Hi All!
Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews!
RedLion2 ~ Your helpful and thoughtful reviews help inspire me to write my stories, thank you.
Dee ~ Thanks for your continuing support
Anony, Black Knight 03 ~ Thanks
for your reviews, I really appreciate them!
This chapter is the result of being up all night. For some reason I just couldn't sleep, as I post this it's after 4:30 in the morning, so please excuse any spelling errors I might miss :-) I just hate sitting on a chapter after I write it, I can't wait to post.
Enjoy,
Failte
**************************************************
Keith walked into the waiting room and was greeted by the sight of his three teammates lounging in various chairs. All four of them had escaped with little more than some scrapes and bruises, Lance getting the worst of it, brought on by his smart mouth. Keith had waved off any medical attention and gone straight to Castle Control, filling Koran in on what had happened and jotted down a few notes so he could type up his report later.
"Any news?" He asked.
Lance looked up at him, "Nurse Helene is in with Allura now, Dr. Gorma said she'll be fine. She's beat up, some bruises and scrapes and her shoulder was wrenched and she has a slight concussion, but she'll be fine."
Keith let out a breath, "Good. What about Sven and Romelle?"
"Dr. Gorma is in with Romelle now. She and Sven are malnourished, weak, and exhausted. They both have some kind of upper respiratory infection caused by the air in the Pit. Sven's back is pretty messed up, after Haggar's attack he never really got the chance to have it heal properly. But it's Romelle Dr. Gorma's most worried about."
"What is it?"
"She's a lot weaker. She passed out on the way back and has yet to regain consciousness, Dr. Gorma thinks they've been running entirely on adrenaline and now that they're safe, they're both going to collapse. They need time to catch up on rest and build up their strength." Lance rubbed his eyes and sighed tiredly.
The door slid open and Dr. Gorma walked out. They could see Sven sitting in a chair beside the bed, holding Romelle's hand and watching her sleep. He had been cleaned up and shaved, his face was gaunt and dark shadows circled his eyes.
"How are they?" Keith asked the doctor.
"They need some rest and some nourishment. They both have a long road to recovery ahead of them."
"What do you mean?"
"Princess Romelle is quite weak and…"
"Did you say Princess Romelle?" Lance interrupted.
"Yes, uh, the young woman in there is Her Royal Highness Princess Romelle of the Planet Pollux," Dr. Gorma explained. "And she is Princess Allura's cousin."
The men looked up at him in shocked silence.
Dr. Gorma chuckled, "I take it from your reaction you didn't know that. King Alfor and Romelle's father grew apart years ago, but the girls used to play together. Their mothers had been close friends, but Romelle's mother died shortly after giving birth to her son Bandor and after her death, the two families lost contact."
"Wow," Hunk whispered.
"Yes, I don't know how she ended up on Doom or in the Pit of Skulls, I'm sure she will have an interesting story to tell when she is up to it. For now I want her and Lieutenant Johansson to rest." Dr. Gorma turned to Keith, "Can I speak with you alone, please, Captain?"
"Of course," Keith followed him into the empty hallway. "What is it, Doctor?"
"I want to examine Lt. Johansson some more, but at the moment he won't leave the Princess' side."
"What is it?" Keith repeated.
"He was badly injured, Captain, and he never got a chance to fully heal before Planet Ebb was attacked by Doom. He has permanent damage, a lot of scar tissue and muscle damage."
"What are you saying, Dr. Gorma."
"I really don't think he is going to pass the Garrison physical."
Keith waited a moment, letting his words sink in, before speaking. "So, uh, so he won't be able to fly?"
"I don't think the Garrison will take him back at all."
Keith nodded slowly.
"I would like to examine him further, but I think this is the end of his military career," Dr. Gorma said carefully. "I just thought you should know."
"Thank you, Doctor." Keith ran a hand through his hair. "What about Princess Allura?"
"She'll be fine. The Princess is a little banged up and sore, but she'll be up and around in no time."
"Can I see her?"
"When Nurse Helene is done you may, just don't push her to hard, she's needs her rest."
