Hello everyone. Thank you for continuing the journey with me. Here's the next chapter. Hope you like it. P.S. Watch for clues…hee hee hee.

Bluebaby1219: Sharing the room, that should be interesting. Ewww is right. Didn't see that one coming, either. Let's see what else they have in store for us!

Smithy: So right….but then again….

Animebookchic: You knew what dear? Are you sure? Are you really sure?

JustLucky05: I love your comments! Yeah, let's see what the heck I put Keith through, I'm notorious for that. Dorma and Davis….well, we will see what THEY put him through….But yes, I'm a believer of the idea that things get worse before they get better.

KathDMD: I know. My eyes! My eyes! They burn! LOL. Did you drink the entire bottle?

Tinyrose: Yes Way! And yes, what an ending.

Petite0312: Oh, wait till you see!

Guest: My man Pidge. Love him! Let's see what he does…

BKNBU: Hey-Zeus Marimba! That perfume is going to be very annoying….

Okay people. Here's the next chapter. Hopefully you'll like this one and the next ones to come. See ya'all next week!

Chapter 25

When Keith walked into Control later that evening, he found Hunk at the helm. The tall, broad shouldered pilot turned around when he heard footsteps coming up behind him and sighed inwardly, "Hey Keith, how are you feeling?"

"Better," Keith sighed, trying to sound convincing.

"Really?" Hunk asked sarcastically, "Then, why are your eyes glassy?"

"It's less painful," Keith admitted, "I can tolerate it."

"Listen," Hunk advised, "I can take your shift. Besides, you have to leave early tomorrow morning. You should go back to your room and rest."

"I'm alright Hunk. Besides, I'm not tired," Keith shook his head. "Don't worry, I don't mind. Actually, I enjoy being up there as much as I can."

"Suit yourself," Hunk replied. "But I think you should reconsider my offer. An offer like that doesn't come very often."

"Duly noted," Keith answered with a smirk, "Thanks Hunk. I appreciate the offer."

Just as Keith turned to move toward the dais, Lance walked in. As soon as the Red lion pilot looked at his friend, he rolled his eyes, "Go back to sleep."

"Funny," Keith passed him, but Lance grabbed his shoulder to stop him. He turned to face him, "Lance, really, I'm fine."

"You're not fine," Lance answered. "Stop being so stubborn and go back to sleep. You don't need to be up there tonight."

"I said the same thing," Hunk added with a snort, "Man does not listen."

Ignoring both of them, Keith continued toward the dais, "I'll see you guys later."

Lance hollered as Keith disappeared down the dais, "By the way, I went over Nate's duties with him on your behalf…if you care!" Looking at Hunk, who shrugged, Lance shook his head, "Stubborn schmuck."

XXXXXXXXXX

Morning made its appearance and Keith flew back to the castle still nursing the headache he had. He had about two hours before he'd leave with Allura. Quickly, he went back to his room, showered, packed his clothes, and went to the dining room to get some breakfast before leaving.

"Well, you're still alive, good to know," Lance stated as he walked in while Keith poured himself a cup of coffee. Keith looked at him for a moment before going back to preparing his coffee. Lance noticed that his eyes weren't as glassy as when he last saw them, but he could tell that Keith was tired.

"It's too early for your sarcasm, Lance," Keith said as he took a sip of his coffee. "I leave with Allura in about forty five minutes. While we are gone, I need you to keep me informed of everything that is happening on this end."

"Don't worry Keith, you know I will," Lance nodded.

"After I return I'm going to be leaving again for a few days to Irmiria," he replied as he turned to look at Lance. "I made arrangements with Councilwoman Janner to have one of the lions help with the construction in the area."

Lance eyed him curiously, "Is that the woman you danced with at your wedding?"

Shifting his gaze slightly, Keith lied, "Yes, she had asked me to help her that night."

"Why you?" his friend continued his inquiry with a tinge of curiosity. "Anyone of us can go on your behalf. I mean, you're the Prince Consort after all, you don't have to do it yourself..."

"Lance, she asked me personally and it's really the least I can do. Besides, just because I'm a prince consort doesn't mean I would ever delegate all my duties," Keith reminded him. He smiled tentatively, "I'm not you."

The auburn hair, young man laughed, "Whatever. How long will you be gone then?"

"A few days. Allura is aware," was all Keith answered. "If there is an attack, it shouldn't take me long to reach you."

Nodding, Lance answered, "Alright, well, I guess no practice this morning. I'll just…"

"Actually, I do want you to practice," Keith interrupted with a small smile and a little sarcasm embedded in his voice, "You're leading practice."

"What?" his friend looked shocked.

"Well, Hunk and Pidge are doing well, but I want their reaction times to increase by at least ten percent and Nate should get all the practice he can. There hasn't been too much going on since his arrival. It will be good for him."

"Unbelievable," Lance sighed as Keith began walking away.

"Make sure you also practice while I'm in Irmiria."

"Well, what about you?" Lance hollered back at him.

"What about me?" Keith joked as he left the room.

