Darcy's eyes fluttered open.  Light was filtering into her room and across the bed.  She blinked and turned her head to the right, a small smile crossed her lips.  Lance was sprawled on his stomach beside her.  His face was turned toward her, his eyes closed, his mouth opened slightly, and one hand was lying flat on the pillow beside his face.  Right now, at this moment, all was right with her world.

            It had been a week since Keith and Allura had presented Jesse with the decree.  So far they hadn't heard anything from him or his uncle.  Her family had just left the day before.  After they met with Dr. Gorma and learned that Darcy would indeed be alright, they relaxed and enjoyed their visit.  Lance had succeeded in charming her family.  Mrs. Barlow thought the world of him and Becca felt a twinge of jealousy when she saw how Lance cared for and loved her sister.  Mr. Barlow gave his guarded approval, as any father would when his little girl was involved.  They left with an open invitation from Allura to return whenever they wanted to.

            Her bandages had been removed, exposing a long, ugly scar.  Dr. Gorma promised that it would fade a bit with time and that they would eventually be able to perform some plastic surgery.  It would never be totally gone, but they would be able to make it less noticeable.  She hadn't felt any deep stabbing pains in a while.  A dull throb would sometimes invade her chest, but she was able to handle it with no pain relievers. 

            She rolled onto her side and watched Lance sleep.  He had worked the late shift the night before and sneaked into her bed a little after 1:00 in the morning.  Over the past week he had found his way into her bed each night and sneaked out before anyone saw him each morning.  They hadn't gone beyond a kiss good night, just enjoyed being together.  Darcy found that she had been sleeping better with him there.  The nightmares that had plagued her sleep when she was in the hospital had all but disappeared.

            Reaching over, she tickled his ear.  Lance's hand reached up and swatted at his ear.  She smiled and ran her hand down his neck to his shoulders.  He shuddered slightly when her cool hand slid over his warm skin.

            "Good morning," she whispered into his ear as she snuggled closer to him, running her hand down his back.

            Lance's eyes opened slightly, "Good morning."

            Darcy leaned over and kissed the nape of his neck, his shoulders, gently massaging his back.

            "You're feeling frisky."  He murmured.

            "I feel really good this morning and I love you."  She said.

            Lance rolled onto his side and faced her.  "No pain?"

            "Nope."  She smiled at him. 

            He leaned over and kissed her, deeply.  "I would love to continue this, but I have to head to practice."

            "You have to?"  She pouted.

            He turned his head to look at her bedside clock, "Yeah.  Next time, wake me half an hour earlier."

            "Alright."  She watched him climb out of the bed and walk around to her side of the bed, he bent and kissed her again.

            "I'll be back later."  He promised.

            "You better."  She stretched as watched him sneak out of the room.  Soon, Nanny would arrive with her breakfast.  Then Dr. Gorma would come and give her a quick examination and she would then shower, dress, and crawl back into bed.  A couple of days earlier, she was able to convince the nurse that she didn't need help bathing and dressing.

            The frustration of cabin fever was driving her nuts.  She had been on bed rest for a total of three weeks now.  It was nice to be in her room and everyone had been wonderful so far.  She had been supplied with books and movies, Lance spent as much of his free time with her as he could, her parents and sister wouldn't leave her side when they were here, and Allura split her free time between Romelle and Darcy's bedsides.  But when she looked out the window, she longed to go for a walk in the garden or just a stroll down to Castle Control, anything other than her room.

            Darcy sat up when she heard the knock on her door, "Come in."

            Instead of Nanny, Allura entered carrying a tray laden with juice, eggs, and toast.  "Good morning, Darcy.  How're you feeling?"

            "I feel great.  What are you doing this morning?"  She asked as Allura set the tray across her lap.

            "I just wanted to see how you were doing, so I volunteered to bring your breakfast up." Allura crossed her legs under her and sat on the bed.

            "How are things in the outside world?"  Darcy asked as she sipped her juice.

            "Wonderful."  Allura smiled, giddily.
            "What is it?  Is it Romelle?" 

            "No."  Allura bit her lower lip.

            "You're dying to tell me."

            Allura grinned, "I'm supposed to wait.  Keith wants to make an official announcement, but I wanted to tell someone."

