Disclaimer: I own nothing. I make no money. I only write about what I enjoy.
Chapter 2 – Dinner and a Dance
Soft music resonated in the ballroom from a melody recorder. The room was filled with an invisible orchestra playing through a series of hidden speakers. The strings of the instruments were gentle. The other instruments supplied a flowing accompaniment. The harmony was neither too strong nor too quiet. The rhythm of the songs being played allowed for slow, formal dancing from a time long past.
Keith caught up to the others before they entered the room.
"Everything okay?" Lance asked.
"Yeah," the commander replied. "Coran just wanted to run through some final protocol with me."
Pidge adjusted his glasses. "Anything we should be aware of?"
Keith shook his head. "Nothing to worry about. Just keep firm on the concept that we stay together."
A visible sigh of relief surged through the Voltron Force. Moving as one, they passed through the elaborate doors, amazed to see the ballroom lit up in its entirety for the first time. There were tapestries decorating the walls. One of the tapestries was a design of a garden that was long destroyed. Colors burst from every inch of the woven material. Flowers and trees were the focal points. The botany was of many species that none of the Earthen pilots had ever observed. Lavender orchids dripped off a willow-like tree. Sunflower-like blossoms laid out a path in the garden. Flowers that looked like daffodils climbed up the trunks of white-barked trees.
Another tapestry on the opposite wall was a depiction of the original Castle of Lions. Deep green forestry surrounded the gray-stone castle. A cloudless blue sky filled the horizon. The five Lions stood at sentry markers around the top of the castle. It was another scene of a time long past.
The pilots looked about the room in curiosity and awe. Lance was studying the tapestries. Hunk and Pidge fixed their eyes on the chandeliers, their inquisitiveness for the technology of the lighting piquing their interest.
The small chandeliers hung above the four corners of the dance floor. Crystal shards sparkled under the color-changing light hidden in the center. Teardrop prism shapes mingled with fragile shimmering twists. The reflection from the chandeliers left speckles of rainbows over the entire ballroom.
Moving further into the room, the fireplace crackled gently. The flames reflected a soft, ginger glow. Warmth from the fire permeated the vast room, leaving no trace of any nightly chill. Sweet aroma from the burning wood gave a pleasant heaviness to the air. Keith forced his eyes away from the fireplace, the concealed location where the last mementoes of Allura's parents were stored. It was yet another secret he had with the princess.
"We never got to know this luxury for the entire seven-plus months we've been here," Lance whispered to Keith.
"We're not royalty," the commander responded.
"No, we just save their asses," Lance replied.
Keith turned to his second-in-command, but the pilot was already catching up with Hunk and Pidge. The pilot of the Black Lion took a silent breath. They were soldiers. They were doing their job. Rewards were not part of their job description. When they received rewards and gratitude, it was something they took as an honor, not a necessity.
Studying the tapestry of the garden, Keith cooled down his unspoken argument. Lance had every right to be angry. They did a damn good job of keeping Arus safe. The people of the planet recognized their efforts but didn't have the materialistic means to show their gratitude. Smiles and cheers were the usual thanks they received because it was what the people could afford to give.
The Voltron Force was never given this kind of reception because Nanny had some unspoken grudge against them. In the servant's eyes, they were nothing more than troublemakers. They were bad influences on the princess. They were the downfall of the monarchy. Nanny was grateful every time they sent Lotor and Zarkon's forces away. Her respect for them came from their abilities as soldiers, not as friends to Allura.
Thinking of the princess, the commander turned to the center of the room now. Coran had made his way to Prince Dirin and had opened up a quiet conversation. Keith narrowed his vision to the man who was the reason for all this pomp and circumstance. He scrutinized the prince who was vying for not only Princess Allura's affections but also her position on the Voltron Force.
Dirin was a man of average height with a toned physique. His silken tan shirt accentuated the muscle in his arms. The long, floor-length vest was made from a velvet-like material and matched his black pants. Crimson embroidery decorated the sleeves of the shirt and the lapel of the vest. Keith assessed that the trim was the traditional designs of the ranking nobles on Fedmar.
Prince Dirin laughed at some joke Coran had offered. He was sincerely enjoying whatever conversation he was having with the royal advisor. The smile on his face was easy and genuine. The prince's light, brown hair hung free around the nape of his neck. His green eyes were taking in Coran's company while simultaneously taking a quick inspection of the pilots.
Keith looked about to his three friends. They had taken strategic points in the room. Lost in their own thoughts and whatever in the room caught their interest, they had also moved into positions that allowed them to assess the prince from different angles. For a moment, the commander was quite impressed with his team. It was a basic tactic, and they pulled it off without suspicion. The maneuver was flawless and quick.
