The morning of the wedding dawned bright and beautiful. Everyone within the castle walls took this as a good sign. The ceremony was scheduled for mid afternoon, with the guests arriving late morning. A pre-ceremony reception was set up outside the castle where the guests could mingle and have drinks until they were called into the main ballroom.

Keith was in Castle Control meeting with his team, Koran, and the leaders of the Garrison squadron that had been sent. Lance had tried, unsuccessfully, to get the groom to leave the last minute guard preparations to him, but Keith just shook his head and called the meeting together.

When Romelle knocked on the door to Allura's temporary bed chambers, she found the Princess sitting on her vanity chair, her head between her knees. Keith's mother crouched beside her, rubbing her back and assuring her with comforting words.

Smiling at her cousin, Romelle crossed the room to stand beside her, "A little nervous?"

The reply was a bit muffled and shaky, "No."

"A lot nervous," Isabelle winked at Romelle.

Allura lifted her head, a slight green tinge colored her cheeks, "I don't know why I feel so sick."

"Maybe you're pregnant," Dana said from her seat on the bed.

Allura clamped a hand over her mouth and ran into the bathroom.

Allyson sighed as she finished changing Ben, "Dana, really."

"Well she has thrown up three times already."

"She's just nervous, that was a totally inappropriate thing to say."

Romelle left the two women arguing and slipped into the bathroom where Allura was rinsing out her mouth. "Are you?"

"Am I what?"

"Are you pregnant?"

Allura shook her head, "No, I'm not. I just can't wait for this to be over. I know that sounds wrong, but I want us to just be married so we can get on with our lives. Keith keeps saying that every precaution has been taken, but I am so worried that Lotor will try something."

Romelle leaned against the counter, rubbing her hand over her stomach, "It would take a miracle for him to get in."

"Or some very strong magic."

"Don't worry Allura, the entire Force as well as dozens of guards will be in the ballroom, he won't be able to get near you."

"I don't want him to come near the castle at all. I just know he is going to try and ruin my wedding."

"Try not to worry about it. You haven't heard from him in a while, maybe he will leave you alone. Don't let these worries ruin your day."

Allura looked down and saw the ring on her finger. "This is really happening, Romelle, we're getting married."

Romelle smiled, remembering how she felt the morning of her wedding. The nerves, the excitement, the love. "It will be perfect, Allura."

"And if it isn't?" Her voice trembled.

"Then you will have a great story to tell your kids."

Allura sniffled and wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, "Thanks, Romelle."

"I've been there," Romelle slid an arm around her cousin's shoulders. "Come on, before Isabelle starts to think you are pregnant."

....................................................................

Keith paced the ballroom, checking and rechecking the entrances and exits. Nothing was going to ruin this day for them. Allura was going to have the wedding of her dreams and if Lotor even gave thought to approaching Arus, Keith would kill him with his bare hands.

"Keith."

He turned to see Lance standing beside the altar. "Glad to see you're here, Lance. Koran told me that the Garrison scouting ships are in place, but I was thinking about taking Black up and scanning the area one more time. You could go up with Red, we could cover more ground that way…"

"Keith…"

"And then I want to meet with Captain O'Hurley, he's in charge of the Garrison troops on the ground, I want to make sure he has enough men along the perimeter of the woods to make sure no one tries to get in that way…"

"Keith…"

"The guests should be arriving within an hour, we have to make sure the food is set up out there. The ceremony is going to be long. After we're married, the ceremony to officially crown Allura as queen will take at least an hour. We don't want people hungry and uncomfortable…"

Lance reached out and grabbed Keith roughly by the shoulders, "Keith! Stop it!"

"What?"

"Calm down."

"I'm calm."

"No, you're not. You deal with your nervous energy by throwing yourself into work, well, that's how you deal with everything. It's your wedding day, man, chill out. Everything will go fine. Nanny is taking care of the food and the guests, Koran has the ceremony under control, the guys and I are helping with the security. Calm down, relax."

Keith took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "It's my wedding day."

"Yeah, it is."

"My God, Lance, I'm getting married today."

"Yup."

"To Allura."

"I certainly hope so."

