Brina smoothed her hands over her dark green sweater and raised her hand to knock on Declan's door.
"Come in!"
She punched in the code he had given her and watched the door slide open. Declan was standing beside his closet tucking in his shirt.
"Hey beautiful," he grinned when she walked in. "What's up?"
"Uh, nothing, I just wanted to see if you were ready," she wandered over to his bed and sat down, watching him finish dressing.
"The party doesn't start for another twenty minutes. Besides, I thought it was always the woman who took longer to get ready."
Brina rolled her eyes, "Don't be such a jerk, Declan."
With a small smile on his lips, he sat beside her, "What's on your mind, Brin?"
She plucked at his comforter and sighed, "What, uh, what happens with us now, Dec?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I mean, things are going to be different now. Our schedules are going to change, we'll have more classes, we won't be spending as much time together."
Declan reached up and brushed her hair behind her ear, "I was looking forward to this. It means we can date for real. We can go out, see a movie, have dinner. We can have more of a normal relationship."
"I don't know if any relationship with you can be considered normal," she teased quietly.
He kissed her cheek gently, "Don't worry, Brin, everything will be just fine."
"I don't know if I can compete."
"Compete with what?" He murmured, moving his lips down her throat.
Heat rose to her face, "With…with all the girls."
He lifted his head to look at her, "What are you talking about?"
"You are Prince Declan Whitaker."
"Yes, I know."
"Girls fawn over you. You're handsome and funny and smart. Do you have any idea how popular you are?"
Declan cupped her face in his hands, "Stop it, Brina, you're being silly. There is no one to compete with you. If anything, I should be the nervous one. I'm meeting the parents tonight."
Brina studied his face. His gentle eyes and friendly half-smile. Her heart skipped a beat and before she could stop herself she blurted out. "I love you, Declan."
His eyes widened, "Really?"
That wasn't the reaction she was expecting and she felt like a fool. "Uh, yeah, I uh, maybe."
"Maybe?"
"Declan, please don't make fun of me," she murmured, biting her lip as nervous, embarrassed tears filled her eyes.
He leaned toward her and captured her lips in a tender kiss. "I will never make fun of you," he whispered, resting his forehead against hers. "I love you too."
"Really?"
"Maybe."
She giggled nervously, "I thought you weren't going to make fun of me."
Declan wound his arms around her and pulled her close, "I can't believe you love me."
"Neither can I."
He laughed, "I don't know how to take that."
Brina tilted her head back to look at him, "Take it in a good way, handsome."
Pressing his lips to hers, Declan slowly lowered her to the bed beneath him. "We still have fifteen minutes," he whispered when he broke away.
"And there is nothing wrong with being fashionably late," she added, running her fingernails up and down his back.
……………………………………………………………..
Sky sat in the arm chair in the corner of Cady's room, waiting for her friend to come out of the bathroom. She checked her watch again. Erik should be meeting with the guards on duty. He had told Keith that a friend of his was coming in for the day and was able to get clearance for Tristan's ship.
"I can't wait to get my arm out of this sling," Cady grumbled walking out of the bathroom and holding a scrunchie. "Can you help me, please?"
"Sure." Sky jumped to her feet and hurried over to help her friend pull her hair back into a thick ponytail. "It won't be much longer now, will it?"
"Becca said I should be able to start therapy next week."
"Are you still in a lot of pain?"
"It's a constant ache, sometimes it's worse than others."
"There. You look really nice, Cady."
The Princess looked down at the simple blue dress she wore. It was nothing special, but it was comfortable. "Thanks, Sky, so do you."
Sky tugged at the black sweater she wore over blue jeans. It fit nicely, but hid the weapon she had holstered at her hip. "Thanks, Cady. So what are your plans for the party?"
She rolled her eyes, "I get to sit with Nanny and pretend to have a good time until I get too depressed and turn in early for the night."
"You're a regular ray of sunshine, Cady. Maybe you'll have fun."
"Yeah, right."
"Maybe you'll meet the man of your dreams."
Cady snorted in a very unladylike fashion.
"Or maybe you'll be miserable and lonely."
"Just let me be miserable and lonely. As my best friend, you could support me."
"Life is what you make of it. If you go to this picnic determined to have a good time, you will have a good time."
Cady rolled her eyes, "Don't worry, Sky, I know how to behave."