Keith shook his hand, "Thank you, Dr. Gorma, for everything."
They reentered the waiting room to the expectant looks of his teammates. Keith shook his head, he didn't want them to know before Sven himself knew.
"Why don't you guys go shower and hit the sack," Keith suggested.
"Can we see Allura?" Lance asked.
"I don't want her worn out any more than she already is," Dr. Gorma said. "Give her tonight and you can all see her in the morning."
Romelle's door slid open and Sven stumbled out, rubbing his eyes.
"Sven," Keith raced to his side and helped him to a seat. "How're you feeling?"
"I'm very tired," he admitted.
"Why don't you rest? Why are you fighting this?"
"I need to contact Pollux, Romelle's home planet, let dem know she's safe."
"We'll do that in the morning, Sven."
He nodded, resting his head back and closing his eyes.
"So, Sven," Lance said, smiling. "You and Romelle, huh?"
Sven smiled but kept his eyes closed, "Ja. She's de most amazing voman I've ever known. And hot."
Hunk chuckled, "You've got it bad."
Sven opened his eyes and looked at his friends, "Ve're in love."
"Good for you," Keith grinned at him.
"You guys must have an awesome story to tell," Pidge said.
"Come on," Keith helped his friend to his feet. "You're to rest. We'll talk tomorrow when you're up to it. You and Romelle are going to stay here as long as it takes for you both to get well and to get some meat on your bones. We'll catch up tomorrow."
Sven looked at his friends with moist eyes, "I can't tell you guys how much dis means to me to be back."
Lance stood and hugged him, "We're glad you're back, man."
Keith helped Sven into the room next to Romelle's. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow. Keith shut off the light and walked from the room feeling happier, more lighthearted. Sven was back, beaten and worn, but alive.
"Captain," Nurse Helene stood in the waiting room. "You may see the Princess, but only for a short time and don't wear her out."
"Hey," Lance smirked. "How come Keith gets to see her but we have to wait until the morning?"
"Because I'm the Captain, that's why," Keith told him. "Go get some sleep guys, it's been a long day and we've got a lot of catching up to do tomorrow."
The room was dim, a small lamp on the bedside table was the only light. It was quiet, save for Allura's slow breathing. Keith entered cautiously, afraid that she was asleep and he didn't want to disturb her.
"Keith?" She whispered so low that he wasn't sure if he had heard it. "Keith, come in."
"How are you?" He asked, coming to stand beside her bed.
"Sore." She was pale beneath her bruises and her hand was wrapped in gauze.
"What happened to your hand?"
"I scrapped it pretty bad when Lotor pushed me down."
"I am so sorry, Allura."
"It wasn't your fault, Keith, you guys saved me and Sven is back. I can't wait until I feel up to walking around and hearing what happened to him."
"Don't push yourself," he whispered. "There will be plenty of time for all that. Did you hear who was with Sven?"
She shook her head, "Nurse Helene said it was some girl."
"It's Princess Romelle of Pollux."
Allura's eyes widened and her mouth fell open. "Romelle's here? Can I see her? How is she?"
"Yes, she's here, but she's in bad shape. No you can't see her because you both need your rest."
"Will she be okay?"
Keith pulled a chair over and filled her in on Sven and Romelle's conditions.
Allura sighed deeply, "We'll contact Pollux in the morning, let them know she's here and safe."
Keith nodded.
"Did, uh, did we figure out how Lotor and Haggar got into the castle?"
"No, but Koran and I spoke about it and he agreed with you. He is going to contact Kadmus and have him come in, see if he can help."
"Good," she yawned.
Keith stood, "I'll go, let you get some sleep."
"You don't have to go," Allura whispered shyly.
He smiled and patted her hand, "You need rest. We'll have guards posted around the clock, no unauthorized persons will get in here."
"I'd feel better if you stayed."
Keith felt a flush creep into his face, thankful for the low light. "I'll stay until you fall asleep."
"Thank you."
It didn't take long. Her eyes closed and her breathing evened out, her body totally relaxed and gave into her exhaustion. Keith watched her sleep. Even with the purple bruises and swollen eye, she was so beautiful. He reached out and gently brushed her hair off her forehead, caressing her cheek. She sighed and turned her face toward his hand.
