Keith walked down to the castle door. He couldn't bear to be inside anymore, so he made his way to the stables. Allura saw him leaving, and followed him out the door. "Hey handsome!" She called. Keith acted as if he didn't hear her, and kept walking. Allura went after him. She found him in the process of saddling up his white horse. "Want some company?" She asked coyly.

"No." Keith replied shortly. He didn't look up at her, just tightened the girth on his saddle. He led the horse outside.

"Keith! Wait!" Allura hurried after him. "What's wrong?"

Keith finally looked at her. "Nothing Princess." He climbed up on his horse.

She smiled hesitantly, "Allura, remember? You really need to work on that. You didn't seem to have this problem last night." Her smiled faded as his look grew stony.

"I think it's best if we forget last night ever happened. Good day Princess." He said coldly, and galloped off without looking back.

Allura's eyes filled with tears. She blinked them back, then ran in to talk to Lance. When she entered Lance's room, he appeared to be sleeping. She sighed and turned away.

"Princess?"

Allura looked up. Lance was awake. He was pale and worn looking. "Shhh. I'll come back later." She gave him a weak smile.

Lance sat up. He took a close look at her face. "What's wrong?" Realization hit. "What did he do to you?" He asked angrily.

Allura shook her head. "Nothing….really…." She couldn't finish and put her head in her hands.

Lance stood up and put on a robe. He held out his hand to Allura. "C'mon. Let's go someplace where we can talk." He led her out into the main room.

"They'll never let you out of here." Allura whispered.

"Watch and learn Princess." Lance whispered back, winking.

Doctor Gorma saw them walking out the door, and intercepted. "And where do you thing you're going Lieutenant?" He asked.

"Look Doc, I've been here for almost a week. I'm a model patient, unlike my Captain, and I think I deserve a little fresh air. The Princess offered to walk with me in the gardens to keep me company. It's a beautiful day, I have a pretty girl to watch over me, what do you say?" Lance smiled charmingly. He flashed the doctor his most beguiling expression. Allura tried not to giggle.

Doctor Gorma sighed. "Fine, go. But only for two hours. Then I want you back here and resting. Do you understand me?"

Lance grinned his best I told you so at Allura. "No problem Doc. See ya!" They set off down the hallway. "Not so fast Princess, I'm still a little shaky." Allura slowed her pace, and soon they were sitting on a stone bench in the middle of her mother's garden. "Now, tell me what happened." Lance said gently.

Allura sighed. "I love him Lance." She said simply, her blue eyes filling with tears.

"And this is a problem? I know he loves you." Allura looked up, surprised. Lance grinned at her. "Please Princess. He's loved you since we landed here over two years ago. All you have to do is look at the both of you whenever you're together."

"Is it that obvious?" She asked.

Lance shook his head. "Only if you're looking." He paused. "Now, let me guess. Our fearless leader blew you off today, and announced that whatever happened between you was wrong and it's over. Am I right?"

Allura smiled. "You know him so well Lance."

"He's my brother in all but blood." Lance paused then spoke bitterly. "He's hurting, and I cut him to the bone today."

"What do you mean?"

Lance sighed. "You saw him when he came in. He didn't want to talk and I pushed him. First I confronted him about my father, then I threw in a low blow about his family, and to top it off, I forced him to admit his feelings for you. Some best friend I turned out to be." Lance was quiet for a moment, then turned to Allura. "Don't let him drive you away Princess. He tends to do that to those he loves. Look how he sent Sven away after that first battle with Zarkon."

"But why does he push me away?" Allura asked, tears filling her eyes again.

Lance shook his head. "He thinks he's not worthy of you."

"What!"

"He thinks that because you are a Princess, you can do a lot better. One thing about Keith is his nobility. He ALWAYS does the 'Right Thing.' And right now, to him the right thing would be to let you go. After all he is a commoner and you're royalty."

Allura got up and started to pace. "That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard. He certainly doesn't think me royalty when he's knocking my ass across the judo mat." She said angrily.

Lance laughed at her tone. "I know. But, that's Keith. He'll stew over this for a while." He turned to Allura and took her hands in his. "Do you really love him?" He asked her seriously.

Allura's blue eyes looked deeply into Lance's green ones. "Yes, I love him. I think I always have." She said softly.

"Then don't let him do this. I know he loves you with all his being. It is killing him to make this decision. Don't let him walk away."

"I won't." She smiled.

"But, don't make it too easy when he comes crawling back!" Lance grinned.

Allura laughed. "Come on, let's get you back to bed before the doctor comes after me!" Still holding hands, they headed back into the castle.