            Darcy's eyes widened, "Do you mean…you're pregnant?"
            "Yes!"  Allura bounced on the bed.  "I saw Dr. Gorma this morning.  It's official this time!"

            Darcy moved the tray aside and got on her knees to hug Allura, "That's wonderful!  I am so happy for you."

            "Thank you.  Don't tell Keith I told you.  He wants to make an official announcement tonight, but I thought I would burst if I didn't tell someone."

            "This is amazing," Darcy said.  "Romelle's having a baby, Paget and Rankin are getting married, and now you're pregnant.  What could possibly happen next?"

            Allura raised her eyebrow, "Why don't you tell me.  I know Lance has been sneaking in here at night."

            Darcy blushed, "It's not what you think, nothing has happened."

            "That's a shame."  Allura teased.

            "How're the wedding plans going?"  Darcy changed the subject.

            "Great.  They want to keep it real simple.  Romelle and Rankin's brother, Rainger, are going to stand with them.  So we have to wait until Romelle is well enough.  There is going to be a picnic afterwards for everyone and then they leave for Pollux with Romelle and Sven."

            "I hope to be well enough to go with Lance."

            "You will be, don't worry.  If not, I bet Danya will go with him."

            Darcy raised her eyebrows, "I've never hit a pregnant woman before, but I will take you down if you even think about that."

            Allura laughed, "I wouldn't worry about it, Lance won't even give her the time of day."

            "Good."

            "He's crazy about you, Darcy."

            Darcy felt the heat rise to her face, "I know."

            Allura reached over and took her hand, "I am so glad you two found each other.  You're a good person and I have never seen him happier."

            Darcy looked up, her cheeks pink, "I love him."
            "You know," Allura smiled.  "You're father gave Keith and me the third degree about Lance and his relationship with you."

            "Are you serious?"

            "Yeah, don't worry, we gave him a glowing account of what a great man Lance is and how he treats you like a queen."

            "I'm sorry about that.  My father would be happiest if I went back to Terra, got a job in an office, and died an old spinster."

            Allura smiled.

            "It's not funny.  He never liked the idea of Becca or I dating, he is a little too overprotective us."

            "I don't think it's funny, I think it's sweet.  I know my father is watching over me and I know he gave his approval for me to marry Keith, but it just isn't the same as having him here."

            Darcy nodded, "I guess I do take my family for granted sometimes."

            "You're lucky to be able to do that.  And if it makes you feel any better, I think your father liked Lance.  He impressed him with his need to protect you."

            Darcy groaned, "But I don't need to be protected. I can take care of myself."

            "I know you can, but he loves you and he wants you to be safe.  You should have seen him waiting for the ship to bring you back from Pollux.  I thought he was going to flip out.  Sometimes you have to swallow your pride a little and let him help you before he goes nuts."
            "It's, uh, it's not easy for me to do that."  Darcy admitted.

            "You're very independent, I really admire that about you and I know Lance does too.  You can depend on him without giving up who you are."
            Before Darcy could answer, there was a knock on the door.  Allura went over and answered it.  Dr. Gorma walked in.

            "Good morning, Your Highness.  How are you feeling this morning, Darcy?"
            She sat up in the bed, "I feel great.  No pain this morning."

            "Wonderful, that's great news," he turned to Allura.  "If you'll excuse us, Your Majesty, I have a patient to tend to."

            "Of course.  I'll talk to you later, Darcy."  Allura excused herself.

            Twenty minutes later Dr. Gorma snapped his bag shut and set it on her bedside table.  "I have some good news for you, Darcy."

            "What?"

            "I think you are well enough to go off of bed rest."

            "Really?"  Her face lit up.

            "Yes, however, I want you to listen to your body.  If you feel tired, give in to it, rest.  Don't over exert yourself.  You still have healing to do and this does not mean you are off medical leave."

            "But I can get out of bed and out of this room?"

            He smiled down at her, "Yes.  Just use your common sense, don't push yourself."

            "I won't."  She said as she pushed her blankets back and stood.  "But I do want to get dressed and go for a walk."
            "Don't push it."  He warned again.  "I'll be very upset if you show up in the hospital again."

            "So will I," she called over her shoulder as she headed to her bathroom.

            "Finish your breakfast!  You need your strength!"   He called as he left, closing the door behind him.

            Lance turned down the hall and saw Dr. Gorma leaving Darcy's room.

