tries to knock Hunk's hands away, but gets nowhere. He tries talking to him, "Hunk, it's okay. Look, if I didn't attack him, why should you? Think about it, Hunk…"

Hunk's face starts to lose the murderous visage and his hands relax. Lance drops down, coughing and really pissed at Hunk for what just happened. He lunges for Hunk and Keith grabs him, "I didn't have him let you go so you could attack him…now, let's everybody calm down. This can all be explained..."

"How? How in the hell can you explain all this?" asks Lance as he cuts eyes to the silent Alira. She has watching this unfold in front of her and smiles inwardly. None of them know what's going on, but they were ready to kill each other over her…the sick feeling of power overtakes her and she continues to plot her takeover. Keith looks at her and she smiles sweetly until his next words are spoken, "Allura has a lot to explain, especially since her sudden amnesia is a fake!"

Her face drops and she snarls while thinking…How in the hell does he know? He can't…he's just fishing…

She puts the sweet smile back on her face and says, "Whatever are you talking about? I don't remember anything that has happened until now…Haggar must have put a spell on me…to make me forget."

"Forget what? That fact that you are NOT Allura?"

His words fall like a sledgehammer on the room, especially Lance. He looks from a scowling Keith to a completely shocked Allura and the truth hits him. The real Allura would have never done what she did…she truly loves Keith, would die for him. Theirs was a bonding that even death could not break…no, this was someone else and it wasn't Allura. A great relief washes over him and his face registers the revelation. He turns to her and says, "I hate it when he's right, and he's sure as shit correct about this one. You're NOT Allura!"

She stands suddenly and gasps, "You are all crazy, or under a spell as well…you must all go to Dr. Shorma…"

"Gorma, Princess !" Pidge replies and he scowls at her as well. Allura wouldn't forget the only doctor that they had in the castle…

'Who in the hell are you?" screams Lance and he grabs her by the shoulders and shoves her against the wall. A quick look of fear crosses her face and she shakes her head in denial. "No! What is happening here? Has Haggar gotten to you all?!"

As much as she may try to convince them that they have the problem, she's slowly realizing that maybe she pushed a little too hard in her attempt at being the real Allura. She hadn't counted on her own feelings mucking things up the way that they have…if she were like Lotor, she would've been able to pull this off, but now…

Lance's hands are gripping her arms so tight that she whimpers from the pain. The other pilots look on as she tries to get him to let her go. "Lance, they don't know what they're talking about! Please listen to me…"

"No! You had me thinking I was the biggest bastard this side of the Denubian Galaxy and you want me to believe anything you say? Have you lost your ever-loving mind! Who the hell are you…this is your last chance!" The frightened woman stares at the men around her and knows that feminine wiles are not going to work this time. She pulls herself up and stares at her accuser in his eyes. Time for another tactic…

"My real name is Alira and I was sent here by Prince Lotor. That night of the attack was to extract Allura and put me in her place. My mission was to relay intell to him at specific times and continue under the guise of the Princess."

"Where is the Princess?" asks Pidge, staring at her like she just grew a large set of horns. She looks at him for a second then trains her eyes back on Lance, who has not let her go yet. "I don't know. That information was not given to me and I didn't ask." She lets her eyes plead to him that she's serious this time, but the stone stare he gives her back does not reassure her. Keith has not stopped scowling at her…probably wanting to know if she really was telling the truth about what she knows. Alira turns to him, "It's the truth this time, Keith. I know nothing of what he wants to do with the Princess…he wouldn't dare add her to his harem!"

A viscous sneer distorts his lips as he replies, "He would like nothing more than to have Allura at his mercy…as well as Arus."

"Why? She's nothing to him?" she asks and Lance finally speaks, flinging her back against the wall as he releases her. "Where the hell have you been, under a damn rock? He's wanted Allura from the moment he saw her…and has been relentless at it ever since."