A quick knock on the door interrupted them.
"Come in," Cady called.
The door slid open and Erik walked in. "Hi girls, are you ready to attend this little soirée?"
"You guys go ahead," Cady waved them off with her free hand.
"Cady, come with us," Sky pleaded.
She smiled at them, "I'll be down in a few minutes. Don't worry, Sky, I'll be there."
Erik laced his fingers through Sky's and gently tugged her hand, "Come on, Sunny."
"I'll be looking for you," Sky called over shoulder as her boyfriend pulled her from the room.
"Tristan's about an hour and a half out," Erik told her as they walked down the hall.
"Did he know there was going to be a picnic?"
"Not when he made the plans to come, he just wanted to see her."
"I feel kind of bad not telling her he was coming. We're blindsiding her with this."
Erik shrugged, "He wants to surprise her. In reality, I think he's afraid she won't see him if she knows he's coming."
"True. She is quite stubborn."
"Yes, quite," he squeezed her hand. "I was thinking they should meet in private. Tristan is going to contact me just before he lands. I'll meet him at the tarmac and bring him into the castle. So if you could bring Cady to the Observation deck, I thought they could talk there."
With a small smile on her lips, Sky pressed a kiss to his cheek, "You're so sweet."
"Nah," he smiled. "I'm doing all this with an ulterior motive in mind."
"What's that?"
"With Cady busy with a man of her own, you'll be able to fool around with your man without her interrupting."
"No, I think you're a sweet man who only wants what's best for the people he loves."
"I love you and I think it's best for you if she is distracted."
…………………………………………………
Tristan scratched his chin nervously as he flew closer to Arus. It had taken a lot of work and very little sleep, but he had been able to purchase a ship and get clearance to fly to Arus. Erik had been more of a help than he could have ever imagined. It usually takes about a week to take care of all the paperwork necessary for personal intergalactic travel. But when you have the Polluxian Prince on your side, some of that paperwork can be skimmed over.
He was anxious to get to Arus, but at the same time he was terrified. What if this was a huge mistake? What if she didn't want to see him? What if she was so angry or hurt she wouldn't even speak to him? And just what was he supposed to say to her?
Good afternoon, Princess. How are you? I guess you're wondering why I'm here. Well, I've done a lot of thinking and I have come to realize how much you mean to me and I am hoping you will give me the opportunity to make it up to you.
I've been a jerk, Cady. I was wrong and I realize that now. Please forgive me. Please give me a chance to make it up to you.
How're you doing, Cady? So, you still love me?
I love you, Cady.
Tristan sighed and rubbed his eye. It was too late to turn back now. Not that he wanted to. He had to know how she felt, what she was thinking. Glancing at his watch he realized he was making good time. He was about an hour out.
……………………………………………………........
"This is amazing," Sky sighed as she and Erik joined the others outside.
Brina looked around, taking in the lanterns hung in the trees, the tables covered with food, and the band set up by the lake. "When your mother wants to put on a party, she really puts on a party."
Declan laughed, "She loves this sort of thing."
"How many people are coming?" Erik asked as people arrived. He waved to his parents as they approached from the castle with Keith and Allura.
Gideon shrugged, "I heard Mom say something like eighty people or so."
"I thought it was just going to close friends and family."
"And their significant others and children and, well, I think there might be a guy or two for Cady to meet."
Sky looked up at Erik with surprise. He winked at her.
"Speaking of Cady," Declan looked around. "Where is she?"
"She said she would be out soon," Sky told him.
"Hi gang," Lance greeted them as he and Darcy walked over. "Beautiful night for a party."
"Yes it is," Keith said, joining them, his hand holding Allura's and Nicky on his back.
The meadow was quickly filling as the extended Voltron family arrived. The younger children found seats on the ground as they gorged themselves on hamburgers, hot dogs, various salads, pickles, olives, and sodas. Voices rose above the music as more people arrived and the adults milled around, mingling and eating. A couple members of the press had been invited and they were trying to corner and interview the new and old members of the Voltron Force.
"Ms. Collier?"
Sky looked over her shoulder and bit back a sigh as yet another reporter interrupted her meal. "Yes?"
"Hi, I'm Shey Jher, reporter for the Alforia Times, I was wondering if I could have a few words with you."
"Okay."
