Author's Note: For those of you who might think this chapter is a 'stretch', I refer you to Episode 20, in the original Voltron series (my favorite one by the way) at the end, when Pidge is under the table talking to the mice! As a side note, I will say that my only regret with this story is not working the mice in!
Throne Room Presentations
Vince and Daniel were startled when they heard a knock on the door to their quarters, which were in fact a dorm room. Vince was about ready to lose it, because Daniel had nothing ready. A week ago, after they had heard about 'Fall Court', Vince had pulled out his dress uniform, and checked it out so he was set to go. Daniel, of course, had done nothing with his; in fact he didn't even have all the pieces together!
Vince went over and opened the door, hoping for a miracle. Andre stood on the other side, and said "Commander Stoker thought that you young gentlemen might need some help?" Vince let him in, and said "I think Daniel could!" Andre surveyed the situation and thought to himself 'thank goodness he sent me!'
Andre walked in and said to Daniel "Can you show me where your uniform is?" Luckily Daniel could at least do that. Andre got to work, having labored under much worse conditions! While he was arranging Daniel's clothes, Vince looked on.
Daniel was still in shock over all this! After what he referred to as his personal debacle in Arus, things had started to improve. He had groveled at Larmina's feet, which she loved. She drilled him on court protocol to the point that he felt like he could manage the award ceremony.
Daniel had also spent time with the Princess, which helped too. Two days after he had apologized, he had received a hand written invitation on her personal stationary, inviting him for tea. He had gone up to her study, which was so wonderful and bright; just like her! He made it a point to copy what she did with her food, because he had already figured out that his table manners were lacking.
They had spent some time talking about Blue Lion, and flying under combat situations. She told him about what it was like taking a Lion over, with no formal training. He remembered the situation that she had taken Blue Lion over; at least he had spent some time at the Academy. Then, just two days ago, she had invited him up for lunch. They had talked about personal matters, and his life experiences. He felt like she understood where he was coming from.
He had heard various comments about why the Princess was not flying missions anymore. The general reason was that she was busy with the business of the Kingdom. People seemed to think that it was the correct thing that she was doing; she was Crown Princess after all! Daniel had a sneaking suspicion what the real reason was. He had sisters, and was not as insensitive as people might think. He wasn't sure he wanted to be around when the whole story came out!
Andre looked over at him and said "I think you are ready to go!" He then helped Daniel into the uniform, and made sure everything was straight. Vince saw that Daniel finally looking presentable, and said to Andre "You are a miracle worker!" Andre smiled at Vince and said "I am good at what I do!"
Vince said "So I know that you are getting your Lion Badge, and that you are taking over Blue Lion. What are Hunk and Pidge getting?" Daniel, who had spent time talking with Larmina had a partial answer. He said now, "According to Larmina, awards are not announced ahead of time. People guess what they are, based upon the order of presentation. The awards to the end are the higher level of awards." Vince nodded and said "Well, let's bring that up." After scanning it, he said "Well you and Hunk are towards the end, but Pidge is last!" Daniel smiled for the first time all morning, and said "Well then he must be getting the big award!"
Andre, listening to Daniel talk, almost laughed out loud at the comment Daniel made. He thought to himself 'if you only knew!' Andre had spent what would have been the Crown Prince's birthday at his tomb. He remembered what life was like, before the Drule invasion and the war. After the Crown Prince's death, and what he thought of as the dark period, he had questioned so many things. However, he had preserved, because he knew that was what the Crown Prince had done.
When Lord Montrane had approached him, to go to the Dry Valleys, he was more than willing, just to get out of the stables. Looking back now, at meeting the 'Arusian Fox' as he referred to his new boss, he knew that the Crown Prince was looking out for him. Andre also knew that the Crown Prince was taking care of his baby sister too! Things were going to be fine!
Keith was coming from his quarters, heading to the first floor, when he ran into Vince and Daniel. He looked them over, and "You both look very good!" Vince laughed and said "If Pidge had not sent Andre to us Daniel would still be in his shorts!" They all had a good laugh at that, even Keith.
He knew that Andre took care of both Pidge's and Lance's clothes. When he had first found out about it, he had gone to talk to Andre. Andre told him that he was happy to do it, and would he like is clothes looked after too? Keith had thrown up his hands, and chalked Andre up to another idiosyncrasy of Arus.
