As I lay under the stars

A shower washes over me

One bright light adorned me from afar

Leaving me healed from all my scars

This outcome is not one I imagined.

Someone so beautiful

It's sublime

A king

So strong and kind

For the first time

My stars are aligned

-Lee

"You're beautiful," Keith murmured as his breath tickled her ear. Allura's skin warmed at the touch of his calloused hands. The heat from his hands radiated through Allura's body like fire, causing her back to arch in response.

"Thank you," was the only reply she could muster.

Keith's breath caught as Allura dug her nails into his back. He surged forward, catching her in a passionate kiss. "Don't you dare stop," Allura whimpered. The request added gasoline to an already blazing fire. His dark hair kept dropping in his eyes as they kissed, but he didn't let that interrupt his flow.

Allura willed her legs to grip his waist, but they quivered too much.

Above her was only the sky. The moon only illuminated Keith's alabaster skin enough to see the beads of sweat sparkle on him. She felt how much Keith wanted her as his pants barely contained his desire. The friction of his jeans made Allura more ravenous.

"I need those gone." Allura tugged at Keith's belt loop. Within a flash, Keith removed his jeans and his boxers, tossing them aside. Allura licked her bottom lip as his marble strong body was exposed before her.

Before Allura could gather her thoughts, Keith's hands spread her legs. His kisses traveled further up her legs before he met her eyes with a devilish glint. His fingers nimbly weaved their way through the band of her sheer pink panties before he stripped them off.

Allura drew in a deep breath as the air shifted, temporarily cooling her core. She prepared herself in anticipation before Keith dipped his head, teasing her center with his mouth. His hands clutched her thighs holding her in place.

"Ah!" A pleasurable yelp escaped her lips. Allura tried to gain control over the euphoria washing over her like a turbulent ocean crashing on the shore. Before Allura found release, Keith sat up, kissing his way up her body, savoring every inch of her skin before meeting her lips again.

Keith nibbled on her earlobe. The stubble on his chin set Allura's senses in overdrive. A whisper followed his gentle kisses.

'I love you."

"I love you too."

Keith knotted her hair in his fingers, exposing her neck to him. His kisses became rough and relentless. Then Keith hovered over Allura, using his hardness to tease her.

"Do you want me to stop?" Keith flashed a naughty smile.

Allura used her thumb to brush Keith's lips before pulling him into a heated kiss. Keith surged ahead, flinging her leg over his shoulder to gain further access.

Allura tried to ride the waves of delight that incessantly crashed into her, but it was no use. She was at his mercy.

And she loved it.

Every time she moaned, he ruthlessly caught her in an open-mouth kiss while thwarting her efforts to grip his back. His hand groped her breast and the other hand laced with hers. Keith's motion is complex and quick, and his touch is soothing and gentle. The sensation was spellbinding.

"Oh, Keith," she whined. Maybe too loudly, but Allura didn't care. His name is like a confection on her lips. She felt the joy from Keith anointing her everywhere his hands wandered. He continuously hums Allura's name, a hymn delightful to her ears. Her body spasmed with ecstasy from her black paladin leader.

He pressed deep into her loins endlessly into the night. Keith was more than a knight. He was her Prince, her commander, her most profound love.

And finally, he was all hers.

Meanwhile, the team is on the bridge. The sterile walls with blue-up lighting were, at times, a strain on the eyes, especially when tired. Pidge found herself again in the middle of solving an insurmountable problem- all while dealing with her turmoil.

But this is what she does. She has gotten accustomed to working diligently through exhaustion to save the universe.

Pidge raged through the networks spreading a virus that wiped that recording throughout the Galaxy. Her glasses reflect the active computer code scrolling online as she worked. "Damn, I could use a cup of coffee."

Kira placed coffee next to Pidge, almost as if she had read her mind.

"Thank you," Pidge swiped it before the coffee settled. "Damn, Kira, you are good at this." Pidge took heavy gulps.

"Thank you. Hunk taught me," Kira smiled. "He wanted me to know all of your likes in the event you were here, and he wasn't."

Pidge, unable to break her concentration, topped off her cup. "Remind me to hug him later. I know he's in with Shay."

"Yes, and she's doing well!" Coran said happily. "I'm happy we will have another paladin around here!"