"This all must be terribly exciting for you, filling your father's shoes like this. How does it feel to be the new second-in-command for the Voltron Force?"
"It is an awesome responsibility, but I have spent my entire life around Red and I have a great connection with her. I could not imagine doing anything else with my life."
"Some would say you are too young for such a responsibility, how do you respond to such criticism?"
Sky shrugged, "I was chosen by Red and Commander Whitaker."
"Do you care to elaborate?"
"I believe that is answer enough."
"Mm hm," Shey murmured as she made a note on her pad. "Rumor has it that you and the new pilot of Black Lion, Erik Johansson, have a special relationship."
"We've been friends our entire lives."
"And it doesn't go any deeper than that?"
"What does that matter? I like to think our personal lives are personal."
"Of course they are," Shey assured her with a smile. "But the people of Arus care about you, all of you. They see the royal family and the members of the Voltron Force as family members and they are curious. Not to mention all of the young men who might be interested in your availability."
"She isn't," Erik spoke up, appearing at her side.
The reporter's smile grew even larger, "So the two of you are seeing each other."
"Yes we are. And feel free to mention in your article that I am trained in the martial arts and hand to hand combat, so any of those young men interested in Sky's availability have to come through me."
Sky rolled her eyes, "Any other questions?"
"Do you find it difficult to work together and maintain a relationship?"
"I can't believe how many people ask us that," Sky said. "It hasn't been a problem at all."
"What about the fact that there are not only men interested in Ms. Collier but the women interested in Commander Johansson?"
"Excuse me?" Sky tensed.
"Oh stop causing trouble," Erik told Shey. "As far as I'm concerned, there is no other woman than Sky."
Sky leaned against him and wrapped her arm around his waist, "Do you have any questions concerning Voltron or planet security? Or are you just going to pry into our personal lives?"
"I am only asking questions that interest my readers."
"Did you know Prince Declan Whitaker has started seriously dating a young woman?" Erik asked.
The reporter's eyebrows shot up in interest, "He has?"
"Yes, and I believe you will find them over there," he pointed to a small group by the drinks table.
"That was low," Sky whispered as the reporter deserted them.
"You can't tell me Dec doesn't deserve it."
"True. Any word from Tristan?"
Erik checked his watch, "No. He should be here any minute now. Where's Cady?"
"She's over there, entertaining the son of a town councilman."
"He better get his butt here soon."
Sky shook her head and took a bite from her hot dog, "Don't worry. She's just talking to him. Cady is not quite over Tristan."
Erik watched as his cousin smiled and spoke with the young man, "I don't know. She seems to be having a good time."
"They're just talking."
"Dance with me."
Sky looked up at him, surprised. "What?"
He took the plate from her hands and set it on a nearby table, "Come on, dance with me."
She grabbed her drink and took a quick swig of her soda before allowing him to drag her to the makeshift dance floor.
A small grassy area near the lake was occupied by a four piece band. Nearby a handful of couples were dancing to a slow song, including Keith and Allura, Lance and Darcy, Declan and Brina, Gideon and Lynnai and a few other couples Sky didn't recognize. Pidge joined the group with Tori, the little girl standing on her father's feet as they moved in slow circles together.
"Has Keith said anything to you about Vinn?" Sky asked as she slid her arm around his neck and her hand into his.
"No," he stole a quick kiss. "No talk of work. We're just a couple on a date."
"So I can't ask if he and Captain Klari arrived at the Garrison…"
Erik once again shut her up with a kiss.
"Don't make us separate you two," Lance said as he and Darcy danced by.
Declan accidentally bumped into his brother, "Watch where you're going."
"Me? You're the one who can barely stay on his feet," Gideon retorted.
"Boys, be nice," Allura said.
"She's right," Declan said. "May I cut in?"
Gideon looked at his Lynnai. She smiled and nodded. "Sure."
The twins stepped back from their dates, bowed to their girlfriends, who in turn curtsied. The boys turned to each other and bowed. Declan threw his arm around his brother's shoulders and they clasped hands. Lynnai and Brina stood side by side, hands on their hips, and watched as their boyfriends danced away in large, exaggerated circles.
"Will they ever outgrow this?" Brina asked.
"I hope so," Lynnai sighed.
Keith sighed and lowered his forehead to his wife's. "And you want to have another one of those?" He whispered.