Now, it was Keith's turn to step forth as the authority figure of the pilots. He walked with confidence toward Coran and Dirin.
"Good evening, Coran," Keith said.
The advisor stopped his conversation with the prince. He nodded in greeting. "Commander, this is Prince Dirin."
Turning to the prince, Coran continued, "Prince Dirin, this is the commander of the Voltron Force, Keith. He pilots the Black Lion."
The prince turned and bowed slightly. "I'm honored. I've heard a lot about you."
"Interesting," Keith replied attempting humor to ease the tension. "There are no tabloids on Arus."
That brought another genuine smile from Dirin. "What can I say? Your reputation precedes you. You're part of the legend of the five Earth pilots who resurrected a long-dead defender. You've single-handedly brought fairy tales back to the galaxy."
Keith glanced to the other pilots. They had quietly made their way to where he was. "I can't take that credit. We," he paused to emphasize his friends to the prince, "were only following the orders given to us."
"You're too humble," Dirin said. He brought his eyes to the other pilots. "You must be Lance," he said looking to the second-in-command.
Lance raised an eyebrow skeptically. "That would be correct."
"It was a matter of eliminating the obvious," the prince explained. "I instantly recognized Hunk and Pidge from the descriptions in the reports I was given. Figuring out you and Keith was a little trickier as I wanted to see for myself the differences in your personalities."
The pilot of the Red Lion crossed his arms over his chest. "That's great detective work, Sherlock Holmes."
"I'm afraid I don't understand the reference," Dirin said.
"It's the fictional hero character from a series of Earth mystery stories," Pidge offered. He straightened his glasses, keeping his focus off his shiny boots. The prisms of the chandeliers kept reflecting on his boots, and it was really annoying him.
"I see now," Dirin nodded. "We have a similar character on Fedmar."
"Well, it seems that the five of you do not need me to get acquainted," Coran offered. "I will leave you to discuss your interests while I check in on the princess."
"Thank you, Coran." The prince bowed his head in acknowledgement, watching the advisor make his way out of the ballroom.
"So, what kinds of vehicles have you piloted?" Hunk asked, just trying to find some topic he could tolerate. He figured vehicle schematics were a safe start.
Dirin seemed to brighten at the question. "One-man fighters mostly. I'm not sure if you're familiar with a Condor-Fighter."
"Your technology is not known to any of us," Keith said.
Dirin pulled out a small device from a hidden pocket. He tapped a button, and a palm-sized holograph displayed in his hand. "This is a Condor-Fighter. Its wingspan is approximately seven meters across; nose to tail is approximately ten meters. It carries twin turbolaser cannons, one under each wing and a small arsenal of air grenades under its belly. She boasts standard shielding with the ability to manipulate the shields as needed in battle, and she has the capability for hyperspace jumps. Condors are mostly used for our local defense. However, we do take them out as needed to aid our sister planets."
"Well, flying one of the Lions is not like a fighter ship or a plane of any kind," Lance explained. "There's no way to describe it other than there is some kind of trust that is greater than any pilot and his craft. You don't just trust yourself or your ship. You have to trust everyone that's part of the team."
"I'm sure in time, I will experience this trust," Dirin said confidently, shutting down the holograph and returning the player to his pocket. He looked about the pilots for a moment. "Please tell me about Princess Allura, from your perspectives."
The Voltron pilots glanced at each other for a moment. Keith was trying to figure out how to talk about her so openly without giving away his true feelings. He was sure that Prince Dirin would not be the last suitor Nanny would try to throw at her, and he had better start thinking of how to discuss this for the future.
"She's stubborn," Lance started, breaking Keith's thoughts. "Once her mind is made up on something, there's no changing it."
"She doesn't take no for an answer," Pidge added.
Hunk spoke this time. "Her people mean more to her than her own life."
"But, what about her safety?" Dirin asked. "Don't you want her protected and free from danger?"
Keith now knew how to approach this conversation. "Princess Allura is very determined to help her people," he started. "She doesn't like being held back from doing what is right. She will disobey a direct order in a heartbeat if she truly believes it will benefit someone in trouble. Her passion for her planet runs deep. We trust her implicitly whether we're flying together or following her decisions as a leader. When we are Voltron, there is a bond among the five of us that is unbreakable. As the commander, I can honestly say that losing her from the Blue Lion would be a disservice to her planet."
"She won't easily give up her position as pilot of the Blue Lion," Lance concluded. "We won't easily give her up."
"Then, I am confused as to why I was asked here," Dirin offered.
Coran's voice suddenly filled the vast ballroom before Lance could fire back his comments. "May I present to you Her Majesty, Princess Allura, sovereign of Arus."