When they arrived at the throne room, a small part of him regretted not taking Andre up on his offer, when he saw Lance and Pidge. Lance looked good in his dress uniform; they had always been tailored for him and fit perfectly. Keith had never envied Lance his family's money, as Lance was down to earth and generous. His graduation party, from the Academy, was still the talk of their class. Lance's Father took over the whole top story of the best hotel, and spared no expense on food, drink, and entertainment.
Pidge was as well turned out as Lance, Keith thought. He was willing to bet that Andre had taken Pidge under his wing. He knew that Andre was grateful to Pidge for getting him the job; no, it wasn't the Crown Prince, but Keith had seen how much Andre enjoyed being around the pilots. He had come to appreciate Andre's insight at times, regarding events and people. At the back of Keith's mind he had to wonder if he had met Andre like Pidge did, would he have taken the time to get to know him, or just shut him out.
Keith was rather interested in the whole 'court' thing. The last time he had been Arus peace had just been declared, but everyone was still shell shocked by the war years. Now, as he looked over the Throne Room, dazzling with crystal chandeliers, brilliant uniforms, and women in colorful gowns with jewels, he knew that Arus had risen again.
Several months ago he would have dismissed the whole thing as nonsense, and complained about the time away from training. However, since he was trying to get back into Allura's good graces, he wanted to understand her world. Keith had seen how the last week of Allura's life had been taken up getting ready for this, so he wanted to see the finished product. While Vince and Daniel talked to Lance and Pidge, he talked to Hunk and Chip; Pidge's brother had come in yesterday, which Keith knew made Pidge happy.
Daniel was enjoying the whole experience more than he thought he would have. Andre had been a big help, and he appreciated Pidge sending him over to help him. Now, being in the Throne Room, talking with his idols as an equal, he felt like the world was opening up to him. He felt that even more when he caught site of Larmina out of the corner of his eye.
Larmina was coming up to them, accompanied by Baroness Stehen. Larmina was dressed in white and gold, which showed off her flaming hair. Her over dress was white satin, heavily embroidered with gold thread. The front was cut open to show an under dress of white satin shot with gold. It sat low on her shoulders, and was cut tight to her chest and waist. It was floor length and had a small train. Her hair was up, anchored in place by a tiara of gold and diamond leaves.
Lance looked over at them, and smiled at the Baroness, who was dressed in a crimson velvet version of Larmina's dress. He said "Baroness Stehen, you look dazzling! When do I get my date?" As he said it, he took her hand and kissed it. She smiled at him, and said "Commander McClain, I am a married woman, and old enough to be your Mother!" Lance gave her a brilliant smile and said "That doesn't mean you don't like to go out!" The Baroness tossed her head and said "You are shameless!" Lance laughed and winked at her.
"Her Royal Highness has agreed that Her Ladyship my stand with you during the ceremony. However, she did request that you chaperone her, and make sure that no 'hoolgismsim' goes on'!" As she said this, she looked over at Daniel and Vince. Lance said to her "I will keep a close eye on her, don't worry!" After she left Keith said to Lance "Boy, you as a chaperone?"
Larmina laughed and said "Actually I am here to chaperone Lance! He is too much of a flirt!" Lance looked over at Daniel and Vince, who were staring at Larmina in her form fitting costume, with open mouths. Lance said "Larmina, considering how good you look, I might need to take my responsibilities very seriously!"
Larmina, who was busy talking to Hunk and Chip, didn't hear Lance. However, as he looked at Daniel and Vince, standing there still opened mouth, he suddenly felt very old. He said to both of them in a low voice "Stop staring, it is impolite! And don't forget that she can take you out, very painfully!" Daniel and Vince understood Lance's glare!
Keith saw that they were in a good position in the room; close to the throne. He was curious to see how the whole thing worked. Suddenly he heard the two large doors at the back start to open, and the room got very quiet. He saw Count Fredericks come in, dressed a uniform dripping with medals, and gold braid. He was carrying a large staff, with the coat of arms of the Arusian Royal Family at the top of a gold lion. After the doors were completely open he stepped to the left, and pounded on the floor three times, with the staff.
"Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess Allura of Arus!" He announced in a loud voice. Keith had to hand it to the Count; he did put on a good show. The Royal Anthem started to play, and Keith almost smiled, thinking of the bet that Lance and Daniel had made. It seemed so long ago now, and he couldn't believe all that had happened.