            "Good morning, Lieutenant."

            "Good morning, Dr. Gorma, is everything alright?"
            Dr. Gorma smiled at him, "Yes, she is fine.  As a matter of fact I cleared Darcy, she is no longer on complete bed rest."

            "Really?"
            "Yes, but I want her to rest if she gets tired.  Don't let her push herself too hard."

            "I'll do what I can," Lance promised.

            Darcy threw her robe around her shoulders and ran back into her room to grab a sweatshirt.

            "I heard the good news."  Lance announced as he walked into her room.  He stopped dead in his tracks and stared at her.  The robe was opened slightly and he caught sight of her scar.  It was thick, red, and angry.  She had been hit dead center in the chest, it ran through the valley between her breasts, curving a little to the left.  He felt his heart stop and his knees weaken.

            Darcy saw the look on his face and felt a little frightened.  She clutched the robe closed, "Why didn't you knock?"

            He raised his gaze to her eyes and found it hard to speak around the lump in his throat, "I, uh, I'm sorry.  I…I saw Dr. Gorma.  Um, I have to go."

            Darcy watched him turn and quickly leave.  Humiliation flooded her.  He was so disgusted by the sight of her, he couldn't wait to leave.  She sank down on the chair beside her desk, overcome by feelings of dread.  He was disgusted by her.  She pressed her hand to her mouth and rocked back and forth, trying to regain her composure.

            She allowed herself to give into these feelings of despair for about five minutes before standing and throwing her head back.  If Lance was that immature and shallow, that was his problem.  She was free now to get out of this room and she was going to enjoy it. 

            After a quick shower, she threw on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt.  Ignoring the dread that came with the possibility of running into Lance, she left her room.  Wandering the garden, Darcy enjoyed the feel of the warm sun on her face and the scent of the flowers in the garden.  Finding her way to the roses, she sat on the small marble bench and lifted her face to the sun.

            With her eyes closed, she saw Lance and the look on his face.  Tears prickled her eyes.  The way he had stared at her scar, the look of disgust and revulsion had humiliated her.  No, she thought to herself.  Jesse had done this to her.  He was making her doubt herself and she vowed that no one would ever do that again.  Why is it that a scar on a man is supposed to be attractive, but a scar on a woman was disgusting?

            Wiping the back of her hand across her cheek, she stood and took a deep shuddering breath.  A dull pain began deep within her chest.  She pressed her hand against it and felt the scar.  Another tear escaped.  Stop it!  She ordered herself.  You should have known better.  You let yourself get involved with someone you work with, why can't you get it through your thick skull that it never works?  Maybe I should go back to Terra. 

            After collecting herself, Darcy made her way into the castle and the rec room.  Hunk, Pidge, Dante, and Caleb were gathered in there playing a board game.

            "Darcy!  What are you doing here?"  Hunk asked.

            She smiled at him, "Dr. Gorma cleared me, I'm off bed rest."

            "That's great.  When can you get back in the lions?"  Pidge asked her.

            "I don't know, I'm still on medical leave, but I can leave my room.  It feels great."  She fell into a chair beside Dante. 

            "Does Lance know?"  Hunk asked.

            "Yeah."
            "He's on duty, but he should be off in a few of hours."

            She nodded.

            Hunk and Pidge exchanged looks, but decided it was best to keep quiet.

            "So what are you going to do with your new found freedom?"  Dante asked.

            "I don't know yet.  I was thinking about going to see how Romelle was doing."

            "There you are, I went to your room and you weren't there."  Allura walked into the room.

            "What's up?"  Darcy asked as Allura fell back on the couch.

            "I heard you were off bed rest and I was wondering what you were up to."

            "How's Romelle doing?  I was thinking about stopping in to see her."

            "She and Paget are talking about the wedding.  She's doing great, just tired and ready to have the baby."

            Nanny appeared at the door, "Lunch is ready."

            Hunk jumped to his feet, "Great, I'm starved." 

            Allura leaned over towards Darcy as the guys left the room, "Are you hungry?"

            She shrugged, "Not really."

            "Come on, let's go see Romelle."  Allura stood.

            "Is she up to this many visitors?"  Darcy asked as she followed her out of the room.

            "Yeah, she's fine."

            "Have you told her your good news yet?"