Pidge typed faster. "Good, because then you can replace me."

"What?!" Coran exclaimed. "You can't leave us!"

Pidge shook her head, chuckling. "Cool your jets, Coran. Lance is who you need to worry about."

Coran furrowed his brow. "I'm aware."

"On another note, have you read these comments about Keith and Allura?" Pidge wrinkled her nose.

Coran winced. "Admittedly, I've read some."

"Yeah, it's interesting for sure," Pidge shook her head. "That audio is steamy."

"Pidge!" Coran exclaimed, half chuckling.

"What?" Pidge batted her eyes. "How do you expect me to create an application that would recognize the audio without listening to it?!"

Coran sighed. "Well, at least it confirms what I already knew. They've been in love for a long time."

Pidge swung around in her chair. "So you listened to it too?!"

Coran fiddled his thumbs. "Well, I had to know how much damage this debacle would do to Allura!"

"Sure!" Pidge said sarcastically. "Ugh," She removed her glasses to rub her eyes. "It looks like they are trending. The whole thing is all over the universe. I am releasing viruses to slow the spread, but it's popular."

"What is?" Romelle stumbled in, stifling a yawn. "What's going on?"

"I think I'll take my leave," Kira nodded before exiting.

"Keith and Allura hookup got leaked." Pidge rubbed her temples. "Yulexa's final blow to Allura in case we got free." Pidge frowned. "To be honest, I'm worried. Allura is going to be devastated."

"Oh no!" Romelle gasped. "Do you listen?" Romelle bit the side of her lip. "You know, just to make sure it was them?"

"Romelle!" Coran exclaimed.

"Ha! You see Coran?!" Pidge laughed. "We're not the only ones in horny jail."

Coran's face turned beet red.

"What are they saying?" Romelle batted her eyes innocently.

"Well," Pidge started. "Mostly that, 'she made an excellent choice in Keith… When's the wedding?... He's overachieving everywhere… the Empress keeps it within the team...Very unbecoming of Royalty…." Pidge wrinkled her nose. "Poor Allura."

"Can I see?" Romelle peered over Pidge's shoulder.

Pidge patted the chair next to her. "Sure, knock yourself out."

Romelle cleared her throat. "Wow, these comments about Lance are mixed." She bit her lip. "Well, I guess that's revenge for cheating…Keith is a better choice… Free Lance." Romelle giggled. "I told Allura, Keith is quite dreamy."

Pidge stopped typing to stare at Romelle. "Wow, who knew emo Keith would be a Casanova."

Romelle, unfazed by their joking, continued reading out loud. "We need Lance… without him. There is no Voltron…." Romelle gasped. "Oh, that's a popular sentiment," Romelle gnawed at her nail. "Should we be concerned?"

"We should be." Coran frowned. "Lance went home to earth. I don't know a way forward!"

"Relax, Coran," Pidge rubbed her temples. "Lance wouldn't abandon us if we needed him."

Coran grimaced. "I sure hope you're right."

"Anyway," Pidge stood up, stretching. "Looks like the bugs I put out are spreading. Anyone that opens the file will get Allura's last speech instead."

"That is wonderful news, number five!" Coran cheered. "I can finally sleep."

"So can I." Pidge stood up and yawned. "Wake me whenever Allura and Keith come out of hiding." Pidge gave a weak wave and headed to her quarters.

The next day, Pidge was back on the bridge. The second, Allura and Keith returned to Allura's quarters from the sky room, and there was a message from Coran to report to the bridge at once.

"I managed to plant a virus to wipe out any sound bites from that audio." Pidge leaned back in her chair, debriefing Hunk. "Piece of cake."

"What audio?" Pidge swung her chair around to see Keith followed by Allura entering the bridge.

"Uh, Hi Keith, Hi Allura, the thing is-" Pidge started.

"That is what I wanted to talk to you both about," Coran said, cutting Pidge off to her relief. His usual jovial demeanor turned serious. "You may want to sit down."

Allura felt the blood rush to her head.

What now?

"During the invasion on the moon, apparently when you found the evidence of Yullexa's dealings, well…" Coran trailed off.

"What is it, Coran?" Allura pressed.

Coran rubbed his temples. "The audio of you two sharing intimacy was sent all over the planet."