Lance sighed. He knew it would be good for his friend to have a few mornings off.

XXXXXXXXXX

Allura opened her eyes, but she knew she was still dreaming. She lay down under the tree she dreamed of most nights. When she looked up, leaves continued falling on her and she saw the dark sky above. The tree still withered as dark clouds traveled across the sky.

"I'm glad you woke up."

Allura heard a very recognizable voice. Turning her head, she was greeted by a beautiful smile that made her smile back.

"You're back," she whispered.

"I was never gone," Keith replied laying down beside her. He took her hand and kissed her, "I would never leave you, Allura. I'm not going anywhere, unless you want me to."

"You feel so far away lately," the queen answered. "Why do you feel so far away?"

"I don't know, Allura," he responded with sadness in his eyes as he caressed her cheek with his finger, "That's something only you can answer. You need to fight it."

"Fight what, Keith? Please tell me, what do I need to fight?"

Suddenly, they both heard the cries of a little girl. Allura sat up immediately and began to look around. She continued to hear the crying, but could not identify where the child was, "Where is she?"

Slowly, Keith sat up beside her, "I'm not sure. I can't find her. "

Looking at him shocked, Allura's eyes began to water, "We have to find her! She could be hurt, lost. Keith! Why haven't you looked for her?" The child kept crying, the sound growing louder and louder. Her cries stung the queen's ears.

Calmly, Keith responded, "Allura, there's nothing I can do."

"I don't understand," she shook her head as the crying grew to even more painful levels, "Please do something!"

"Only you can," Keith answered. "Only you can save her."

The girl's cries grew even louder. Allura covered her ears, closed her eyes and when she opened them again, she found herself in her room. Looking around, she sighed with relief, "This one was weird." Shaking her head, she rose from bed and began to walk toward the bathroom, knowing she had to get ready for her trip.

XXXXXXXXXX

Dorma watched herself in the grand mirror of her room. Her belly grew larger by the day and not only did she feel beautiful, but proud. She was preparing the path to greatness for her child. Doom would one day be hers, Doom along with the entire Drule Empire.

The night before was rather enchanting. She had missed Hazar and his touches, but after she was done with him, she dressed and left his quarters to return to her room. Knowing her husband would not return until early morning, she slept a bit, and then woke up early, bathed and dressed before he walked in.

"You're looking rather beautiful," she heard the voice of her husband, who had just walked in her room. As she turned to face him, he continued, "Motherhood suits you."

She smiled, "How was your evening?"

"Entertaining," Lotor responded with a smirk. "Today will be busy though. My father, your brother, and I have to go over some last minute briefings."

Dorma walked up to him and kissed him on the lips, "I missed you."

He gave her a guarded smile, "I'm hoping you spent the time I was away being productive?"

She nodded as he walked away from her, "I did, very much so," she smiled. Turning around, the Duchess gave her husband a cool smile, "Actually, do you remember what I showed you before you left? Our wedding gift to the Queen of Arus?"

Lotor turned and looked at her, "Were you able to deliver it?"

Dorma smiled at the question, "Lotor, you seem to have little faith in my abilities. Of course, she has it! I would not be surprised if she'd use it right now."

The prince thought for a moment before answering. He pondered the repercussions of Allura being under such evil influence. However, that didn't last too long as he sighed, "What about him?"

"He will get what he deserves through her," she simply replied.

"Are you sure?" Lotor sounded doubtful.

"Very," Dorma smiled triumphantly, "Just wait and see."

XXXXXXXXXX

The ride in Black had been extremely quiet. Keith continued flying Black as Allura gazed out the window, looking at nothing in particular.

Finally, unable to stand the silence, Keith spoke first, "We should be arriving in about fifteen minutes."

Allura nodded, but didn't respond.

Seeing that she wouldn't say anything else, Keith inwardly sighed. How would he handle being with her overnight when apparently she didn't even want to be in the same cockpit with him, "Allura, like I said before, I could just excuse myself…"

"Didn't we have this discussion before?" she snapped.

He nodded, "Yes, but…"

"Then, why are discussing this again?"

"Allura, why are you torturing yourself? You obviously don't want to be around me, why don't you just make it easier on yourself?" he asked.

"And you," the queen added, "You just want to make it easier on you, don't you?"

"That's not what I meant, Allura!" Keith replied as he looked at her, "Why are you arguing with me?"

"You're the one that wants to argue Keith," she responded with anger. "I told you what I wanted and you will follow what I say. Now, leave me alone, I want to get some rest before we arrive." Allura turned away from him, returning to her silent mode as Keith shook his head and continued flying with equal silence.

XXXXXXXXXX

Lance sat in Keith's office, looking over some paperwork he had left for him to do while he was away, when he heard a knock on the door. "Come in," he called out before a second or two later, Nate walked into the room.

"Hey, you have a minute?" the blond man asked before casually taking a seat on one of the chairs across from where the desk.

"Take two or three, I'm in no hurry to work on this crap," Lance replied with a rather disgusted expression on his face as he looked up from Keith's computer, "I would never want Keith's job."

