Yep, still don't own em. If you want to sue, I'll give you my husband. Free.

-

Later, Keith paced around his office, his mind whirling in a million different directions. Damn Galaxy Garrison. They should have told us. I do not want to be crowned anything, and I know Coran is going to try and guilt me into it. Allura too, without even realizing she's doing it. Pidge is probably going to seek citizenship here on Arus. Who knows what Hazar is thinking? Is this really the beginning of peace between us? Lance and Dorma, there's another mess. And what the hell am I going to do about my parents? He felt an enormous headache coming on and rubbed his temples. His chest wound was bothering him too. I've been doing too much. I need to slow down… but I can't. I just can't. There's just too much going on right now. He sighed, and leaned his hands on the open window sill. He heard the door open, but didn't turn around.

"Keith? Honey are you all right?"

He looked up to see Allura walking towards him, her blue eyes filled with concern. He smiled. "I'm fine Allura. Just a bit overwhelmed at the moment."

She looked closely at him. Keith was pale, and there were dark circles under his eyes. He held himself stiffly, as if he was in pain. Allura placed her hand on his. "I hear you've been off riding with another woman." She teased.

Keith chuckled. "You found out about that did you? Did you like your flowers?"

"They're beautiful. She's an angel. How she can be related to Lance is beyond me." Allura rested her head against Keith's shoulder and they stood looking out the window.

"Did you get all your Coronation stuff done?" Keith asked quietly.

"Almost. Coran wants to do it immediately, before anymore crises arrive. I managed to get him to wait a week. We could all use a bit more rest. Especially you."

Keith looked down at her. "Don't you start. I'm fine, really."

No, you're not. Before Allura could answer, the door chime rang. "Damn. So much for my peace and quiet. Come in!" Keith called out.

The door opened and Marshall Graham walked in. Keith drew himself up and faced him with a scowl. Allura put a restraining hand on his arm.

"What brings you here Marshall Graham?" Keith asked coldly.

"Please Captain, Princess, I just want to talk to you both. May I?" He gestured to a chair. Keith nodded, and Graham sat down. Allura sat next to him, and after a moment, Keith took a seat behind his desk. "I never meant to cause any trouble by coming here. In fact, I was sent to offer you this." He handed Allura an envelope.

She opened it and began to read. After a few minutes she handed it to Keith. He quickly scanned the document, then looked up a Graham with suspicion. "Is this for real?"

Graham nodded. "Yes. If you sign the treaty to become part of the Alliance, Voltron will not be part of it. He will remain yours to do with as you wish. If you choose to assist Galaxy Garrison, we will be grateful. If you do not, we will manage. We did quite well before we even know about Voltron."

Allura looked at Keith. He shrugged. "It's your decision Allura."

"It's OURS." She turned back to Graham. "Marshall, I must consult with my Council before I sign anything. I trust that will be all right?"

He nodded. "Yes Majesty. Take all the time you need." Graham cleared his throat and faced Keith. "Captain. It was never our intention at Galaxy Garrison to deceive you."

Keith's tone grew icy. "Then what was it?"

"Keith, you have no idea how far up this corruption goes. Even the President of the Alliance is under close watch. We couldn't tell you. I know you're Team is as trustworthy as they come, but can you vouch for everyone else on the planet? Majesty, one of your top Council members was in collusion with Lotor. We just couldn't risk a leak."

Keith was not convinced. "I still say you should have told us something."

"Yes, we should have. Hindsight is ever perfect. But believe me, it will not happen again. I promise you that."

Keith and Allura shared another glance. "Marshall Graham, just because we on Arus are not one of your big and powerful members of the Alliance, doesn't mean my people are any less important. If we are going to be part of this, I expect to be treated no differently than them." Allura said firmly.

"I can guarantee it your Majesty." Graham told her.

"I will give you an answer in a few days. Thank-you for your apologies." Allura replied.

"Is there anything else Marshall Graham?" Keith asked.