"WHAT?" Allura shot up out of her seat. Keith grabbed Allura's hand and squeezed it.

"Oh, my word!" She shrieked. "That- that was private!"

"Allura, I took care of it as fast as possible," Pidge urged. "But some people still heard it."

Allura stood up from her seat while the team remained seated. Her heels echoed through the room as she paced. "I can't believe this happened!" Allura choked. Hot tears welled in her eyes. "My reputation is ruined!"

"The comments are mixed at best," Coran held out the tablet for Allura and Keith to read. "I think you can recover."

"Uh, Coran, I don't think that is a good idea," Hunk bit his cheek.

"Nonsense," Coran shrugged off the comment. "She has a right to know."

"Please do not speak of me as if I'm not here." Allura took the tablet from Coran.

As she scanned the comments, her face turned from pink to bright red. Her hands trembled so much, the tablet slipped from her fingers, shattering on the floor.

The team exchanged looks, afraid to comment. The air was heavier than it's ever been. Tears streamed from Allura's eyes, burning her cheeks.

"Allura," Keith stood up to place his hand on her shoulder. Her body shuttered under the comforting weight of his hand. "Pidge said she took care of it, Allura. It will be okay."

"That is easy for you to say, Keith." Allura snapped. "The public respects you for bedding me while I am just some harlot."

"Allura," Keith sighed. "This is not easy for me either."

"Well, it seems like it," Allura barked. "It would appear it's easier."

"Hey! Flag on the play!" Hunk interjected. "Can't we just all get along?"

"Hunk, this is not football." Pidge pushed up her glasses.

Hunk raised his hands in the air. "Well, someone has to call a timeout!"

Keith sucked in his breath. "I'll be outside." Then before anyone could respond, he left.

Allura glanced at everyone, still overcome with emotion. "Thank you all." With that, she walked out.

"Think they'll be alright?" Hunk said, picking the skin off his nails.

"I'll go talk to her." Romelle stood up.

Pidge placed her hand on Romelle's shoulder. "No, let them work this out."

Romelle nodded.

"Hopefully, they can go back to making audio tunes," Pidge joked.

Hunk laughed. "Gross."

Allura wandered down the hall toward her greenhouse when she heard a voice. "I can't believe you think this doesn't bother me."

Allura peered down one of her many dark hallways where she heard the voice. As she walked down the hallway in darkness, she spotted Keith fiddling with his knife.

"You don't plan on stabbing me with that, do you?" She said half-heartedly.

Keith rolled his eyes, putting away his blade. "Of course not."

Allura leaned against the opposite wall, both unwilling to break the silence.

"That wasn't cool, Allura," Keith muttered.

"Which part?" Allura crossed her arms.

Keith took a deep breath. "All of it." Keith scowled.

"I apologize for upsetting you," Allura said quietly. "It's just a lot to digest when you are celebrated for something I am censured for."

"Yeah, but it doesn't mean it's easier," Keith frowned. "How I feel about you is something I don't mind being public, but that was personal. I wouldn't say that I am sentimental, but I didn't want that broadcasted." Keith folded his arms before meeting Allura's eyes. "It's embarrassing."

"I'm sorry, Keith," Allura touched Keith's hand. "I should've realized."

Keith squeezed her hand in response. "I'm not the enemy," Keith met Allura's eyes. "I don't like being treated like it either."

"I shouldn't have taken my bad feelings out on you." Allura shook her head. "I should know how to manage better." Allura rubbed her arms. "Lance isn't here. My public reputation has taken a hit, and believe it or not; we're vulnerable. If Yulexa wanted to tear us apart and destroy me in the process, it looks like she accomplished that."

Keith pushed himself off the wall. "Only if you let her."

"I am trying not to let this be the end of me," Allura chewed her bottom lip. "Keith, I can't seem to win." Allura slumped down to the floor. "Reading the comments made me realize there is quite the double standard." A tear escaped Allura's eyes.

Keith tilted Allura's head to meet his. "When will you see that what bothers you bothers me?" Keith used his thumb to wipe the tear from her face. "I don't know how else I can show you."

"Keith, I'm sorry, I-"

Keith interrupted Allura with a kiss. He cradled her head with the strength and sweet intimacy that she craved. Allura pulled Keith closer; her hands traveled down his back, memorizing every tantalizing spot on his body. Their tongues fervently entwine while Keith deepens the kiss.