Keith, meanwhile, had urged his horse at a breakneck pace across the countryside. After a few hours of mindless wandering, he led the animal back to the lake at the foot of the castle. He let the reins fall, knowing his horse would wander back to the stable on his own. Keith stood by the edge of the water, looking off into the distance. He sighed and sat down under a tree. He pulled the tattered photograph of his parents out of his pocket, and gazed at it. Mom, Dad, I miss you so much. His brown eyes filled with tears as he dropped his head to his knees. The picture slipped out of his hand, and unnoticed, a stray breeze fluttered it away.

Keith had been gone all day, and didn't show up for dinner. His horse had come back, alone, to the stable a few hours earlier. Allura stood by the window and her room, biting her lower lip in worry. Dusk was falling when she noticed a tall figure walking towards the lake. She felt better as she recognized Admiral Harrison, and knew he was going to find Keith.

The Admiral made his way down to the lake. He had a feeling he would find his young charge there. Lance had often written of how Keith went to the lake whenever he wanted to be alone. Harrison paused as he neared the lake. He saw no sign of Keith. Harrison started to turn away, when a flash of white caught his eye. He bent down and picked up a small photograph. It was Keith's. Memories of that day came rushing back. They were so happy. It was supposed to be a routine mission. He sighed, then noticed a figure near the lake's edge. Keith was sitting under a tree, staring at the sky. Tears ran unheeded down his cheeks. The Admiral turned to leave, not wanting to intrude. As he started to walk away, he stepped on a twig. Keith whirled, and jumped to his feet, blaster in hand at the sound. He stared at the Admiral for a long moment, the holstered his gun and once again faced the lake. Harrison walked over to stand next to him. He handed Keith the photograph, and Keith put it back in his pocket. Neither spoke for a long while. Finally, as the last rays of the sunset sank below the hills, Keith spoke up. "Sometimes, I almost hate them." He said softly.

Harrison sighed. "I know son. I know." He turned and pulled Keith into a bear hug. Keith tensed for a moment, then relaxed into his Godfather's arms.

When he finally pulled away, he gave his Uncle an embarrassed grin. "How did you know how to find me?" Keith asked.

The Admiral shrugged. "Lance of course." He paused, "Keith, what's really bothering you? I've known you your entire life, and I have never seen you like this."

When Keith didn't answer, he continued, "Is it those fighters? Lance getting hurt? Your relationship with the Princess?"

Keith's head snapped up at the last remark. His eyes narrowed, "Lance talks too much." He muttered.

Harrison laughed. "Actually, it was Sven. He cornered me this afternoon, and threatened me quite forcefully to 'leave Keith alone'. I was very surprised, coming from Sven."

"I'm not. Sven can be very protective." Keith replied.

"Sounds like some one else I know." The Admiral looked pointedly at Keith. Keith turned away angrily. "Now, now, let's not start this again."

Keith paused at the edge of the water. "I'm sorry Uncle. Things have been a bit…overwhelming lately." He said quietly. He glanced up at Harrison. "I don't know what I would have done if Lance..." He couldn't finish. "And now, with Allura…I feel like I'm losing my mind."

"Do you love her Keith?" The Admiral asked.

Keith sighed. "I couldn't live with out her. She's half my soul, and all of my heart. So yes, I love her."

"Then why are you out here son, instead of with her?" Before Keith could start, Harrison held up his hand. "And don't give me any bull about not being worthy of her. She's in love with you, Keith Alexander Montgomery. Not some image of a knight in shining armor. If she wanted a Prince, she'd be with one right now. How many have sought her hand just since you've been here? And did she take any of them? Now, get up there and talk to her, before it's too late."

Keith glared at his Uncle. "Now I know where Lance gets it from."

The Admiral laughed. "It's the Harrison charm, my boy. Come on, let's go." He draped his arm around Keith's shoulders, and the two men headed off towards the castle. Neither noticed the blue cat emerging from the bushes behind them.

When they got to the castle, The Admiral and Keith went their separate ways. Keith headed towards sick-bay to see Lance. Lance looked up when Keith walked into the room. Keith stood awkwardly by the door as Lance glared at him. "Well," he asked. "Can I come in?"

Lance shrugged. "Suit yourself." Keith sat down in the chair next to Lance's bed. Lance saw how anguished his best friend's face was, and felt a twinge of remorse. But only a small one.

"About today…" Keith started.

"You made her cry." Lance said accusingly.

Keith stood and paced the room, running his hand through his hair. "I already got a lecture from your father. I don't need another one." He sat back down again.

They sat in silence for a few minutes. Lance looked at Keith's face, and softened. "So, what wisdom did dear old Dad impart on you?"

Keith glared at his friend. "Basically the same thing you did."

"And what conclusions did you reach?"