Alira gags, her total memory of the times she had shared a bed with the prince come rushing back with a vengeance. She had always brushed it aside, but she can remember each time she was with him…he kept calling her Princess. She had always thought it was just an endearment, but with what Lance just told her…it has taken on a whole new meaning. Her delusions of love were just that…silly, little girl delusions. He was never in love with her…never even cared that much for her. All he was interested in was the fact that she wanted to do anything for him…even be a princess, because since she had gotten the surgery, he had wanted her more. But it was Allura that he really wanted…and she was his best way to get her…

"Alira, where is Lotor taking the ship?" the captain asks and she shakes her head again, her face falling at the distressing thoughts that are ravaging her mind. Lance swears and walks over to the window and bangs his fist against it. Turning back to face the group, he looks at each one…stopping on Keith and wonders why he's so calm about all this.

"Cap, what do you know? If anyone around here should be losing his mind, it should be you. Even you can't stay this calm without a reason!"

The Black Lion pilot looks at Lance with a bemused look on his face before making his way over to the chair. He sits before he speaks, "I happen to know that Allura is fine…trying to do something that she really shouldn't be, but fine."

Lance moves over to him, "How the hell do you know that?"

Smiling, Keith looks up at him and replies, "Because she told me."

Okay…he's lost it! Lance frowns and hits him on the shoulder. "Stop the bullshit, Keith…how do you know?" Keith chuckles as he rubs his sore arm; completely puzzling everyone in the room. Deciding to let them off the hook, he calms down and tells them, "It was not a joke, Lance. I really talked to her…kind of…"

"And what the hell does that mean?" the question coming from Alira and she gets an icy glare sent to her from everyone.

"Allura told me that she was on Lotor's ship and that she was going to try to find out what he has planned for us down here. I wish I could stop her, but she's there and I'm here." They still stare at him, each swearing that if they ever get their hands on Lotor, they will rip him apart. He has finally found the one thing that will drive their commander crazy…and he must pay for it!

Alira is still fighting with herself over the hasty decisions that she has made today. Looking back on it, she had to have been possessed to think that the transition from palace slave to princess of an entire planet was going to be easy. The problem was that she figured that since she was already in the position, they wouldn't take note to the difference. The one thing that really threw it off was the relationship Allura had with the guys on the team. Never having been around more than one man most of her adult life, she was unprepared for the emotions and curiosity that enticed her. All she had been around were misshapen robots and the Drule Prince, which wasn't much. Lotor has his way about him, but these men here exhibit the life and passion that she didn't realize she was missing, and she wanted more than ever. For all intents and purposes, she should be trying to find a way out of here…her cover has been blown and she was no more help to Lotor, not that she wanted to be after all this. More tears threaten to fall, but she fights them back…she will not shed another tear for him or that pathetic life she was living under the guise of being his favorite. Moving over the other chair, she sits and continues to observe the men around her. If she had played this better, they would be her friends right now, helping her and caring for her fears and wants. Being so isolated from actual people has handicapped her in ways that she is just figuring out.

"Keith…that still doesn't explain how you know all this?" questions the big man and Keith stands to put his hand on his shoulder. "I'll fill you all in on what actually has happened later, right now we have to decide what to do with Alira here."

"Of course, she can't fly Blue Lion now…can't trust her not to go back to Lotor!" supplies Pidge. The youngest member of the team scratches his head, the pieces of the puzzle finally fitting together. They all turn their eyes to her and she feels trapped. "What do you plan to do with me?" she asks quietly, waiting for the hammer to fall. Keith walks over the stricken woman and sighs. "You'll be put on house arrest until we can figure everything out. No one needs to know that the real Princess has been captured; no need to cause a public uproar. She will be detained in her rooms with double the guard." Lance nods and takes her by the arm, roughly picking her up. "Okay, your Highness, let's get you to your quarters." He turns to look at his captain, "I'll send a detachment to her rooms as soon as I leave her there and I'll prepare the guard schedule after that."