            Allura smiled, "I can't seem to wait until tonight to tell everyone."

            Darcy laughed, "Is it going to be a surprise to anyone tonight?"

            "Well, I've only told you and Romelle, oh, and Paget."
            "When do you make the official, royal announcement?"

            "We haven't decided yet but it will be soon.  We have to announce it before I start showing." Allura knocked on Romelle's door.

            "Come in!"  Romelle called out.

            They entered the room and saw Romelle's face light up when they walked in.  Paget was sitting on the bed beside her and Allura crossed her legs under her and sat at the foot of the bed.

            "Darcy!"  Romelle exclaimed.  "You're out of bed, oh I am so jealous."

            Darcy sat beside Allura and smiled at her.  "You only have a couple of more weeks.  How're you feeling?"

            Romelle crossed her hands over her bulging stomach, "I'm fine, a little tired, but fine.  I want this baby born."

            "Getting impatient?"

            "Just a little."

            "Where's Sven?"  Allura asked.

            "He and Rankin called Bandor, they're discussing Polluxian military tactics."  Paget explained.

            "How're the wedding plans going?"  Darcy asked Paget.

            "Great.  It's going to be small and simple.  We don't want to over do it."

            "But I insist on the picnic afterwards," Allura said.  "You deserve to have a little fun and celebration after all you have been through."

            Paget smiled.  "Thank you, we really appreciate that."

            "And I'll be there, on my own two feet."  Romelle said.

            "With a new baby in your arms."   Allura added.

            "So, Darcy, tell me how wonderful it is to be up and around."

            Darcy smiled at her, "Enjoy the rest while you can, when the baby comes, you will dream of getting enough sleep."

            "That's what Nanny said."  Romelle held out a hand to Darcy, when she took it, Romelle squeezed tightly.  "Thank you so much for everything you and Caleb did to get me here.  I can't tell you how much we appreciate it."

            Darcy smiled, "I'm just glad we were able to get you out of there safely.  When will you be able to return to Pollux?"

            "Bandor said they have repaired the castle and are working on the surrounding town.  It will take a little longer to rebuild the damage down to our people.  We lost fourteen soldiers and over fifty others were injured."

            "I'm so sorry, Romelle."  Darcy gasped when Romelle clenched her hand around hers.  "What is it?"

            Romelle's eyes widened, "I think I just had a contraction."

            Allura jumped off the bed, "Are you sure?"

            "Yes, oh, oh this is it." Romelle rubbed her hand in circles around her stomach.

            Paget got the wheelchair Dr. Gorma had left in the room in case of emergency, "Come on, let's get you to the hospital."

            "Three more weeks.  I have three more weeks."  Romelle's voice rose to near hysterics.

            Allura and Darcy each took an arm and helped Romelle into the wheelchair.  "Where's Sven?"  She gasped.

            "I'll get him," Darcy assured her.  "I'll bring him straight to the hospital."

            "Go…go get him…please…go."  Romelle panted.       

            Paget pushed the chair through the door as Darcy ran toward Castle Control.

            Lance and Keith were standing over the console, going over the morning's practice and what Caleb needed to work on.

            "I think he needs a little more work on target practice.  He's at 87%, which is good, but he could be a lot better."  Keith said.

            Lance nodded, "He seems to be better in Green and Blue than any other lion, he shot 93% in those."

            They both looked up when the door opened and Darcy ran in, she was breathing hard, the dull throb returning to her chest.  She spotted Sven and Rankin at in the far corner, standing at a monitor, talking to Bandor.

            "Sven!"  She grabbed his arm as she bent over, gasping for breath.

            "Vhat?  Vhat is it?"  He asked, worriedly.

            "Romelle…she's in labor…go…"

            Without another word, Sven ran out of the room.  Darcy bent over at the waist, her hands on her thighs, trying to catch her breath.

            "Are you okay?"  Rankin asked, placing a hand on her back.

            She waved him away, "Yeah…I'll be…fine."

            "What's going on?"  Bandor asked.

            "Romelle is in labor."  Rankin said.

            "Is she alright?"

            Darcy stood up, feeling a little dizzy, "She just went to the hospital.  We'll let you know what happens."

            "Please, keep me updated." 

            "We will, Bandor."  Rankin replied.

            "Darcy?"

            Lance caught her as her knees gave out beneath her.