Feeling a little lightheaded, Keith sat down on one of the folding chair set up for the guests, "I can't believe this is really happening. It seems so unreal."

Lance sat down beside him, "You okay?"

"Yeah, I just…wow. Have you seen Allura?"

"No. None of us have been allowed near her today. Romelle, your mother, Dana, Allyson, and Nanny have been with her."

"I'm getting married," he repeated quietly. "I don't think it's going to actually sink in until after the ceremony."

"Hell, Keith, I thought you and I would be the last of the bachelors. You married to your job and me, well, no woman could ever tie me down."

"You just haven't met the right one. I never thought when I arrived here that I would meet the love of my life."

"Alright, man, you're starting to sound like a Hallmark card."

Keith stood and started pacing, "Think about it, Lance, tonight Allura and I will be married. Every night I will go to sleep with her and every morning I will wake up beside her. No matter where I go, I will come home, here, to my wife."

"Kinda scary," he mumbled.

"No, Lance, it's not. It's amazing. I am so excited, but…"

"But what?"

"What if we're rushing into this?" He moved quickly, back and forth in front of the chairs. "What if a couple of years down the road, Allura wakes up one morning and realizes she is married to me, a military man with no money or breeding and sees it was all a huge mistake?"

Lance rolled his eyes, "Fine, then don't marry her."

Keith stopped in his tracks and turned to him, "What?"

"I'm pretty sure you addressed these questions before and I thought you had your answers. Since you obviously don't, then call off the wedding."

"You're not helping Lance."

"You're being an idiot. You and Allura were made for each other."

Keith took a deep breath and nodded.

"Come on," Lance stood and threw an arm around his friend's shoulders. "Let's get a drink, I think you could use one about now."

..........................................................................................

"You're a fool," Haggar hissed.

Lotor wanted nothing more than to strike the witch, but he wasn't that stupid. Not only would Haggar retaliate, he needed her as well. "I know what I'm doing," he growled.

"The Captain will not allow you anywhere near the castle or the Princess. Security is tripled and Kadmus is there. You will not be able to get in."

"I cannot allow this sham of a marriage to take place. She belongs with me!"

"She belongs with the Captain."

Lotor's hand rose quickly, but he stopped mere inches from the witch's head, "Don't tempt me, witch."

She cackled, "I am not afraid of you. You need me."

The Doomian snarled and whirled away from her, "Then you will do this for me."

"Only because you amuse me, Lotor."

.............................................................................................

"The guests are arriving," Nanny announced as she swept into Allura's room carrying her wedding dress. "The boys are entertaining them out by the lake."

"Have you seen Keith?" The young Princess turned in her chair where a maid was working on her hair.

"I believe Lt. Collier is trying to keep him calm," she told her as she pulled the dress from its garment bag.

"Oh Allura," Isabelle gasped. "Your dress is so beautiful!"

"Just a moment, your highness," the maid said as Allura tried to stand. "I'm almost done, Ma'am."

Isabelle held the dress up for everyone to see while Romelle slipped a tissue into Allura's shaking hand.

"Ma," Dana walked into the room. "Lance asked me to come and get you."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, he just wants to ask you a question."

"Alright, I do want to see how Keith is holding up," she followed her daughter out of the room. "My baby boy is getting married."

"Hello, is everyvon decent?" Sven called as he stuck his head inside the door.

"What are you doing here?" Romelle chided. "No men allowed."

"I just came to make sure you veren't pushing yourself too hard," he said wandering in. "And Koran said he needed to see you, Nanny."

"Oh, I bet it's the salad, I was so afraid we wouldn't be able to get the vegetables." Throwing her hands into the air, Nanny stormed out of the room, waving her arms and muttering about lettuce.

"Come along, Elske," Sven took Romelle's hands. "Dere is somevon I vant you to meet."

"Who?"

"My former commanding officer, he and his vife just arrived." Sven winked at Allura, "She'll be back soon."

Allura nodded, twisting a tissue in her hands. Suddenly she was alone with Gallia, her maid.

"Are you okay, Ma'am?" Gallia asked as she put away the unused hairpins.