Allura smiled, "I think I was just feeling a little emotional when I suggested that. Six is more than enough."
Keith let out a long breath of relief, "Good, because I was going to have you committed if you actually wanted to go through with that."
………………………………………………………………
Tristan was granted access to land on Arus, thanks to the fact that Erik had alerted the guards that he was coming and had told Keith a friend of his was coming. He landed on one of the castle tarmacs and tried contacting Erik, but there was no response.
"Lt. Alexander," a guard greeted him. "Welcome back."
"Thank you. Uh, can you tell me where I can find Erik?"
"His highness is out back with the others."
He nodded, feeling a bit nervous. Tristan hadn't planned on facing everyone at once. Where was Erik? Why didn't he answer his call? Was he doing this on purpose?
"Lieutenant?"
"Oh, yes, I'm sorry, what?"
"Would you like me to take you out back?"
"No, thank you, that's not necessary. I remember the way. Thank you." Tristan nodded to the guard and hurried around the side of the castle. He followed the sounds of music, voices, and laughter.
His eyes skimmed the crowd. He saw Erik and realized why he hadn't responded. The Polluxian Prince was dancing slowly with Sky, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist and his other hand clutched hers to his chest. Erik said something quietly to Sky, she smiled in return and kissed him. Tristan felt a quick pang of jealousy. He wanted that. The comfortable relationship built on love, respect, and friendship. He wanted that with Cady.
His jealousy was quickly replaced with nerves when he saw Commander Whitaker and Queen Allura. They were standing close together, the Commander was resting his hand lightly on the small of his wife's back while she stood close to his side. They were gathered with Lance and Darcy and Sven and Romelle, talking and laughing.
How was Commander Whitaker going to take his return? How was he supposed to approach the father of the woman he loved?
But all the nerves, jealousy, and worries disappeared when he saw her. Cady was standing beside a table, a drink in hand, as she spoke with a young man. All of those emotions were replaced with annoyance and anger. Who was that man? Why was he talking to Cady? What were they talking about? And why did he just wrap his arm around her waist?
………………………………………………………..
"Dec?"
He looked up from where he was loading a plate with more food, dancing always gave him an appetite. "Hey, Brin, what's up?"
"My parents are here," she smiled at him.
Declan swallowed hard and set the plate down, "Where are they?"
"They're getting a drink. My brother couldn't make it, but sister is with them. Come on." She took his hand. "I can't wait to introduce you."
Declan gripped her hand and mentally reminded himself that he was a member of royalty. He had met dignitaries from other planets, various military and Garrison officials, and dealt with the press. He could very easily meet his girlfriend's parents.
"Mom, Dad, this is Declan."
He looked up and smiled at the two people in front of them. Mrs. Morrigan was a lovely woman, the same height and build as Brina, her auburn hair was peppered with grey and her pretty face lined with a few creases that come with age. Mr. Morrigan was a little taller than his wife with a round, pleasant face and a receding hairline of blonde/gray hair. Standing beside them was Brigid, Brina's younger sister. A pretty girl with strawberry blonde hair and a pale complexion.
Declan bowed to them, "Mr. Morrigan, Mrs. Morrigan, it's a pleasure to meet you. And you, Brigid."
Brina's father grinned and offered his hand to the boy, "Well, what should I call you, son? Your Highness? Prince Declan?"
"Dad, please," Brina pleaded, embarrassed.
"You can call me Declan, or Dec," he told them, taking the other man's hand, surprised by his tight grip.
"It's nice to meet you, Declan," Euclida said, taking his hand in both hers. "We've heard wonderful things about you."
Brigid nodded, a blush rising to her cheeks.
"So, Declan, you're a pilot, huh?" Mr. Morrigan asked.
"Yes, sir."
"How secure is that job?"
"Excuse me?"
"I'm just looking out for my girl. But then I guess you don't have to worry too much about your future, what with you being a Prince and all."
Declan flashed him a charming smile, "My future lies in the Arusian military and since the safety of our planet and its people is of the utmost importance, my future, and career, are very secure."
"Uh huh, uh huh," Brina's father nodded. "Well, if you are ever looking for something else, you come see me at my store and I'll set you up."
"Oh, Dad, really," Brina groaned.
Declan squeezed her hand, "I appreciate your offer, sir, and I will definitely keep that in mind."