The pilots and prince turned to the large doorway to see Nanny ushering Princess Allura into the ballroom. The servant led the princess through the ornamental doorway. Then, the princess stopped while Nanny hurried toward the kitchen to help the servants with the meal.
The princess stood motionless for a moment as her eyes fell upon her friends. She had never seen them look so different. She barely recognized any of them. Her eyes took in each of them for a moment.
Pidge didn't look like the kid he normally did. He looked older than his sixteen years showed. The formal attire made him seem taller and stockier. His curly hair that was usually full and unmanageable had been combed into a more flattened style. Allura was aware that his jaw was hanging slacked while his eyes looked upon her.
Hunk no longer possessed the scruffiness she always associated with a mechanic. His hair was brushed back and slicked in place. His sophisticated outfit accented his brawny arms. She realized that he kept his jacket unbuttoned to keep from tearing the luxurious material over his barrel chest. The Yellow Lion's pilot blushed shyly while his eyes passed over hers.
Despite the formal garment, Lance still was able to keep himself the dashing scoundrel of the group. Defying Nanny's instructions, he made sure to keep his hair in the casual scruffiness they all recognized. He was obviously uncomfortable and tugged at his collar at least twice while Allura was watching. The princess held in the laugh she wished to release. She never thought Lance would give up the Earthen jeans and leather jacket for anything.
Then, her eyes fell on Keith. Her breath caught. If she didn't know who he was, she would have presumed he was some kind of royalty. She had never seen his wild hair tamed. She was not against it, but she somehow preferred the rawness of it loose. The long jacket he wore gave him an air of leadership more so than the title of commander. Her eyes caught his. In his dark irises, there was a spark of something intense but gentle. Just as suddenly as the passion in his eyes rose, it was gone.
Allura directed her focus away from him. She could not allow the emotions to surface, not now. Her heart ached for the barest of glances in his direction again, but until she could keep the feelings subdued, she would have to bring her attention elsewhere.
Keith felt his eyes lingering over the princess as she entered the room. The blue gown reflected off her sapphire eyes. It was the most elegant thing he had ever seen her wear. Her hair was twisted and secured in a manner he never imagined. The rhinestones sparkled, giving off an unusual aura. He was lost in enchantment while looking upon her. He longed for just one moment alone with her to compliment her beauty, hold her in his arms, and kiss her breathless. Then, he shut off his emotions. They had grown too close to the surface. Looking upon her with his heart right now was too soon.
Coran closed his eyes for a moment and took a calming breath. King Alfor was not mistaken in his observations and now Coran knew as well. It would take a trained eye to notice, but he managed to catch the split-second passion between Keith and Allura. Had he not been watching them so closely, he would have missed it. They were doing well to hide it.
Opening his eyes, Coran knew he had to carry on along with his expected duties. He would not betray the choice his princess had made. He would have to accept that Arus' monarchy would never grow stronger under the partnership of another kingdom. Continuing with his obligation to escort Allura to the dance floor and personally introduce her, Coran hooked her arm in his. "You look stunning, Your Highness."
"Thank you, but please tell me this can stop," she whispered. "I'm not giving up the Blue Lion."
"We want you safe, Princess," he explained softly. "You are the last heir to the throne of Arus."
Allura sighed quietly. It was the same argument she's heard for too long. They were trying to protect her as they always had. "The throne is already dead, Coran. You can't keep what is already lost."
The advisor's eyes clouded for a moment as he walked her toward the others. She accepted the end of the monarchy with calm confidence. She believed her position was a mere figurehead, and now she was right. The decisions for Arus were made among all of them. They were a small democracy, offering ideas and ruling out the least effective ones. She merely put her name to the documents so they would be official.
In Coran's silence, Allura thought that, perhaps, he was finally coming to his senses.
"Please just listen to the proposition that Prince Dirin has to offer," Coran finally answered. "He has a grand military we could use to help Voltron defend Arus."
Princess Allura lowered her eyes. She believed the argument was useless and there was no convincing Coran otherwise. Nobody had attempted to put a stop to the evening. Nanny had wanted an excuse for a grand banquet. Dirin's visit was giving her just that excuse. Allura had made up her mind now. She was not giving up the Blue Lion.
Coran saw the fire of determination erupt in Allura's eyes. He felt somewhat guilty for having to play such games with her. However, he could not bring forth now that he was aware of her growing devotion to Keith. His best chance to give them their opportunity to be together was to let her fight her own battle tonight.
"Your Highness," Coran said addressing the prince as released Allura's arm.
Dirin took Allura's hand in his. He kissed the back of her hand while dropping to one knee. "It is a pleasure, Princess."