"I'm…I'm fine," she got to her feet and crossed to where Isabelle had hung her dress on the back of the closet door. "I'm a little nervous and excited and overwhelmed." Allura fingered the lace sleeve.

Gallia smiled, "You will be a beautiful bride, your highness."

"Thank you, Gallia, thank you so much for all your help," the Princess crossed to take the girl's hands in hers.

"It's been my pleasure, your highness."

Allura jumped at the knock on the door. "Who is it?"

There was no answer, instead the door slid open and Keith slipped in.

"What are you doing here?" She gasped, shifting her gaze to her dress. "You can't be here."

"I just wanted to see you," he whispered, crossing the room to her. "How are you doing?"

Allura looked over at her maid, "Gallia, could you please, uh, keep watch?"

With a smile, she nodded and quietly crept from the room.

"This is bad luck," she whispered.

"I'm not worried," he smiled down at her, slipping his arms around her waist. "We've had our share of bad luck in the past and we've come through it alright."

"If Nanny catches you here, she'll skin you alive."

"Stop worrying," Keith dipped his head to kiss her. "I was only able to steal a few moments with you and I don't want to waste them fighting."

"I'm sure you can come up with other ways to use the time," she murmured, tilted her head back as he trailed kisses down her throat.

He tugged gently on the lapel of her robe, "What are you wearing under this?"

Taking his hand in hers, Allura smiled mischievously, "You'll find out tonight."

Keith groaned softly and rested his forehead against hers, "I love you so much."

"I love you too."

He pulled her closer and rested his chin on top of her head, "How's your day going so far?"

"Great."

"Yeah?"

"I'm really excited."

"Me too."

She tightened her arms around him, "Any sign from Lotor?"

"No. Don't worry, nothing will happen, I promise. This will be the most amazing day of our lives."

"I know," she sniffled.

Keith leaned back and tipped her chin back with his fingers, "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

"Nothing…everything…I don't know. I love you."

"Three hours, beautiful, and it'll all be over."

"No, it will all just be starting," she whispered, stepping on her toes and brushing her lips over his.

...........................................................................................

Lotor paced his throne room, waiting for word from Haggar. Allura would never marry that…that man. He shuddered. For as long as he could remember, his father had promised him Allura.

Zarkon realized from the moment Lotor had reached puberty that his son wanted the young daughter of Arus. He was able to convince his son to do anything just by reminding him that he would one day have Allura. After years of promises and hard work, Lotor knew she belonged to him and that it was totally unacceptable for the Captain to be so much as looking at her.

She belonged to him. They would pay.

He turned when he heard the swish of her cloak. "Did you succeed?"

"Of course," she hissed.

"Good."

.................................................................................................

"I'll see you," Keith promised as he stole one last kiss.

"Good bye, love," Allura whispered, pleased with herself.

Keith winked at Gallia and brought his finger to his lips, asking for her silence. The young maid nodded, giggling softly, before returning to Allura's room.

"Feel better?" Lance asked when Keith joined him outside.

Keith grinned as his brother ran by trying to catch his son, "Yeah, I do."

"Okay, you've seen her, she's fine, will you calm down now?"

"Is Pidge back with the rings yet?"

"Uh, no."

"What's taking so long?"

Lance shrugged.

"Oh, Keith!"

He turned to see his mother. "Hey, Ma."

"Oh, how are you? I've been looking all over for you." She hugged him tightly. "My baby boy! Oh, you're getting married!"

"I'm fine, Mom, really."

Isabelle stepped back and held him at arm's length, "Isn't it about time you went and put your tux on?"

"I still have time and I want to do another quick sweep before I change."

Lance rolled his eyes, "We have it all taken care of, man, you need to relax. The Garrison gave you the day off, enjoy it."

"I don't think he can do that," Isabelle sighed.

"Well, excuse me if I want my wedding day to go off without a problem. I want Allura to have the perfect wedding."

"Commander?"

Keith and Lance turned to see Captain O'Hurley. "Yes, Captain?"

"Can I speak with you, please?"

Keith turned to his mother, "Mom, would you go see if Allura needs anything."

"Sure," she kissed his cheek.