Allura feels her body ignite, and his fingers expertly roam her body. When her fervor threatened to set her body ablaze, Allura pulled away, breathless.

"We can't out here," Allura's cheeks turned a slight blush.

Keith rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I don't know if I can handle another scandal. We still are dealing with this one."

Allura's cheeks brightened into crimson. "I know. I want to forget everything. Just for today."

Keith chuckled as he stood up. He dusted his pants off before reaching down to pull up Allura.

"We can always continue this in the lion." He sparkled with a mischievous smile, pulling her into a tight hug. His hands roamed down her back. "It's private," Keith pressed a soft kiss on Allura's neck. "I can make you forget everything there."

Allura swatted Keith's arm. "You didn't get enough last night?!" She said in a hushed whisper. "My legs still ache!"

"You can always be on top." Keith cracked a half-smile.

"Keith!" Allura giggled shyly. "You're being naughty."

"What can I say?" Keith's mood shifted from tender to feral. His face nuzzled in Allura's neck, breathing in her scent. "I can't seem to get enough," he murmured.

Allura peered into the hallway before grabbing Keith's hand. "Okay, let's hurry before we're missed."

Outside in front of the castle, the air blew as a crowd of Arusians and Alteans gathered in front of a stage in the palace gardens. The sentiment across Arus was critical of her performance. Her people were struggling due to higher trade, and people were upset about the recent attack on the palace.

It was a warm day, and for the first time, Allura would address her people since the attack. The stakes were high, and she was a bundle of nerves.

I never freeze.

Allura stood on a stage in front of all of her people with her hands at her sides. Her hair blew gently in the wind, and Allura tucked it behind her ear. She immediately regretted wearing it down as now it was a distraction.

In front of her was a sea full of expectant faces. It was tense. The air was supposed to feel conforming but instead felt thick.

Allura drew in a breath to slow her galloping heart. The sound of polite applause gnawed at her because she knew her people's feelings. Lance was not in attendance, Allura called off the wedding, and most importantly, her people sustained an attack from one of their own under her watch.

Although she won the battle, the war of public opinion was waged against her. And a significant part of that war? Her relationship with Keith.

Allura never expected to be wholly enraptured with someone. To find a man who isn't just her physical equal but an equal life partner. Keith is rough, quiet, temperamental, impulsive, even. But that was just the surface. It's just the cover of a magnificent book. Inside, he is a caring, methodical strategist who has led the team through the worst fight of their lives. Each time, he risked his life without question. One could say he is just like Alfor. Because Keith, like Alfor, was willing to die to save her.

Her father made a deal with the gods to send him.

Now that the audio of her and Keith was released thinking about it made Allura's head spin. Although there are no traces of it now, people did hear it. For the first time in a long time, Allura's stomach churned.

Pull it together, Allura.

She cleared her throat.

"Citizens of Arus."

Allura's knuckles turned white while gripping the podium.

"In no way am I here to minimize the events here. Recently, we had an insurrection here and on the nearest moon. Our allies, the blades of Marmora, and the paladins led by Commander Keith neutralized the threat. But, in the heat of battle, I struck down Yulexa, one of our own."

Gasps from the crowd reached her ears.

Before Allura could catch herself, her fingers tapped the off switch to her prompter. As the tics passed, her audience glanced at each other.

"Allura!" Coran held his hand near his mouth. "Are you alright? You turned off your speech monitor!"

Allura stole a glance over her shoulder only to lock eyes with Keith. He flashed her a subtle wink. Pidge and Hunk gave her a thumbs up matched with their award-winning grins. Collectively, the team's encouragement gave her the strength to continue.

They deserve to hear from my heart. It wasn't a simple rundown of state matters.

With that, Allura planted a smile on her face and resumed.

"I had a speech planned, but I thought I should speak from my heart."

Allura paused, glancing at the expectant crowd. The warm Arusian air caressed her skin, giving her the strength she needed. Allura sucked in a deep breath to slow the quick pace of her heart before continuing.