The thought of Lotor touching her made him physically ill and if he ever crossed paths with the Prince of Doom again, it wouldn't be pretty. She deserved only kindness and generosity, beauty and love. He would give anything to be in the position to give her that and more.
Leaning down, Keith placed a tender kiss on her forehead before slipping from the room.
********************************************************
Keith called off practice the next morning. So much had happened, they deserved the time to sleep in, although he had snatched only three hours of sleep himself. The sun was barely breaching the horizon when he finally rose and went to the kitchen for coffee.
"Captain," Nanny greeted him.
"Good morning, Nanny." He was thrilled to see she had already started brewing the coffee.
"Dr. Gorma said the Princess will be alright with rest," she commented.
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Since Lt. Johansson is back, will he take over flying again so the Princess can stop?"
"No, Nanny."
"Why not?"
"I'm not at liberty to discuss it right now."
"Why?" She huffed,
her hands on her hips. "He's back, he
can fly. I have the right to know what
is going on in this castle."
"With all due respect, Nanny, when it comes to my men and the Force, you don't."
"When it comes to the Princess I do!"
Keith took his cup of coffee in hand, "I'm going to the hospital and see if there's any news." He knew there was no use trying to reason with Nanny, she would never understand. This wasn't entirely his choice, he would love to release Allura of her duty, keep her safe in the castle. But she was needed and she loved flying. She had more right to fly a Lion than any of them.
"Good morning. Any news?" He asked the nurse on duty.
She smiled up at him, "Lt. Johansson woke a little while ago, he's in Prince Romelle's room."
"And Princess Allura?"
"She's still asleep sir."
He nodded, "I'm going to check in with Castle Control and then I'll be back."
When Keith returned twenty minutes later, Dr. Gorma was leaving Sven's room. Before he could inquire about his friend's health, Sven appeared in the door way.
"Keit."
"Sven, how are you?"
He shrugged, covering his mouth as a chest rattling coughing fit shook him.
"Come on," Keith walked into the room and shut the door behind him. "Want to talk about it?"
"Dr. Gorma tinks I vill be honorably discharged from de Garrison. My vounds vere too severe."
"I'm sorry, Sven."
"Vhat am I going to do, Keit? I'm a soldier vithout a military."
"You can't worry about it now, you need to get well."
"I can't help but vorry about it. Vhat kind of future vill ve have if I can't support us?"
Keith raised his eyebrows, surprised. "It's that serious?"
"Ja, it is."
"Well," Keith rubbed the back of his neck. "We'll come up with something. Even if you can't fight, you are still an amazing soldier, you can still help by planning battles. It will all work out."
"Tank you, Keit, but I can't keep living off of Allura's kindness."
"Alright, Sven, you have a lot to offer and you won't have to worry about finding a job. However, you do need to rest and get better. Give yourself some time."
He nodded and sat on the edge of the bed, "I know you're right, it's just, I don't know, I feel so useless, so helpless."
"You're neither of those, Sven."
A hesitant knock on the door stopped their conversation. Keith crossed and opened it to find Allura.
"What are you doing out of bed?" He demanded.
"Visiting," she swept past him and crossed to Sven. "Oh, Sven, it is so good to see you again! How are you? What happened?"
Sven smiled weakly and stood to accept her hug, "It's great to be back, Allura."
"So," she sat on the edge of the bed. "You've brought Romelle with you?"
His smile grew, "Ja."
"Where did you meet, what happened?"
"Vell, she was sent to de Pit by Lotor because of her disobedience. She found me dere and convinced me to help her escape and den to contact Arus."
"How is she? I haven't seen her in years. Oh, I am so glad you're back and that you brought her with you."
Keith crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, "It seems that Sven and your cousin have become rather close."
Allura looked from Keith to Sven and then back again, "What do you mean?"
Sven chuckled.
"Well, let's just say that our old ladykiller here has finally found the woman to tame him."
Allura's eyes widened and she looked back at Sven, "Really?"