"How is your family doing?" Euclida asked. "I haven't spoken to your parents in years."
"They're fine, as a matter of fact, there are my parents now." Declan caught his father's eye and waved them over.
"Allura," Keith whispered to his wife. "I think our son needs us."
"What so you mean?" She looked around and her eyes settled on Declan and the people he was with. "That's Euclida."
"Yes it is."
"She got fat."
"Stop that, she did not."
"Let me pretend, Keith. Besides, you aren't supposed to be checking out your ex-girlfriend."
"I am not checking her out."
"I think I've aged better than she has."
"You're gorgeous," Keith assured her. "Come on, Dec wants us."
"Euclida, Brent, what a pleasure to see you again," Allura declared as she drew closer. "I am so glad you could make it to the picnic."
"Your highness," Euclida took the hand Allura offered. "Thank you for inviting us."
"You are always welcome here. We are just so pleased to have Brina as part of our crew now. She is terrific, you must be so proud."
Brent winked at his daughter, "We sure are."
"She is doing a great job," Keith added. "Brina is a talented pilot and a good girl."
"Thank you, that's very kind of you to say," Euclida told him.
"Not as painful as you thought it would be, huh?" Brina whispered to Declan.
"Nah, your family seems nice."
"Yeah," she agreed. "A little embarrassing, but nice."
……………………………………………………………………………………
Marc Jentral was feeling good. He was feeling great, actually. For the past twenty minutes he had been speaking privately with Princess Cady. She had seemed rather quiet, but her arm was still sore and she seemed tired. She looked beautiful, wearing a dress the same shade of blue as her eyes and her hair cascaded down her back in a mass of blonde curls held together with a blue tie. She took his breath away with her simple beauty.
Cady was trying to take Sky's advice. She was trying to make the most of her time at the picnic. Marc was a very nice guy, and good looking, but he wasn't Tristan. She would rather be hanging out Sky, but every time she saw her, she was with Erik and Cady didn't want to be accused of interrupting them again. So she was spending her time talking with Marc, the son of one of the town elders.
"What classes are you taking now?" Marc asked.
"I'm concentrating on interplanetary law and communication. That's where my interests lie and I believe they will help me become a stronger leader. What are you studying?"
"I think I've finally decided on a major and I've been studying economics and business. I hope to open my own business someday."
"That's very admirable. What kind of business?"
"I was thinking of a hotel."
Cady nodded and picked up a soda from the drinks table, "That sounds lovely. I'm sure you'll do great at whatever you put your mind to."
"Thank you, your highness, that really means a lot to me."
Cady smiled softly, her interest in this conversation was quickly waning and all she wanted to do was excuse herself and go back to her room where she could wallow in self-pity. She lifted her drink to her mouth only to have it slip from her fingers and land on the ground with a thump. She stared in disbelief as Tristan watched her.
He was standing about twenty feet away, his hair mussed and his pale face covered with a couple days growth of stubble. His arms hung at his side where his hands were clenched in fists.The breath rushed from her lungs as she looked at him. She thought she should feel confused or worried or angry or happy. All Cady wanted to do was run to him and throw her arms around him. But she still couldn't believe he was here.
"Your highness?"
She didn't respond, not tearing her gaze from the man in front of her.
"Your highness," Marc repeated. "Are you okay?"
"I…I'm sorry," she whispered. "I have to go."
Tristan saw her take a hesitant step toward him and he snapped out of his trance. Without his even realizing it, his feet carried him to her and he had his arms around her.
Cady wrapped her good arm around his neck and stood on her toes, hugging him tightly. "What are you doing here?" She whispered in a shaky voice.
He brought his hand up to cup her cheek and forced her to look at him. Tristan wanted her to see him when he told her. "I love you."
Her eyes searched his face and she bit her lip as she realized how genuine he was. "I love you too."
A grin broke out on Tristan's face as he tightened his arms around her and stood upright, lifting her off her feet and capturing her lips with his own in gentle kiss.
A few rapid fire clicking noises brought Tristan back to reality. He looked around and saw a photographer snapping their picture.
Cady sighed as he slowly lowered her to his feet. "Sorry about that, I don't even hear it any more."
"Can we, uh, can we go some place more private and talk?" He asked.
She nodded, "We can go up to the castle, they can't follow us there."
He took her hand and they moved quickly.