"What is it?" He asked, lowering his voice so as to not alert anyone around them.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but you asked to be alerted if we found anything unusual."

"Yes."

"One of my men found a device planted near the castle."

"Show me," Keith commanded.

Captain O'Hurley led them away from the crowd and over to where two Garrison guards stood near a clump of bushes. Using a stick, O'Hurley carefully pushed aside some lower branches and exposed a small black box with a small blinking orange light.

Keith swore under his breath, "Have you found any more?"

"Not yet, we're looking."

"Alright," he turned to Lance. "I want you to get Koran and have him get everyone into the castle, it's safer in there. Have him do it now and without raising any suspicions. Then go find Sergeant Sorrell, tell him we need him in full gear to dispose of a possible explosive. Then I went you back here to help us look. I'm going to call Hunk and have him bring out some of the bomb boxes. We'll get this packed into one and into the work room where it can be disarmed safely."

Lance nodded and took off in the direction of the party.

Keith dialed up Hunk on his communicator and gave him his orders before turning back to O'Hurley. "Have you found any others?"

"I have men looking. You think it's a bomb?"

"We're not taking any chances. We'll pack it into an explosives box and take it to the work room, we'll detonate it there." Keith waved to Hunk as he jogged over with two large black boxes and a man in full protective gear.

Keith directed everyone where to look and split all the men up into groups of ten and sent them out to search. An hour later, three more devices were found, packed in explosive boxes, and carefully carried into the workroom.

"Come on, Keit," Sven took his arm. "You need to get ready."

"I just want to…"

Sven tightened his grip, "No, dis is being taken care of. You need to get dressed."

"But…"

"Go, Keith," Lance appeared at his side. "Sorrell is going to detonate whatever that is, he's the best at what he does and you know it. As soon as we know what it is, we'll tell you."

"I want to…"

"You have just over an hour until the ceremony is set to start," Lance said. "Go."

"Come on," Sven pulled on his arm. "Ve also need to find Pidge."

"Oh no, the rings," Keith groaned.

"Ja, come on, let's go find him."

...............................................................................................

"I thought you said they wouldn't find them," Lotor growled when Haggar told him of the discovery made on Arus.

"I planted a few where they would be found, let them think they found them all."

A thin smile spread across his lips, "So there is still one hidden?"

"Two."

"Don't let me down, witch."

Two rows of jagged yellow teeth were bared as she curled her lips back in what resembled a frightening smile.

........................................................................................................

"Alright, Keith," Lance walked into his room as Keith slid his arms into the arms of his jacket. "We have swept the area twice and have found nothing else. Sorrell said they were primitive, small bombs that might have shaken the building and knocked a few dishes over, but no serious damage."

Keith let out a long breath, "Thanks, man. Pidge just called up, he's on his way."

"Did he say what took so long?"

"They couldn't do the engraving until this morning."

"Alright," Sven looked at his watch. "T-minus twenty minutes."

The door slid open and Pidge came running in, out of breath, and bent over, clutching a stitch in his side. "Here!" He thrust the small box into Keith's hand before falling back onto the bed.

"Don't get comfortable," Lance told him. "You need to go get dressed."

"Leave me alone."

"It's alright, Pidge, you can have ten minutes," Keith told him with a smile on his lips as he opened the top of the box. He couldn't help but notice the difference in sizes, one was so tiny and delicate, the other thicker and larger.

"You alright?" Sven whispered.

"Yeah."

"The guests are all seated," Hunk announced as he entered the room. "Sorrell has safely detonated the bombs and we are ready to get this show on the road."

Keith handed the box to Lance and took a deep breath, "Let's go."

.................................................................................................

"Oh, you look so beautiful," Romelle breathed as Allura turned to face her.

Nanny wiped a tear away from her eye, "You really do, Princess, absolutely gorgeous. Your parents would be so proud."

"Allura," Isabelle took her soon-to-be daughter-in-law's hands in her own. "I am so happy for you and Keith. I just know this will be the perfect wedding. I'm going to go and make sure my son is alright."