"Fine…" he returns, but then he holds his hand up. "Lance, hold it a minute…I need to say something." The Red Lion pilot comes over to him, having left Alira in Hunk's capable hands.

"Yes?"

"You know I'm not mad at you about this, don't you?" Keith asks him and sees the slight tint of red at the tips of his ears. Lance just doesn't get embarrassed and this situation has taken him out of his comfort zone. The lieutenant stares at the floor for a few moments before he answers, "I know, but the fact that I had even considered it…actually wanted it…" He breaks off and clenches one fist. "You're my best friend and I have always known that you were crazy about Allura…even before you did!" Laughing blue eyes cut over to somber brown ones and he continues, "But, it was something that I did envy you, even if it was for a brief moment. I couldn't stand that I had no control over myself and with whom I thought it was…"

Keith claps him on his shoulder, "I know you, Lance, and I know that you aren't as callous as it may have looked. There's no need for you to be upset or anything. I trust you with my life, as much as everyone else does…including Allura."

Feeling better, Lance looks into his friend's face and sees a hint of mischievousness in his eyes. "You know, you still haven't said how you know about Allura…how did she contact you?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

Lance smirks, "Try me…" Keith takes a deep breath and tells him. "Allura and I share a psychic connection…I had felt it when we first met, but she was able to strengthen the connection over the past couple of days. That's how I knew that she wasn't the real Allura; we touched in a way that I can't describe…"

Lance starts to laugh, bringing the other eyes over to where they are. Keith flushes a little; almost afraid of what is getting ready to come out of his mouth…

…and right he should be, "Talk about being mind-fucked!" howls Lance and he laughs even louder. Keith narrows his gaze, maybe he shouldn't have told him…but, "Actually, it was exactly that…"

Lance stops his guffaws and stares dumbly at his friend, who has a very pleased look on his face. Then, the light comes on… "You mean that…"

"Yes." Keith answers simply, his blood racing at the mere remembrance of that erotic night.

Lance stares harder, watching Keith's expression harden…and he can't help himself, "That would explain all the moaning I heard the other night!" and cracks up again. Keith flushes again, but it changes to anger at knowing that he got him…the rooms are soundproof!

He punches him in the arm, "Just get Alira to her rooms and report to Castle Control as soon as you're done, you asshole!"

With a sharp salute, Lance goes back to Alira and takes her out the room, still laughing. Keith smiles, knowing that his friend will be okay…but not if he keeps up with the damned jokes!

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Lance marches her to the East Wing, barely looking at her and practically dragging her all the way there. Alira just follows mutely, not wanting to make the situation any worse than it already is. Once they reach the room, he pushes her in and turns to leave. "Lance, please wait. I'm sorry for making you think I was Allura…it was my job, but I didn't think I would meet someone like you."

He stops in his tracks and looks over his shoulder, "What difference does that make? You don't know me!"

She clasps her hands together, "I know, but I really want to. I have only known Lotor…and now I know that I was a fool. Please try to understand that I was put into a situation that I wasn't prepared for and acted foolishly." Not knowing why she has to, she comes over to him and grabs his arm. "I don't understand everything that I'm feeling right now, but I know that I don't want to go back…I don't want that sheltered, tortured life."

He spins on her and grips her by the arms again, the look in his eyes savage. "What the hell do you want from me?! You don't know me at all, and I don't know shit about you either!"

"I know you want me."

He blinks, that was not what he was expecting and a sharp sting of desire races through him. Not taking another minute to think about it, he savagely takes her lips, slanting his mouth on them brutally. She has been used to kisses like these and takes it in stride, moving as violently as he does; her hands stroking the hairs at the nape of his neck. Mindlessly, he plunders, his hands moving lower, pressing her against him; making sure she feels how much he actually wants her. Not feeling any fear, she grinds against him; not protesting, not afraid…but willingly expressing how much she wants him as well.