Marc stood and watched wordlessly as the woman he had just been speaking to hurried toward the castle, hand in hand with some scruffy looking stranger.
Cady led him into the castle and through the hallways to the deserted rec room. She pulled him in and shut the door behind them. She turned back to face him, a thousand questions running through her mind, but every one of them was forgotten as he lowered his head and kissed her, hungrily.
"I just had to do that," Tristan breathed.
"I'm glad you did," she replied, breathlessly.
He looked down at her. Her eyes were half closed as she looked back at him, her cheeks darkened, and her mouth opened slightly as her breath caressed his neck. He licked his lips and fought down the urge to ravage her right there.
"What are…"
"How is…"
They both laughed nervously.
"Go ahead," Tristan said quietly.
"What, uh, what are you doing here?" She asked shyly.
He responded simply, "I needed to see you."
"But you didn't respond to my email. You just left. I thought I would never see you again."
He led her over to the sofa and sat beside her. "This hasn't been easy for me, Cady. I've been trying to figure out where I was going, what I was going to do with my life, but all I could think of was you. I have five and a half months left of my tour of duty and I couldn't figure out if I wanted to reup or do something else because all I could think of was how could I be with you. I want to be with you, get to know you better."
"Why didn't you write me back? I've been miserable," she whined.
He smiled and caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger, "I'm sorry, Cady. I was trying to figure out what to do."
"I'm glad you chose to come back. I just wish you had told me you were coming."
Tristan released her chin and stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers, "I wasn't sure if you would agree to see me. Erik and Sky helped me gain landing access. I didn't know you were having a party when I made the plans to come see you."
She blinked her eyes, emotion welling in their blue depths.
"I am so, so sorry, Cady. I never meant to hurt you. I was confused and nervous and overwhelmed. Then…then you were hurt."
"That wasn't your fault," she interrupted.
"You should never have been injured."
"Hey, I'm stronger than I look, Tristan."
"I know you are. You are constantly amazing me."
She rubbed her hand over the stubble that darkened his face. "What happens now?"
"Now? Well, I want to be with you," he said almost shyly. "I would like the opportunity to get to know you better. But, well, I guess it all depends on what you want. I'm hoping you won't tell me I'm too late. Please, give me a chance to make it up to you. Don't tell me it's too late, Cady. I realize now how much you mean to me and how badly I want you in my life. I love you."
Cady's face split into the first, truly happy smile she had shown in weeks. "It's not too late, Tristan, I just wish you had spoken to me about this. We could have talked, figured out a way to make it work."
"Well, that's why I'm here now. I have a week left on my leave. Then, well, uh, then I have to ask you to wait."
"I know, I will."
Tristan gently brushed his fingertips over the strap of her sling, "How's your shoulder?"
"It's still a bit sore, but it's getting better."
"I'm sorry it happened, Cady."
"So am I, but, like my father always says, what doesn't kill us can only make us stronger."
"Speaking of your father," he slid his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. "I will need to speak to your parents."
She laid her head on his shoulder, "Why?"
"I have a feeling he will want to know my intentions."
"You are getting involved with the next in line for the Arusian throne."
"Huh, I guess that means I have to shave."
Cady tilted her head back and smiled, "I kinda like your rough look. It's sexy."
He gave into the urge and ran his fingers through her silky blonde hair. "I was also thinking about talking to your father about signing up with the Arusian military."
She took his other hand in hers and laced their fingers together, "I'm really glad you came back, Tristan."
"So am I," he kissed the top of her head. "So who was that guy you were talking to?"
"Oh that was just Marc."
"Marc?"Cady smiled, "Yes, Marc. I think he might like me."
"I could take him," Tristan grumbled.
"Or you could just take me," she whispered.
His eyes widened, "Why, Princess, are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"
She lowered her lashes and smiled, "What do you think?"
"I think I love you," he grinned.
Cady kissed the dimple that marked his cheek, "I love you too."
…………………………………………………………………………….
"Have you seen Cady?"
Sky turned from where she was getting a drink to see Declan standing beside her, "Uh, no, why?"
"She was talking to Marc Jentral but he said she ran off with some scruffy looking guy. Dad is about to close down the castle and sound the alarms."
"Don't let him do that," Erik said looking at his cell phone. "I know who she's with and she's probably in the castle. Go get your father."