Allyson and Dana carefully hugged the newest member of their family and followed Isabelle, leaving Allura alone with Romelle, Nanny, and Gallia. Allura turned in front of the mirror, her heart racing and her eyes moistening. The dress wasn't exactly the same, the lace was a different pattern, the collar was different, and the train was a little longer. But it was so beautiful.

"Princess?"

She looked up to see Nanny in front of her, holding out a large, flat jewelry box. "Yes?"

"This belonged to your mother and I know she would be so pleased to know you are wearing it on your wedding day." With trembling fingers, the older woman opened the lid and held it out for her to see.

Allura gasped. Lying on the bed of cotton was a tiered diamond collar necklace.

"It was given to her by her parents on her wedding day," Nanny explained, lifting it out of the box. "It was made to match the crown she wore for the ceremony."

She turned so Nanny could clasp the necklace around her slender throat. Romelle watched, clasping her hands together, her eyes moist.

"You look so lovely," Nanny sighed, straightening the crown nestled against the curls piled on top of her head and pulled the veil down over her face.

"I feel lovely," the Princess sighed. "I feel lovely and loved and really happy."

"Your highness?"

She turned to see a guard standing in the doorway. "Yes?"

"It's time to head downstairs, Ma'am."

.....................................................................................

Keith concentrated on breathing. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.

He heard Lance chuckle beside him and ignored him. In. Out. In. Out.

He watched as Hunk and Pidge escorted his mother and sister to their seats. In. Out. In. Out.

His mother sat in the first row, clutching a handkerchief. Dana sat between her and his brother. Adam sat between his parents, he was behaving so well that Keith knew Gerald had bribed him with something. And Ben sat on Allyson's lap. In. Out. In. Out.

Hunk escorted Nanny down and she sat in the front row on the other side of the aisle. In. Out. In. Out.

His heart was racing to fast, so hard, he knew Lance could hear it. In. Out. In. Out.

Sven and Romelle came down the aisle arm in arm. Romelle smiled softly at Keith as she approached the altar and stepped to the side. In. Out. In. Out.

The quiet strings of the quartet who sat in the corner suddenly swelled and the entire congregation rose. His eyes started at the pink runner with rose petals sprinkled over it and slowly he raised them up the aisle until he saw her standing there in the doorway of the ballroom. He forgot to breathe.

She was a vision in white lace and organza. Her hair a mass of loose curls that started at the top and tumbled down to her shoulders. A veil was held in place with her crown and he could just barely make out her face behind it. He could see the bouquet of yellow and white roses quiver slightly as her hands shook.

Everyone else in the room disappeared around them. The quiet murmurs of the gathered guests, the melodic strings of the quartet, the clicking of the photographers camera, all sounds were muted as he watched her move slowly toward him, limping slightly, still favoring her injured ankle.

Allura felt her entire body tremble as she moved. Somehow, her mind was telling her feet to move forward. All one hundred guests were watching her. Her friends and loved ones had their eyes glued to her. But she saw only him. His face an open picture of love and devotion. So intent in keeping her eyes on him and just making it up the aisle, she misjudged a step and stumbled. Keith automatically stepped forward to help her, but she caught herself with the help of a gentleman in the fourth row. She smiled sheepishly and thanked him, glad that the veil was there to hide her red face.

Keith did step down to meet her and take her hand, helping her take the step up to stand with him in front of the altar.

"You okay?" He whispered as they turned to face Koran.

"I can't believe I just tripped walking down the aisle," she whispered back.

"You looked graceful doing it."

A quiet, nervous giggle escaped from beneath the veil. Keith squeezed her hand.

Koran smiled down at the two young people in front of him. He swallowed hard, suddenly realizing it was his girl he was about to give to the Captain. Coughing quietly to try and clear the emotion from his throat, he began.

"We are gathered her today for the joyous occasion of joining Her Royal Highness Princess Allura Arianna Aerwyn and Captain Keith Patrick Whitaker in the union of marriage. This not an institution to be entered into lightly and anyone who knows what the Princess and the Captain have been through to get to this point knows they deserve the happiness we all know will come from this union.