He picks her up, his lips never leaving hers, and carries her over to the bed. He drops her unceremoniously on it and quickly covers her body with his, assuming the connection his lips had with hers once again. She pulls on his jacket, forcing it off his arms and tossing it to the floor. He pulls away to remove his shirt and pants, removing them with a quickness that surprises even him. She lifts up and her eyes plead for him to remove the dress and he pulls at it, rending the bodice, freeing the perky, pink tipped mounds for him to see while pulling the skirts off her legs, leaving her only in a small pair of underwear. It's now that he slows, his breath ragged and feeling slightly ashamed at the brutal way he has been treating her until now.

"Alira, I'm sorry…" he starts and she places her finger on his mouth. "You don't need to apologize for anything. I'm used to this."

"But, I'm not. I don't do this and I'm not about to start now…" and he slowly lowers his head and kisses her gently this time. She moans and lets her arms slide around his neck, pulling him closer. She automatically braces for a rough entry, but is pleasantly surprised that he decides to take it slow, actually wanting to please her. She relinquishes control and allows herself to enjoy everything.

Lance lets his lips moves from her lips to the side of her neck, sucking gently. Her hands grip his shoulders and her head falls back; soft, gasping sounds escape her lips. He lets his hands slowly remove the rest of her clothing and his lips follow the same torturous path. Alira can't believe how wonderful he's making her feel and suddenly wants to return the favor. She sits up and pushes him to his back. "Let me…" she whispers and she kisses him to stop any denials. As he lies back, she takes her hands and run them all over his body and he groans at the expert touch. She moves across his chest, down his torso and finally rests on his powerful erection. His eyes widen as she takes it in both hands; slowly and deliberately sliding both hands up and down, gently squeezing as she goes. "My God…" he rasps out and he arches his back while he tries to reach for her, his passion rising quicker than he thought. She smiles and continues to slide her hands up and down, until he grabs them and bites out, "Stop….I can't…"

"I know…" she returns and she rises up on her knees and straddles him. Sexy eyes look down into his as she lowers herself on him, inch by delicious inch. His hips jerk and she moans at the deeper entry. She wiggles to make sure that he's fully seated and begins to rock her hips back and forth. Lance can't speak, can't think with the erotic movements she performs . She grinds her hips down, making his shaft go further up into her sweet cavern. Alira throws her head back and excited moans rumble out of her throat, her fingernails scoring lightly on his chest. He grips her hips and helps her move, harder and harder, until he can feel the start of her explosive release.

"Alira, give it to me…sweet Lord, this feels so good," he groans and he pushes his hips up to meet her downward grind. She continues to ride, falling forward to kiss him fiercely. His hands take hold of her breasts and massage them gently. She pushes back and looks him in the eye, asking a question. He answers by taking one pink nipple into his mouth, sucking hard and having her squeal in delight. She moves faster, but then changes up and slows the tempo down; her strokes long and sensuous. Lance bites his lip as she moves to have him go deeper. He tries to grab her to flip her over, but she holds his hands and places them back on her breasts.

"Just feel, explorer." Alira says and she raises her hips a bit to lower herself again, extremely slow. He grits his teeth, the carnal longing about to burst free. He grabs hold once again and coaxes her, "Now, love……now!"

She presses forward once more and cries out, her release covering him. He thrusts twice more and joins her, cutting loose a feral growl. She collapses on him and they take a few moments to regain their normal breathing. Lance strokes her hair absently, staring at the ceiling and wondering what the hell came over him.

"Don't think about it too much…we both wanted this," she murmurs and hugs him close. A peaceful silence takes them until he asks, "What do you really look like?"

She's silent for a moment more before answering, "I have dark brown hair and indigo eyes. My facial features haven't changed too much other than the beauty mark I used to have on the right side of my mouth. He lifts her face to stare at, trying to picture her the way she described. "You are beautiful…" he says and plants another light kiss on her lips. A tear falls from her eye and he smiles at her. "Take your rest, love."

Lance tucks her in beside him and places his arm around her waist. Happier than she has ever been, Alira snuggles close and falls into a deep sleep.