He nodded, "Ve grew very close in our time together. She's amazing."
"I'm so happy for you," Allura smiled and patted his hand. "How is she? When can I see her? I heard you guys talking in here, that's why I knocked, but I didn't want to wake her."
"She's still sleeping. She needs rest and time."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Sven shook his head, "Later. It vas all just so much and everyone vants to know vhat happened, so I vould rather tell everyone at vonce."
"I understand," Allura stood.
"How are you feeling?" Keith asked her.
"I have a nasty headache, but otherwise I'm fine. I'm going to get dressed."
He grabbed her arm as she walked past, "Don't push yourself too hard."
"I won't, don't worry."
Sven raised an eyebrow and watched the Princess leave. "So, you and de Princess?"
"What? No."
"Uh huh."
"Get dressed, then come to the kitchen and get something to eat."
********************************************************************
After contacting Pollux and letting her brother, Bandor, know she was alive and well, Romelle and Allura had spent a few hours catching up. It was like the years apart melted away, they giggled and chatted like old friends. After lunch, everyone congregated in the rec room. Koran was watching over Castle Control, giving the Force time to talk.
Romelle was cocooned in a thick afghan and curled up beside Sven on the love seat. When she was awake, Romelle hated to be alone and she often sought out Sven, really only feeling comfortable when she was with him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, holding her tight. After everything they had been through together, it was hard for them to be separated for long.
Lance, Allura, and Pidge sat on the couch while Hunk and Keith took over the chairs. They were all eager to hear what happened, but not sure how to broach the subject.
"Alright, I guess I'll be the one," Lance sighed dramatically. "What happened? How did you survive so long in the Pit of Skulls, Sven? How did Romelle end up in there? How did you contact us? How did you fly Black?"
"Real subtle, Lance," Keith muttered.
"Hey, we all want to know, I'm just the only one with the ba-uh-guts to ask."
"No, you're the only one tactless enough to come out with all these questions."
"Sven knows I'm not trying to be heartless or anything. We all want to know because we've missed him."
Sven watched his friends argue back and forth and felt the warmth of being home again. "It's alright Keit, I know you all vant to know. It's really not an exciting story or anyting, Lance. I vas on Planet Ebb recovering from my vounds vhen Doom attacked, apparently dey needed doctors and Ebb vas known for having de best. Most of de patients vere killed or just left to die, anyone strong enough vas taken as a slave. One of de soldiers recognized me as a Voltron pilot and tought Zarkon vould like to have me, so I vas spared and sent to de Castle. However, it soon became evident dat I vas still too injured to be of any good to dem. So I vas thrown in de Pit." He stopped and cleared his throat. It was the first time he had told his story aloud and was finding it more difficult than he thought. Romelle squeezed his hand and he continued.
"I did vhat I had to to survive. I had to eat bugs and rats, I slept on stone, I vas surviving vithout really knowing vhy. Den, von day about two months ago, a beautiful young voman discovered me in de Pit and I knew vhy I vas surviving."
Romelle smiled up at him, "I had no idea what I was going to do or how I was ever going to get out. I honestly thought I was going to die down there. But we did it. Sven knew his way around the Pit quite well and we found a way out one night."
"Why were you on Doom, Romelle?" Pidge asked.
She blushed slightly and picked at a loose piece of yarn in the afghan, unable to meet anyone's eyes. "My father wanted to create an alliance with Doom. As part of the agreement, I, and my lady-in-waiting, were given to Zarkon as a sort of payment. I was passed on to Lotor and I don't know what happened to Paget, my lady-in-waiting." She stopped and cleared her throat, swallowing around the lump. "My oldest brother Avoc joined Doom and was turned into a Robeast."
"When was that?" Keith asked tenderly.
"About a year ago."
The Force knew of the Robeast she was talking about, it had been a fierce fight with a strong human-like creature.
"It wasn't your fault," she told them. "He had turned evil and he brought his death upon himself. I don't know what happened to my father, but I am sure he met a similar fate. My younger brother, Bandor, is now ruling Pollux, or what's left of it."
