Just Allura

by (Kitty)Shannon

Disclaimers: Voltron and all associated characters are owned and copyrighted by WEP. Original/new characters belong to the author.

Rating: PG - Mild Language and Innuendo

Chapter 2

With her basketful of flowers in hand, Allura returned to the castle. Once inside, she paused, allowing her eyes to adjust to the indoor lighting. She blinked a few times, looking up just in time to see Captain Keith Headed in her direction.

"Good morning, Keith. You seem to be in a hurry, is anything wrong?" Her tone was one of sincere concern, but in truth she really just wanted to know what could possibly be so important - or maybe she just wanted to be sure it wasn't a somebody who was so important. The thought of Keith dashing off to see some young woman caused her to feel a little jealous.

"Good morning to you, too, Princess. Nothing's wrong - unless you mean Lance never getting anything done when I ask. I was just on my way to find him and make sure he gets the things I told him to finish yesterday done by the end of today." He gestured toward her basket. "Can I help you with that?"

She smiled sweetly; he was always so thoughtful. "Well, I wouldn't want to keep you from something important..."

"Not at all. Besides, if Nanny knew I'd let you carry that basket any further than you had to, I wouldn't get any dessert for a week." He grinned playfully.

Allura giggled, the sound warm and gentle. "You're probably right. It's hard for Nanny to remember I'm grown now and I don't need someone always watching over me. But her heart's in the right place."

Their eyes met and Keith wondered if she were trying to infer something. The last thing he needed was for her to catch him while on self-ordered guard duty. She would be furious to know he had been lurking about in the shadows each morning, observing her while she thought she was in the secluded privacy of her garden. He realized it sounded a little stalker-ish, but it had only been a few months ago that Lotor had managed to get past the castle's defenses and accost Allura in her bedroom! What was he supposed to do, sit around while the Princess wandered around outside without so much as a single guard?

"I'm sure you're right, but I know Coran and Nanny watch over you so closely because they love you dearly." Keith ducked his head and cleared his throat. ~'At least that's why I'm always watching over you,'~ he thought. He felt a heat spread over his cheeks at the admission he'd just made to himself.

The young monarch took a moment to study the heightened color in her companion's cheeks. She thought to ask if he was feeling well, but before she could, he redirected her attention.

"Shall we?" He reached over and took her basket before extending one arm to her in a rather courtly manner.

Inclining her head in agreement, she blushed prettily and smiled. "Why, thank you," she said, wrapping her arm through his.

Their walk to the kitchen was conducted in a comfortable, companionable silence. Each stealing occasional glances at the other, both contemplating how nice it was to be in the company of someone with whom there was no need to make idle chitchat.

When they reached their destination, Keith opened the door and stepped aside to allow his charming friend admittance. Immediately they were assailed by the most delicious aromas, as well as a heavily accented voice.

"Good morning Your Highness, Captain."

Nanny took a moment to look the duo over and pasted on a smile. "Ach. It's nice to see that at least one of you boys knows how to behave like a gentleman. Please, Captain, set the basket there, on the table."

Keith pulled in a deep, steadying breath and decided against responding to the backhanded compliment. Instead he simply did as he was asked before turning back to the Princess Allura.

"Is there anything else you ladies need before I take my leave?" He asked, making sure it was clear that he was speaking to the Princess and no one else.

The Royal Governess opened her mouth, a dismissal perched at the tip of her tongue, but before she could utter a word, Allura spoke up.

"I could use some help getting out the vases I need for these. If you don't mind, that is?"

"Of course I don't mind," Keith replied, "where are they?"

"Come with me and I'll show you. Nanny, I'll be right back..."

The plump governess turned just in time to see Allura and Keith scurrying out of the room. Before the door slid closed, she boomed out, "Princess, hurry now, before these flowers wilt!"

As the door swished closed behind them, the pretty young woman frowned at her friend.

"What's wrong?"

Allura sighed. "I'm having a gown made later this week so I didn't think Nanny would be in there right now - I thought she'd be preparing for that." She covered her eyes with her hands for a moment before continuing. "It's silly, but I wanted to surprise her by leaving flowers in her room later."

"That doesn't sound silly at all!" Keith replied. "It sounds like a really thoughtful thing to do!"

The Princess smiled. "In that case, would you mind going with me to my garden before we go to get the vases so I can cut a few more flowers?"

In spite the way Nanny often treated Allura like a little child, and the way the Princess rebelled in response, the two were like mother and daughter.

"I wouldn't mind at all, Princess."