Allura curtsied for the prince. She could still act the part of a proper princess, even if she didn't like it anymore "Thank you."
She slipped her hand free from him and greeted each of her friends. Her spirits suddenly brightened now that she was in close proximity to them. "You all look so wonderful," she said unable to hide her smile. "I nearly didn't recognize you."
"Wow," Pidge whispered bowing before her. He suddenly forgot about the pain in his feet for a moment.
Hunk just blushed again as he bowed. His hair flopped in his face, and there was something normal about it.
"Nice," Lance said. He winked at Allura with the roguish smile only he could perform. Then, he took his turn bowing with an exaggerated flourish and finished with another tug to his collar.
The princess smiled at the three of them. It was natural and pleasant to be in their presence. They were long friends and comrades in a way far beyond the ability to fight. Their bond grew from an unexplainable tie they experienced when they were united as Voltron.
Princess Allura brought her eyes to Keith.
"We are glad that our presence meets your expectations," he said.
Allura caught the formal tone in his voice. He was struggling with seeing her in this setting as much as she was with him. She had no choice but to keep protocol for now.
"I'm always grateful for your presence," she answered. "You're all dear friends."
Nanny came out of the kitchen just then ushering the servants to their assignments. She hurried to the wooden floor, believing that Allura was holding her attention on the wrong man. "Princess, you should have a dance with Prince Dirin. It would be a nice start while we finish preparing dinner."
Keith looked between the prince and princess. "We should talk further later."
Allura watched the dark-haired commander turn and make his way towards the table. Her eyes caught Nanny's. There was no mistaking that the adoptive mother was issuing a direct order under the guise of politeness. The princess forced aside her regret over Keith and the others being convinced to walk away. She looked to Dirin. Allura took a breath and forced herself to remember the courtly rituals she had been taught before the monarchy was reduced to rubble. She knew Keith would understand it was only a formality. They knew many obstacles would be in their path. Dancing with royalty was one of many such obstacles.
Prince Dirin bowed formally before her. Allura curtsied in response. One of his hands held her waist, the other clasped her hand gently. After a moment, they found the slow rhythm of the orchestral music. They gracefully stepped in a formal waltz around the dance floor.
Hunk and Pidge found their places at the table. They sat and started discussing their usual topics of hardware, software, and mechanics. It was their comfort zone. When they were out of their element, they fell into what they knew.
Lance stood by the table, far enough away from the dance floor and far enough away from his friends. He watched Keith leave the dance floor as Allura and Dirin started their dance. He stared down the commander in the only way he knew. It was one of the few silent ways he learned to get his attention and let him know that he needed to talk at that moment.
Keith recognized the look from countless times in the past. He sighed quietly as he knew what to expect.
"You should have said something, Keith," Lance muttered.
The commander felt it was relatively safe to talk while they were near the dining table and away from the dance floor. He could not keep his eyes off Allura and Dirin. There was something graceful and beautiful about the way the two of them moved. It was what she had been raised and trained her entire life to do. It was a skill that was practically useless now. Her ability to pilot ancient technology and know battle strategies was doing more for her people than dancing in circles with royal figures.
"What should I have said?" Keith asked, fighting the inner voice that wanted to tell Dirin not to pursue her beyond a planetary alliance. It was screaming louder with every round Allura and Dirin made around the dance floor.
"'We are glad that our presence meets your expectations,'" Lance repeated. "Who the Hell talks like that to their friends?"
"It was the correct protocol."
"Are you really this dense?" Lance asked harshly. He gripped Keith's arm tightly, silently telling him to truly look at Allura. "Shut off the commander voice for one second and tell me what you really hear."
"I know what I hear," Keith shot back. He listened to how the voice in his head screamed without words but a sense of emotions and observations. Allura's sapphire eyes looked to Dirin as was etiquette for such a dance, but she was distant and elsewhere. Her body appeared to be leaning against the prince with the closeness the waltz expected, but the stiffness of her back said otherwise. There was no disgust in her over this current predicament. Instead there was a sense of duty, a forced kindness.
"I know she's not happy right now," he finalized.
"What else?" Lance pressed.
Keith spun to his friend. Lance had teased Keith for the past couple months about what he claimed to be an obvious attraction to the princess. "Not now. This is not the time or the place. Drop it."
"Fine," the Red Lion's pilot answered. "But, if we're her friends, then tonight we're doing a lousy job of it."
The commander took a deep breath. "I'm sorry."
"Forget it," Lance shrugged. "Until Dirin realizes he's not going to be one of us, I can't help being on edge."
"He won't," Keith answered confidently. "We just have to allow the politics of the evening to take place so we don't lose Fedmar as an ally. Princess Allura will not allow the Blue Lion to be his."