"I vas able to overtake a guard in de voods and get his communicator and veapon, dat's vhen I contacted you," Sven said.
"And then we came to Doom," Hunk concluded. "But what about Black?"
"I don't really know," Sven admitted. "As soon as you vere all out of sight, Black lowered her head and de hatch opened. I tink she knew you were in trouble. Ve found veapons in your Lions and Romelle vent to find you. I got into de Lion and she took over, all I had to do was fire de guns."
"They're amazing machines," Allura yawned. "They have a connection with their pilots that is deep but hard to explain."
"Vell, I am just so glad to be off dat planet and back home."
"What are your plans now?" Lance asked.
"Just to get better and readjust to life on de outside," Sven told him. "Dr. Gorma vants us to take things easy for a while. I have to ease my vay back into a normal diet and my back is still pretty messed up."
"Are you going to take over flying Blue again?" Pidge asked.
Sven and Keith exchanged looks. With a pained expression, Sven sighed and shook his head, "I can't. Dr. Gorma said I von't pass the Garrison physical. I'm not physically able to fight anymore."
"Oh, Sven," Allura sighed. "I am so sorry."
"What are you going to do?" Hunk inquired.
Sven shrugged.
"You are both more than welcome to stay as long as you want," Allura told them.
"He's going to rest and get well," Keith spoke up.
"This is great, it'll be just like old times," Pidge grinned.
The guys all talked excitedly, laughing and planning. Reminiscing about old times and the Academy. Allura was exhausted, she couldn't understand why, she had slept so much the night before. Her head felt heavy and was beginning to throb. She slid sideways and dozed off, her head on Lance's shoulder.
Keith tried to squelch the feelings of jealousy as he watched her sleep. They were just friends, it wasn't Lance she had kissed. Or was it? The two of them spent a lot of time together. No, Allura wasn't they type of girl who would throw her kisses around. But then she didn't have a lot of experience with men, something she herself had admitted. She was asleep now, leaning against Lance.
Hunk reached over and tapped Keith's arm, "You okay, Cap?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," he sat up straighter.
Lance whispered something to Pidge over Allura's head. The Green Pilot smiled and nodded. Very slowly, so as to not disturb the snoozing Princess, Pidge stood and crossed over to Keith.
"Lance wants to talk to you," Pidge whispered.
Keith looked over at his friend and raised his eyebrows questioningly.
Lance waved him over with his hand.
Rolling his eyes, Keith walked over to the sofa, "What is it?"
Lance pointed to the seat Pidge had just vacated, "Sit down."
"Why?'
"Don't be so difficult, Keith, sit down," Lance whispered.
Curious and more than a little annoyed, Keith settled onto the couch.
As gently as possible, Lance pushed Allura over so she was leaning against Keith. Making a big show of it, Lance stood and stretched, "Thanks man, I've had to go to the bathroom for about five minutes now."
If looks could kill, Lance would have been sprawled on the ground lifeless. Keith felt big and awkward with Allura asleep on his shoulder, not to mention embarrassed as his friends all grinned at him. To make matters worse, Allura sighed in her sleep, tickling his neck with her breath as she cuddled closer, wrapping her arm around his stomach.
"How long have you and Allura been together?" Romelle asked.
Lance snorted.
"I thought you had to use the bathroom, Lieutenant," Keith snarled. "We're just friends, Romelle."
The young woman blushed at her own boldness, "Oh, I'm sorry, I just thought, well, what she had said and how you both seemed so close."
Lance shoved his hands in his pocket and grinned at Romelle, "And what did she say?"
"What, oh, uh nothing, I misunderstood." Romelle could not divulge what Allura had told her earlier when she had admitted to being confused by the Captain.
"Come on," Sven stood and held a hand out to Romelle. "I tink ve both need to lay down. Take a quick nap before dinner."
"Yeah," Pidge glanced at Keith and Allura. "There's something I need to do."
"I'll help you, buddy," Hunk followed Pidge from the room and to the library.
Lance turned to Keith, the grin still plastered on his face, "Don't be an idiot, man, go for it." With that he left, shutting and locking the door behind him.