When Allura walked in, Keith was once again reminded of how much she had changed since he had been gone. He looked at her now, in the dazzling silver gown, with more diamonds on than he could imagine. In addition to her tiara that reminded him of diamond flames shooting up, she had an elaborate chocker of them around her neck, and a necklace below it that covered most of her chest. Considering how low her dress was cut, he thought it was probably good that she had it on. Several bracelets over her white gloves, and diamond earrings with pear drops completed the outfit. She looked every inch a Crown Princess, he thought.
Two hours later, Keith had to admire Allura's stamina! He had watched her stand there perfectly straight, and hand out the various medals and awards. She was gracious, smiling, and never looked tired at all. For his part, his feet hurt, and he was getting hungry. He was envious when he saw that Lance, Pidge, and Hunk had all brought a small snack that they managed to eat quickly. He had noticed some other people doing that to, as well some flasks being discretely passed around. Lance did offer him some of his, but Keith didn't want alcohol on an empty stomach.
James Fitzpatrick was waiting for his name to called, and feeling rather nervous about it. He had been surprised when he saw his name on the list, but Reneta had told him that he deserved it. They had chatted a bit, after the theater, about Pidge and his date, but not since then. James had seen Pidge several times since then. Pidge had told him about another play that he and 'Allie' had been to see, that he thought Reneta would like. He was amazed at how casual Pidge was about the whole thing!
When his name was called, he walked up to the dais, stopped and saluted, then stepped forward. He was close enough to get a good look at the Crown Princess, and knew that his wife had been right about the identity of Pidge's girl friend. He heard her say "Major Fitzpatrick, on behalf of the Kingdom of Arus I award you the Distinguished Service Cross." She handed him a box with the medal in it, and smiled. He stepped back, saluted again, and then walked back to his place. He whispered to his wife, "Boy, she's good; she didn't bat an eye at me!"
When Daniel's name was called he felt Larmina push him out. He walked up to the proper spot, saluted, and then stepped forward. He saw the Princess take a Blue Ribbon that had a gold lion head hanging on it, from the tray next to her. He bent forward, and she fastened it around his neck, and then he straightened up and heard her say "May you and Blue Lion guard and protect the galaxy, and the Kingdom of Arus, while upholding the dignity of the throne." Daniel saw her wink at him with that last comment; it took everything to keep from smiling, because he knew the reference for the remark.
When it was Hunk's turn, Keith was surprised to hear his real name being used, since Hunk never did. Hunk walked up, and after saluting, he was presented with the Order of King Alefor, for exceptional service to the Kingdom. Pidge had told him that it was the highest award that could be given to a non Arusian citizen.
Lance was getting tired of the whole show, and concerned about Larmina. He noticed several young men looking in her direction, and he knew exactly what young men were interested in. He had been one once after all! He said to Pidge "Did they forget you?" Pidge said back to him "I think several young men will be after you for an introduction to Larmina. You are her chaperone after all."
Keith had overheard Lance and Pidge, and wanted to laugh at the position Lance found himself in. Lance would have to protect Larmina from exactly the kind of boy that he had been. There had to be some justice in that. Just then he heard Hunk say to Pidge "Your next!"
"Commander Darrell Stoker!" Pidge stepped out and walked up to the dais, stopped and saluted. He looked up at Allie, doing his best to keep a poker face. She looked dazzling as she smiled a proper smile at him, and said "Commander Stoker, in recognition for your service to the Kingdom of Arus, including the reconstruction of the info structure, the Cathedral and Plaza Square, the ..." As Allura went on with everything Pidge had done, Lance turned to Keith and whispered to Keith "I told you he rebuilt Arus. Can't they just say that?"
Allura finally came to the end of his accomplishments and said "We bestow on you the Duchy of Strondheim! Please kneel." Allura turned and picked a sword up from the tray, and held it. Daniel whispered to Larmina "Will she decapitate him?" Larmina shot him a nasty look.
Lance whispered in his ear "If he wasn't full of himself before, what is he going to be like now!" Keith was in shock as he watched Pidge kneel before Allura, and she touched both shoulders with the sword, and then said "Arise Your Grace, Duke of Strondheim." Pidge stood up, took her hand and air kissed it like they had practiced. He knew he would get the real kissing later. He stepped back several paces, saluted, and walked back to where he had been standing. Keith looked over at him, and tried to smile. He knew he should not be feeling what he was feeling.