"Prince Consort?" Nate smirked.

"That one either. I meant Commander in the Garrison. There's so much work, it's ridiculous."

"He seems to enjoy it," Nate shrugged.

"That's because he likes the abuse," Lance answered. After turning on the screen saver, he looked back at Nate, "What's up?"

"I just wanted to let you know that my sister Jill will be coming tomorrow."

"Oh, she's visiting?" Lance asked surprised, Keith would have let him know.

"No, actually, she's staying. She's Dr. Gorma's new assistant."

Lance heard Gorma asked the Garrison for an assistant physician. There were times that the anatomy of those from Earth differed a bit from the Arusians and since the arrival of the human pilots, there were times that Gorma was stumped with questions regarding treatment. A physician from Earth could answer some questions for him, especially when time was of the essence. "I had heard that a physician was coming, but I didn't think it was your sister. Was that the woman who you were speaking to yesterday?"

Nate nodded, "You mean the one you thought was my girlfriend? That was my sister. Her name is Jill Eckhart."

"Ah, will she be coming with her family?" Lance asked cautiously, assuming that since their last names were different.

"Jill's not married," Nate laughed.

"Oh, I assumed that since your last names were different-"

"No, Jill's my half-sister," he responded, "Our parents married when we were both around six years old or so. Her dad was a widower and my mom…well my mom never really married…if you get my drift."

Lance nodded in understanding.

"Anyways, my mom, God bless her soul, raised me on her own until she met Jill's dad. Since then, it's been me and Jill. Our parents raised us as if we were blood related, so we've always considered ourselves as if we were."

"That's pretty cool," Lance answered with a smile. "It's very seldom to have families such as yours in today's world. Actually, it's very seldom to have happy families at all."

"Mom and dad are pretty special people," Nate replied, "Anyways, I know that there may be some confusion tomorrow, but I wanted to at least let you know."

"Thanks for the clarification," Lance smiled, "But, why didn't you tell us before?"

"Jill swore me to secrecy. She thought that if anyone found out, they would stop the process. Having siblings working for the same royal court of Arus would be…I don't know…a conflict of interest."

At this Lance laughed. "She worries too much. I don't think Allura would have cared."

"Either way," Nate shrugged. He stood up from his seat and began to head out the door. "She just wanted to be sure nothing stood in her way. Jill's in love with Arus and this was something she has wanted to do for a long time."

"Well, I'm sure that Keith and Allura will give her the proper welcome," Lance said, then added, "Anything else I should know?"

Nate thought for a moment. There was one more thing, but he would let Jill tell them. After all, there were some things he'd rather let his sister share on her own terms.

XXXXXXXXXX

Black lion was greeted with a thunderous crowd that cheered and shouted with glee, expecting to see their new queen and prince consort. Arusian fighters soon followed close behind as they landed a few feet away from Black lion. Looking outside for a moment before walking to the exit doors of the lion, Allura turned her sights on Keith, "Alright, we're on. Don't disappoint the crowd."

Keith sighed. "Right."

"What's wrong with you?" Allura suddenly asked, paying attention to his sudden pale pallor.

"Nothing, just a small headache, I'll take something for it soon," he answered. Truthfully, he was feeling tired, but he ignored the feeling.

"Well, make sure you smile, I can't have you give the wrong perception to the people," Allura answered without any sympathy.

"I know Allura," Keith sighed, "I know."

The two stood and disembarked Black lion as they listened to the cheers from the people. As promised, Keith kept the smile on his face as he greeted the crowd. Their guards stood behind them as they made their way to the entrance of the building where Councilman Butler waited by the steps to greet them, "Your Majesty, Your Highness." The short, puffy man's smile widened, "Welcome to our city."

"Thank you so much for inviting us, Councilman Buttler," Allura replied, "My husband and I are glad to be able to be a part of the opening of the town square."

"This promises to be a wonderful event," Butler replied with glee, "I was also able to invite a number of other people and a representative from another planet as well."

Surprised, Keith replied, "I'm curious Councilman Butler, a representative from other planet?"

"Yes, your Highness," he answered, "He and I have been keeping communication lines opened for a while and he was so curious and interested in the square that, well, one thing led to another and…"

"You invited him," Keith replied with concern in his tone, "Did you notify Coran or any one of the queen's security team regarding this?"

"I…" the councilman faltered, "I didn't think it would be necessary."

"Councilman, you should have notified us. Bringing an official from another planet needs to be approved by…"

"Me," Allura interrupted as she looked at Keith, "I'm sure you are aware now and will take the necessary action so that this won't happen again, am I right Councilman?"

Nodding immediately, the portly man answered, "Yes, of course, my Queen," he said as he directed his sights to her.

"Now, could you tell me who is here?" Allura asked.

Suddenly, another voice emerged from the doors of the building, "Allura, how wonderful to see you again!"

When Keith saw who it was, his anger rose. Prince Liam walked down the steps and headed toward them with a broad smile on his handsome face.