And suddenly they were alone. He looked down at her and sighed. At the moment, he was furious with Lance. How could he do this to him? Lance knew they couldn't be together, but he somehow found ways to put them in uncomfortable situations.
With a sigh, Keith started to pull out from under her, trying to ease her onto the couch without waking her. It didn't work. Allura's eyes fluttered open. She blinked a few times and then jumped with a start, letting go of him when she realized where she was. Groaning, she brought her hands to her throbbing head.
"Are you okay?" He asked, worriedly.
"I sat up too fast," she murmured as her head throbbed with her heartbeat. And being so close to Keith didn't exactly
slow her heart rate.
"Here, lay down." He gently lowered her down and crouched beside the couch. "Do you want me to get you anything?"
"It's too early to take any more pain pills."
"Just lay as still as you can and calm down, it'll pass," He whispered, rubbing her arm.
"If I'm supposed to calm down, you'll have to stop touching me."
Keith pulled his hand back, startled at her bold admission. "Allura."
"Don't Keith. I feel horrible right now and I don't need you to add to it."
"Ouch."
She lowered her hands and looked at him with a pained expression, "Why Keith? Why can't we?"
"Because we can't, it isn't proper," he replied, weakly.
"Sven and Romelle are doing it. She's a Princess and he's a pilot."
"That's different."
"How?"
Keith sat back on the floor and brought his knees up, resting his arms on his knees, he lowered his head. Why was she doing this? Why was she making it so hard? He looked up at her, "Romelle is not the ruling monarch of her planet."
"I don't understand, Keith. What does that have to do with anything?"
"It's not right, Allura."
She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling, if it wasn't right, why did his rejection hurt so much?
"Allura…"
"I am so confused, Keith."
"So am I."
"I consider you one of my closest friends, Keith."
"I feel the same way."
"But it doesn't seem like enough. I want more from our friendship."
"Allura," he lowered his head and fisted his hands in his hair. "You don't understand! I'm a commoner, we can never be anything but friends."
She sat up, tears of frustration burned in her eyes as she tried to rub away the pain in her head, "Do you really think that little of me? Do you really think I'm that shallow? I don't care if you aren't royalty."
"Oh, God, no, it's not that!" Keith jumped to his feet and paced in front of her. "Don't you know the law?"
"What law?"
"There's a law on the books, if you get involved with anyone who isn't royalty, you will lose your throne."
Allura watched as he paced the floor, punctuating what he was saying by waving his hands in the air. "What?"
"You will lose your throne," he stopped and looked down at her. "You would have to give up ruling Arus and there is no one to step in. You would have to give up your planet and your people."
"No, that can't be, how do you know that?"
"Koran told me," he admitted dejectedly.
Pain cut through her skull as a sob ripped from her chest. She could not choose between the man she loved and her people, her planet. Why couldn't she have this? After all she had lost, after all the fights, the losses, why couldn't she have this one bit of happiness? It all made sense now. Why Nanny and Koran didn't approve of her spending so much time with Keith and the other guys for that matter. Why they were pushing Princes on her.
"Please, Allura, don't cry, it will only make your head hurt more," Keith knelt in front of her, placing his hands on her knees.
His concern only made the tears fall harder.
He laid his hand on the back of her head, pulling her forward so that her forehead rested on his shoulder. He whispered words of comfort while rubbing the back of her head.
"This can't be real," she whispered.
"I am so sorry."
She cupped his face in her hands, "Don't be. There has got to be a way around this."
"I don't know how."
"We'll check the laws, there has to be."
He shook his head, "I think I should look into finding another position. This isn't working."
A feeling of dread filled Allura. Even if they couldn't be together the thought of being apart was too much to bear. "No, you can't. We need you."
"Allura…"
They were interrupted by Keith's communicator going off. He groaned and unclipped it from his belt. "Whitaker."
"Captain, I need to see you," Koran said hurriedly.
"What is it?" Keith stood, a reassuring hand on Allura's shoulder.
"We just got word Zarkon was fatally wounded during the attack yesterday."