"What is it?" Sky asked him.
"I missed Tristan's call. He is probably the 'scruffy looking guy' she disappeared with."
"I don't think I would describe Tristan as scruffy."
"He just spent twenty-eight hours flying here from Terra. He's probably in need of a shower and a shave."
"You know where Cady is?" Keith and Allura hurried over with Declan, Brina, Gideon, and Lynnai.
Erik nodded, "I should have told you before. The friend of mine who was coming to visit was Tristan. He wanted to see Cady so I sneaked him onto the planet to see her. Have you tried contacting her on her communicator?"
Keith rolled his eyes, "She never remembers to carry it with her."
"Maybe if you painted it pink and pasted rhinestones on it she would carry it," Gideon muttered.
"I'll go find her," Sky told them.
"We'll talk about your honesty issues later," the Commander told Erik.
"Yes, sir," he nodded and followed Sky.
They found Cady and Tristan curled up on the couch in the rec room, their heads close together as they spoke quietly.
"Ahem," Sky cleared her throat loudly.
Cady and Tristan both jumped back, surprised.
"What do you want?" The Princess demanded.
"Call it payback, Cady. You're parents are worried sick about you. You can't just disappear like that."
"I'm fine, you can go now."
"That's not very polite. Hi, Tristan, how are you?"
Tristan stood and nodded to Sky, "I'm fine Sky, thank you. How are you doing?"
"Good. It's nice to see you again."
Cady stood and faced her friends, "If you don't mind, Tristan and I have a lot to talk about. Could you please tell my parents I'm fine."
Sky smiled sweetly, "So now you know what it's like, Cady."
"What what is like?" Tristan asked.
Cady shrugged, "I may have interrupted them once or twice."
Erik laughed, "Once or twice? I can think of at least half a dozen times you interrupted us off the top of my head, if you give me more time to think about it, I'm sure I can come up with some more."
"Have you spoken with Captain Klari or figured out what you're going to do?" Sky asked Tristan as Erik called Keith on his communicator to tell him they found Cady safe and sound.
"No. To be honest I was a little worried about running into the Captain. I am hoping to be able to sidestep her until my tour is up."
"Don't worry, you won't see her, she went with the escort team to take Vinn to the Garrison Containment Center. I think she couldn't wait to get off Arus."
"What happened?"
"Well, she was knocked down by Aunt Allura."
Tristan burst out laughing, "You're kidding me!""Nope. The Queen may be small, but she packs quite a punch."
"All right," Erik snapped his communicator shut. "I was able to convince your father that you're safe, but he wants you back outside with the others."
Cady turned to Tristan and took his hand, "You'll come, won't you?"
"Is there some place we can go where I can to, uh, freshen up?"
"Yeah, you can use my bathroom," Erik told him. "Sky, why don't you and Cady head back outside and quell Keith's worries."
"Quell Keith's worries?" Sky teased. "You know it makes me hot when you use big words."
"It's ain't that big and you ain't that easy," he gave her a quick kiss. "Go."
She leaned over and whispered, "It makes me even hotter when you talk like an uneducated moron."
He laughed and shoved her toward the door, "Go."
"Come on, Cady," Sky turned to her friend.
Her words went unheard as her best friend was currently engaged in other matters. Mainly, Tristan holding her close and kissing her."Sorry I missed your call," Erik said as he and Tristan made their way toward his room.
"That's all right, I saw you and Sky and I noticed you were rather, shall we say, preoccupied. I found Cady."
"And everything's all right?"
Tristan smiled, "Yeah, everything's all right."
Erik asked, punching in the code to open his door. "The bathroom's through there. Clean towels on the rack and there's a new razor in the cabinet behind the mirror."
"Thanks, Erik, for everything."
"No problem, Tristan, I'm glad I could help. But if you do anything to hurt Cady, I will have to kill you."
"You don't have to worry about that."
…………………………………………..
Keith couldn't help but notice the change in his eldest daughter. The moment she stepped out of the castle with Sky, her whole aura had changed. She was glowing and happy. She was in love.
"Cady," he chided when they came over. "You can't just disappear like that."
"I didn't, Daddy," she kissed his cheek. "I was safe."
"But I didn't know that. Where's Tristan?"
"He wanted to freshen up before he spoke to you. You be nice to him, Daddy," she demanded, poking him in the chest with her finger. "He is the man I love."