"Voltron, the Defender Of The Universe, is a title that my father aptly called his creation. But there is so much more to it than just a superweapon. It's made up of five paladins. Those five Paladins are my family." A tear threatened to escape Allura's eyes as she glanced back at the paladins. "A family that found me and rescued me after thousands of years."

Allura brushed a wandering strand from her eyes.

"From there, I sought to correct the course. My goal was to rescue the universe from the grips of Zarkon. Honerva and Zarkon were once allies but dabbled in a world they didn't understand and paid a hefty price. Kir monsters turned the friends I knew growing up into mortal enemies."

"At the time, I did not understand. I told my father to use Voltron and fight. However, he chose to lead with peace—a decision my parents paid for with their lives."

"That also meant saving our people from Prince Lotor, who stripped our people of quintessence in the effort to gain power. Later, we defended the universe against his mother, who was heartbroken over the loss of her relationship with her husband and son."

"Although Honerva sacrificed herself to show her remorse for the pain she caused, her legacy still lives within some of you. However, like my father, I wish to live in an era of peace. Not in a constant state of war."

"Nevertheless, if I'm faced with undying loyalty to Honerva and defending this universe, I will continue to risk my life. Just like I did against one of our own, Yulexa."

"There has been a lot of misinformation about me," Allura drew in another breath. "About this kingdom and Voltron. Without you—my people— I cease to be Empress, Princess, or whatever title you bestow upon me.

"For those who believe in me, I am honored. And for those who aren't convinced, I ask that you allow me to fight for you."

"I, alongside Commander Keith, Lance, Pidge, and Hunk, will forever be in your debt. I am grateful for the ability to serve you as your leader."

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause. It was like someone lifted a weight off of Allura's chest. The echoes of the cheers filled her ears. She hoped that this was a win, but that reoccurring pit in her stomach knew better.

Allura peered again at Keith, only to be greeted by a rare smile. In that brief moment, he made everything alright. Then, Allura left the podium with the paladins close behind.

Coran ran to the microphone. "That will be all today; if there are any more questions, we will respond at a later date!"

"Allura, what was that all about?" Coran asked as he followed Allura into her office with the others.

Allura swung around to face Coran. "I spoke from my heart."

"You left out the scandal, Allura!" Coran rebutted. "You never addressed why Lance was not there."

Allura rubbed her temples. "I don't know a way forward with Lance right now. And we have more serious matters to worry about. Besides, the audio has been wiped away."

"Yes, but that is what our people want to know," Coran challenged. "You spoke about Lance as he is noticeably absent."

Allura leaned on her desk. "Coran, it would not be the first time we were down a paladin. Remember when Shiro passed?"Allura reminded Coran. "Lance is not dead. He's back on earth."

"Yes, but what-"

"Coran, we have Olian to worry about." Allura waved her hand. "He is still threatening us with tariffs unless we provide proof that we didn't work with Yulexa in murdering Asul."

"My mother is working on that," Keith said from a darkened office corner. "I wouldn't worry."

Allura glanced over at Keith to see him once again fiddling with his blade.

"We need to worry about what to do about Lance! Others may sense weakness and attack! But if you secure Lance and officially join our Kingdoms by marrying Keith, we can stave off further dissection!"

Allura bit her cheek. "Keith and I haven't connected on that yet, Coran."

"Why not?" Coran pressed. "Time is of the essence!"

"You just want to plan a wedding." Pidge laughed.

Coran's face turned beet red. "I do not!"

Keith abruptly stood up. "I'm going to step out."

"Wait, Keith," Coran touched Keith's arm. "This is about you too!"

Keith flashed a cold glare. "Clearly, it's not." Keith snatched his arm away and walked out without another word.

Coran turned his attention to Allura. "I thought he was on board with the wedding?"

"Coran, leave this to me," Allura cracked a frown. "It is my kingdom and my life."

With that, Allura turned her heel and left.

"So, does that mean I won't be able to roast my famous Kalua pork for the reception?" Hunk joked half-heartedly.

Pidge and Coran shared a collective sigh.

"What?"

Allura entered Keith's quarters to find him packing his clothes. Her heart pounded in her ears at the sight of him leaving. Allura hated seeing that. It brought up old wounds from when he left the last time. Of the nights she spent crying because he was gone.