"As a matter of fact, there is." He handed Keith another envelope. Keith opened it, and a pair of gold Star Clusters fell to his desk. He looked up at the Marshall in surprise. "Captain Montgomery, it gives me great pleasure to bestow upon you the rank of Commander." Graham smiled.

"I resigned my Commission Marshall." Keith said tentatively.

Graham shook his head. "I understand that. But I ask you to reconsider. The Alliance needs people like you and your Team, Keith. People who take their oaths seriously, and who put the welfare of others before themselves. If you choose to resign, there will be no ramifications for any of you. It is up to you, Commander." Graham paused. "There is one more thing. Your assignment."

Keith and Allura's head snapped up in surprise. "What assignment?" Keith asked.

"If you choose to accept it, you have been given command of the Dauntless."

"The Dauntless? Isn't she the new exploratory vessel?" Keith asked.

Graham nodded. "She's much more than that. While exploration is still her main function, the Dauntless is a Shadow Corps vessel. She makes the perfect cover ship to handle delicate situations. You will have choice of your officers if you choose to take the assignment." He paused to let the news sink in. "She could be yours Commander Montgomery. You just have to say the word." Graham told him.

Allura watched Keith with her heart in her throat. She saw his eyes light up at the offer of the Command.

Keith took a deep breath, and fingered the Clusters. "I can't answer you right now Marshall. I need to talk to my Team, and my wife."

Graham stood. "Of course. Lance and the others are also to be promoted in rank. You and your Team have been forgotten here long enough." He bowed to Allura and left the room.

Keith got up from his chair and paced the length of his office. Allura sat quietly, waiting for him to speak. He finally turned to look at her. "Allura…" He said hopelessly.

She rose and went into his open arms. He buried his face in her hair, and just held her, trembling. They stood there for a few minutes, before the door chime sounded again. Before Allura could call out, it opened and Lance walked in.

Lance did a double take at the look on Keith's face. "What's going on?"

Keith shook his head. "Nothing Lance…"

Lance marched over to his friend. "Bullshit! Don't lie to me Montgomery!"

Keith crushed his fists over his eyes shaking his head. Instead of answering, he stormed from the room.

Lance started after him, but Allura held him back. "No Lance! Leave him be."

Lance turned to her. "What's going on Allura?"

She shook her head. "Not here." She led him out of the Castle and down to the gardens. Sitting on a stone bench, she told Lance of the Marshall's apology and the new treaty.

Lance shrugged. "But what does that have to do with Keith? He could care less about Galaxy Garrison right now."

Allura's eyes filled with tears. "They promoted him Lance. Commander. And gave him a ship called the Dauntless."

"Dauntless? That's an exploratory ship. Talk about bor-ring."

Allura shook her head. "It's a Shadow ship. Marshall Graham said it was used to diffuse delicate situations under the cover of exploration."

Lance got to his feet. "Damn." He turned back to Allura. "Commander?" She nodded. "Damn." He said again.

"Lance, what if he accepts it?" She asked fearfully.

Lance snorted in derision. "I doubt he will."

"You didn't see his face when he held those Clusters. And when they offered him the ship. Lance, what am I going to do?" She buried her face in her hands.

Lance was at her side in an instant. He pulled her to him, and held her as she sobbed. "Easy Allura. I don't think he'll take the assignment."

She looked up at him, her face streaked with tears. "You don't?"

Lance shook his head. "He's happy here Allura. Happier than I've ever seen him."

"But it's the kind of assignment he's always wanted."

"Yeah, it is. But that was a long time ago. Priorities change. Keith loves you Allura. He's made a home here on Arus. He won't turn his back on that." Lance told her.

Allura blinked back her tears. "You really think so?"

Lance nodded. "I do." He smiled down at her. "C'mon, how many times have I ever been wrong?" He said haughtily.

She smiled back. "I don't think you want me to answer that."

He laughed at her, and after a moment she joined in. "Much better." Lance took her by the hand. "Let's go find the others. We still have a welcome home party to plan."