"Oh, Cady," Allura hugged her daughter. "I'm so happy for you, he is such a good man. Oh, my little girl is in love."
"He's your best choice so far," Declan said.
"Yeah, he's better than any of the Princes or accountants you brought home before," Gideon added.
"He is wonderful, isn't he?" Cady sighed.
"Who is?" Tristan asked, sliding his arm around her shoulders.
The Princess looked over her shoulder and smiled. His hair was brushed back and his face cleanly shaven. He still looked tired but incredibly handsome. "You are."Keith held out his hand to the Lieutenant, "Glad to see you again, Tristan."
"And you, Commander," he took Keith's hand and shook it.
"So you came all the way here to see our sister?" Declan asked.
"Yes I did."
Gideon nodded, "And what makes you think you're good enough for her?"
"Gideon!" Cady gasped. "You can't ask him that!"
"Yes I can. Would you rather I dyed your hair orange?"
"You little…" Cady reached out to smack her brother but was stopped when Tristan grabbed her.
"I'm not," he told her brother. "But I will do everything in my power to become good enough for her."
"Are you going to run out on her again?" Declan asked.
"Boys, that's enough," Allura said sternly.
"I have to leave again at the end of the week," Tristan explained. "But I will come back."
"Boys," Keith warned. "He has had a long trip. You can quiz him tomorrow."
"Or you can leave him alone," Cady grumbled.
"Yeah, that's not going to happen," Declan retorted.
"Come on, leave your sister alone," Brina took his hand.
Tristan turned his attention back to Keith, "So Vinn is officially in the hands of the Garrison now?"
"Yes. He was escorted to a Garrison Containment Center on Planet Crolak. Captain Klari and Corporal Noral went along to help. They left yesterday morning and should arrive there late tonight."
"Any word from them?"
"Not yet. But they will contact us as soon as they land on Crolak. Once he is questioned again, he will be transported to Terra for formal arraignment."
"I'm glad to hear that." Tristan slid his arm around Cady. "Any word on his followers here on Arus?"
"We've captured a total of eleven people sent to infiltrate our planet."
"What happens next?"
Keith sighed, "Well, we can't let our guard down just yet. We are continuing our training with the Voltron Force and guard duty. We won't rest until we know it's safe."
"If there is anything at all that I can do, just ask."
"Thank you, Lieutenant, I appreciate your offer."
"But we aren't going to worry about that now," Allura spoke up. "You two go now and have fun. Just behave yourselves."
Cady slid her hand into his, "Come on, let's ditch the old people."
"I heard that," Keith called after his daughter.
"Let them be," Allura whispered to her husband. "We remember what it was like to finally be free to spend some time together, especially after such a high stress situation."
Keith looked around and saw his three oldest children with their significant others. Cady and Tristan were at the food table loading plates and talking. Declan and Gideon had taken their girlfriends to get drinks and by the way Brina and Lynnai were laughing, it appeared the twins were doing something right. He scanned the meadow and found his other three children, Tess had teamed up with her best friend and the two of them were standing under a tree talking. Charlotte and Nicky were running around with Pidge's and Hunk's children.
He smiled at his wife, "I guess we did pretty well. They're all here, safe and happy."
"Honey, do Cady and Tristan remind you of anyone?"
Keith returned his gaze to his eldest child. The petite blonde was standing with Tristan, her head tilted back to look up at him. Tristan flashed her a smile and pushed his thick black hair out of his eyes.
He dropped a kiss on her head, "I have no idea what you mean."
AN: Okay, as you all know I've been having some serious computer issues. I lost everything and I have been trying to get it all back from memory. That's what took so long.
I am calling this the unofficial ending of this story. I have other ideas running through my mind, but I am leaving tomorrow for a week long vacation, so I don't know when I'll get back to putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard in this case).
So I thank you all for your support and reviews, they both mean a great deal to me!
RedLion2 – As always, thank you so much! You have been a terrific source of support and inspiration! Keep up the great work with your stories, I am really enjoying them.
C-Town Chica – I have really enjoyed your reviews, the time and effort you have put into the detailed reviews have really meant a lot to me. Thank you!
Anony, Mrs. Son, Nova Victoria Jade Satori, and everyone else- Thank you so much!
You guys are awesome!
Love,
Failte