Keith paced the room again. "I can't live like this. I thought about leaving Arus, going back to Earth." Lance tensed up, but before he could say anything Keith continued. "But, that would mean leaving you in charge." He glanced up at Lance.

Lance grinned. It was going to be all right. "So, when's the wedding?"

Keith laughed. "Don't condemn me just yet." He sighed. "I was an ass today Lance. First I have to go see if she's still talking to me."

"Oh, she is. We had a little chat ourselves."

Keith rolled his eyes. "Great. I'm doomed." He squeezed Lance on the shoulder. "Get some rest. We…I need you back." He started out the door.

"Keith?" Keith turned. "If you ever do that to her again, you deal with me. Understand?" Lance was dead serious.

Keith nodded. "It won't happen again. I promise." Keith replied, just as seriously. He left the room, and started looking for Allura. He couldn't find her in any of her usual haunts. The Rec-Room, Ballroom, and Council Chamber were all empty. Even though it was late, he slipped outside to check the garden. There was no sign of the Princess. Keith sighed and sat on a bench. He glanced up at Allura's window, expecting it to be dark. To his surprise, he caught Allura looking down at him. She stared at him for a moment, then turned away. Keith sighed and headed to her room. Outside her door, he paused and took a deep breath. Facing Zarkon's Robeasts are going to be easier than this. He knocked on the door. There was no answer. Keith knocked again. "Allura, please. I need to talk to you." Still the door didn't open. Keith sighed and started to turn away. I don't blame her. Then the door opened, surprising him. He looked at Allura. She was wearing a long white robe that pooled at her feet. Her blonde hair was unbound, and hung below her waist. But it was her face that made Keith's heart clench. Her fair skin was paler than normal, and her eyes were red rimmed from crying. She looked him in the eyes, and he could not read the expression there. She turned without speaking, and walked back into her rooms. After a moment, Keith followed, shutting the door behind him. "Allura, I'm sorry." He said quietly.

She whirled on him. "You're sorry! How could you do that do me! I've waited years to hear you say you care for me, and today you tell me it was a mistake! Sorry isn't going to fix this Keith." She said angrily. "Do you know what you did to me today? First you pick a fight with the Admiral and Lance, then you take off, not telling anyone where you're going, and then your horse shows up without you. What was I supposed to think!"

"Princess, I—"

"Stop calling me that!" Allura interrupted him. "I'm tired of being a Princess. Last night, you didn't see me as a Princess. I was just me, Allura. Why can't you get past that Keith? I love you for YOU, not because you've saved me and my planet more times than I can count. Not because I feel sorry for you, not even because you are the noblest, most loyal person I've ever met. I love you Keith Montgomery, the man I know or thought I knew. Can't you understand that?" Allura finished, her blue eyes filling with tears. She sat down on her window seat, and put her face in her hands.

Keith walked over, and knelt at her side. "I love you Allura." He said simply.

She looked up at him, tears running down her face. He took her hands in his. "I was a fool today. I'm asking you to forgive me and give me another chance. As long as I live, I'll never leave you again."

Joy lit up her eyes. "Do you promise?"

Keith nodded. "I promise." She threw herself into his arms. They held each other tightly for a few moments, then Keith drew her chin up and kissed her gently. "You're so beautiful." He said softly.

She blushed. "Oh, Keith." They sat down together on the window seat. "Are you really all right?"

"I am now. I got twin lectures for my behavior today. Well, three actually, counting yours." He paused. "I did a lot of thinking, about you, me, my parents." He looked deep into her eyes. "I meant what I said. I'll stay as long as you'll have me."

She smiled. "I love you." She rested her head on his shoulder. They sat there, quietly content for a few minutes. "Keith? Stay with me tonight." She looked up at him, her blue eyes luminous.

Keith laughed. "I don't think that's a good idea. "Nanny wouldn't be too pleased to find me on your couch tomorrow morning."

"No, not on the couch. With me."

Keith tensed and stood up, looking out the window. "You don't know what you're asking Allura." He told her quietly.

Allura walked over to his side. "Yes. I do."

Keith looked deep into her blue eyes again, and saw she was telling the truth. He bent and kissed her passionately, trailing his lips down her throat. Allura moaned with pleasure, and pulled his shirt open, running her fingers across his skin. Keith shuddered, and looked down at her, his eyes dark. "Allura, are you sure?"

Allura looked up. For a moment, she was frightened. Keith saw it in her eyes and stepped back. She smiled hesitantly, and thought about what had happened in the garden the night before. She felt a thrill run through her, when she remembered Keith's body on top of hers.

"Allura, we don't have to do this." Keith told her.

Instead of answering him, Allura stepped forward, and grabbed him by the lapels, pulling his lips to hers. Keith scooped her up in his arms, and carried her to her bedroom.

"I love you."

"I know..."