At the time, she wasn't able to talk to her father. Unfortunately, her ability to speak with him had been destroyed along with the old castle crystal. But she would soon discover that Keith was just as wise and easy to talk to as her father.

However, his ability to relate to her in every situation made it torture when he left. Although the other paladins were there, she was lonely. Since then, she has matured. Still, seeing him go stings deep inside.

"I take it you're angry," Allura said flatly.

Keith didn't look up. "What gave it away?"

Allura sighed. "You left in quite a huff, and before that, you were fiddling with your knife. You always do that when you're agitated."

"I need a new tell," Keith grumbled.

Allura folded her hands in front of her. "I know that Coran was pushy back there, but he means us well."

"I didn't say he didn't," Keith huffed.

"Then what is it?" Allura prodded.

"I am going to earth to get Lance." Keith looked up at Allura. "Coran is right. We can't show weakness."

"What if he doesn't return?" Allura challenged. "What will we do?"

"Let me worry about that," Keith mumbled.

Allura threw up her arms. "So that's it? What about the wedding? Do you still want to do that? Or do you think this will fix everything?"

Keith stopped packing and took a seat on his bed. Seeing a space, Allura sat next to him, placing her hands on her lap.

"Allura, I don't think you understand," Keith started. "I would've married you right after we got flung into space…." Keith trailed off. "I would have the day I met you."

Allura's eyes grew wide. "But you hardly knew me!"

"But I knew you were the one for me," Keith touched her knee. "At least then, it would have been about us."

Allura met Keith's gaze. "You're upset because we have to do this in front of an audience? But we can't avoid that."

Keith shook his head. "No, I am annoyed that it is less about us and more about politics."

"Oh, I see," Allura frowned.

"I wanted our wedding to be about how we feel about each other," Keith ran his hand through his hair. "I didn't even get to ask you to marry me."

"Is that an earth custom?" Allura touched Keith's shoulder, meeting his eyes. "Asking someone you love to marry them?"

Keith's face turned pink. "Yeah. But now, it's just a big spectacle."

Allura chuckled a little. "We know how much you hate spectacles."

Keith raised his eyebrow. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"You left while we were trying to unite the universe," Allura smiled. "Don't think I forgot about that."

Keith grimaced. "It was more productive to find out where Lotor was." Keith stood up and resumed packing. "Just like it's more productive for me to hash things out with Lance."

Allura stood up and kissed Keith on the cheek. "Be safe," she smiled. "Come back to me."

Keith, in turn, pulled her into his arms, holding her close. His forehead met hers. The minty sensation of his breath tickled her nose.

"I will, Allura," he placed a soft kiss on her lips, savoring the taste of her lip gloss. "I always will."

Pidge headed back to her room after a long day. It's has been one emergency after another. She honestly was unsure if it was good or bad. Because on the one hand, the emergencies kept her from focusing on her turmoil. On the other, Allura is hurting, and in essence, so is the team.

Pidge still hasn't heard from James, not that she had a chance to check her messages. And Lance, well… Lance left her feeling a tornado of emotions.

Her hologram communication unit rang as she entered her quarters to get undressed.

"Damnit, just when I was going to shower." She peered at it to see it was Lance. He looked like he had bought expensive clothing from his video.

"Hello?" Pidge answered.

"Hiya Pidge, you would have thought I died!" Lance joked.

"And you look like you've been to Hollywood." Pidge laughed.

"Yeah, I've been here and there," Lance smiled. "You gonna come to visit me?"

"How can you even ask me that, Lance?" Pidge asked. "The kiss we shared ruined my relationship."

"Do you regret it?" Lance frowned.

Pidge shivered at the memory of their kiss. "I-I never said that."

"How about you come back to earth, and we can talk about everything? I have a new place and…There is an extra room for you if you like."

"If I come back, I'm not staying at your place, Lance."

"Well, let me not beat around the bush," Lance folded his arms. "I want you, and I want to be with you, Pidge."

"But-."

"You don't have to decide now," Lance said, cutting her off. "Just come back home, and we can talk about whatever your decision is, okay?"

"Whatever, I'll let you know when I touch down." Pidge sighed.

"Cool," Lance grinned. "Talk to you soon." Before Pidge could respond, Lance disconnected.

Pidge flopped on her bed, placing her head in her hands.

I don't know how I'm going to do this.