"This also a great day for the planet of Arus. With this marriage, the Princess will be crowned Queen of Arus, with Captain Whitaker ruling at her side as Prince Consort. They have both shown their strength in leadership and Arus can only grow strong as they rule together."

He looked at his charge and smiled kindly down at her, "Take her hand in yours, Captain."

Allura handed her bouquet to Romelle and turned to face Keith. He gently lifted her veil and uncovered her face. He ducked his head and whispered as he took her hands, "I want to be able to see you."

She bit her lip and nodded.

"Do you, Keith Patrick Whitaker, take Her Royal Highness Princess Allura Arianna Aerwyn to love, honor and cherish for all of the days of your life?"

"I do," he replied, his eyes locked on Allura's.

"May we have the ring, please."

Lance pulled the ring out of his pocket and handed it to Koran.

"Take this ring as a symbol of the never ending bond you two will share for the rest of your lives. Take this ring and repeat after me, Captain."

Keith took the tiny ring in his fingers and held it over the third finger of Allura's left hand. He repeated the promise Koran recited for him. "With this ring I pledge my love and my life to you for as long as I shall live."

Koran took Keith's ring from Lance and repeated the significance of it before handing it to Allura. With a shaky voice, the Princess repeated the vow. "With this ring, I pledge my love and my life to you for as long as I shall live."

With shaking hands, she pushed the ring onto his finger, squeezing his hand tightly.

"What has been joined together today in front of friends and loved ones, let no one come between." He smiled at Keith, "You may kiss your bride."

Keith looked down at Allura, gently cupping her cheek with his hand as he lowered his mouth to hers. As he pulled back, a tear slipped from her eye as she smiled at him.

"I love you," he whispered.

"Love you too."

"Your highness," Koran interrupted them. "If you will please be seated we will continue with your crowning."

Hand in hand, the young couple crossed to sit on the elaborate thrones behind the altar. Koran pulled out the large book of Arusian history. He had a proclamation to read, followed by Allura accepting the responsibility of becoming Queen, and then she would bestow the title of Prince Consort onto Keith.

Lance and Romelle both took their seats as this part of the ceremony would take too long to stay standing. Feeling sentimental, Romelle leaned against her husband as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her head.

"Ours is a society that understands and appreciates the importance of family and love," Koran began as he read from the ancient book in front of him. "As Princess Allura comes of age, weds and starts her own family, she will become the official ruler of Arus, ruling on her own, no longer requiring advisors, unless she appoints them on her own. Over the years, Her Royal Highness has proven herself to be…"

An explosion rocked the castle knocking over flower arrangements, dumping a few guests on the floor and causing Koran to lose his balance and topple over.

Keith helped Allura to her feet while pulling out his communicator. Allura hurried over to help Koran up while Lance, Hunk, and Pidge tired to keep the calm and Sven helped Romelle to her feet.

"What's going on?" Keith barked into his communicator when O'Hurley answered.

"We're looking into it now, Captain, but it looks like an explosion below the castle."

"Inside or outside?"

"We think it was outside."

"Alright. The Castle of Lions can withstand the explosion. I'm going to get all the guests to safety and then I'll meet up with you in Castle Control, I want a full report."

"Yes, sir."

Keith snapped his communicator shut and turned to face the loud, confused crowd. Slipping two finger into his mouth, he let out a shrill, ear-splitting whistle. Silence instantly descended upon the ballroom. "Excuse me, everyone! I am going to ask you all to follow the guards down to safe rooms. I can assure you that you will be just fine as long as you cooperate! As soon as we know what is going on, we will tell you." He waved over some guards and gave them instructions to lead the guests down to reinforced safe rooms deep within the castle.

"Sven," Keith walked over to him. "Take Romelle down with the others, we'll keep you posted."

"Tank you Keit."

"What's the plan?" Lance asked as the guests were ushered from the room.

"Let's go to Castle Control and see what they've found so far," Keith said as the others gathered around him.

Allura took his hand as they hurried down the hall, "They don't know what that was?"

He shook his head, "Some wedding, huh?"

"Let's just hope that this isn't a sign as to how the whole marriage is going to go," she muttered as another explosion rocked the castle, sending them all sprawling to the floor.