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Chapter 3 – The Gift from a Prince
"So then, Princess Allura was all covered in mud from head to toe," Nanny finished with a big laugh. "It took me days to scrub her properly!"
Dirin smiled appreciatively at the stories the old servant had told about the beautiful princess sitting beside him. He glanced in Allura's direction, aware that her eyes stared at the near-empty plate before her. Her fragile face held no smile, and her cheeks were tinged in crimson embarrassment as her childhood was being unraveled before all of them.
Keith felt his hand knotted in a fist that he kept hidden under the table. He tried to think of some way to defend Allura without giving away his feelings. He had worded and reworded all kinds of things in his mind, but he could not reel in his emotions enough to sound like a mere commander. His eyes looked about the table. Nanny was purely amused. Princess Allura was shamed but holding her dignity with grace. Prince Dirin seemed to be honestly sympathetic to the princess. Lance's eyes held only daggers for Nanny. Hunk kept grabbing food to keep himself quiet. Pidge fumbled with the sleeves of his overcoat.
Coran finally broke up the servant's stories. "Nanny, I think dessert should be served now," he advised gently.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" she said still smiling. She rushed from the table and hurried to the kitchen. "Coran, could you come and help me for a moment?"
With both the servant and the advisor gone, the remaining guests breathed a quiet sigh. Keith relaxed and looked about the table again. There was a visible sense of relief.
"Is Nanny always this…" Dirin paused trying to think of the right word, "obnoxious?" he asked softly.
Princess Allura broke a smile. Her eyes finally lifted, and she laughed. "That's not nice."
"And neither was embarrassing you," Dirin replied. "She just wanted to hear herself talk all night. None of us had any chance to say anything since our brief introduction earlier this evening."
"Then, what do you hope an arrangement between you and Princess Allura will provide?" Lance asked. He was just waiting for an opportunity to present itself so he could set up the cards to fall. Maybe Keith wouldn't say anything smart tonight, but he was sure as Hell not going to allow the princess to go down without a fight.
Dirin nodded knowingly. "I suspected you might ask me that, Lance. I hope to provide Arus with usage of my military. I would certainly encourage a partnership with a woman as lovely as Allura, and I would do everything in my power to keep her safe and happy."
"So what exactly does that mean?" Lance pressed.
Allura looked to the prince, graciously awaiting his answer.
Dirin replied to Lance's question but addressed Allura. "I would be honored to have you, Princess Allura, by my side where I could take the risks that you normally would take. You would be free to monitor the battle from the safety of the command room while I piloted the Blue Lion. You would then be able to take the time you wanted for the things you enjoy and find the happiness you push aside while defending Arus."
"You're asking me to lock myself away in the heart of the castle where I'm distanced from my people." Allura stood from the table, hurt and saddened by the same words she had consistently heard from Nanny and Coran. "You never once considered that saving my planet with my own hands is what makes me happy."
"Princess, I meant no disrespect," Dirin said, trying to apologize as he stood.
Allura's eyes passed over her friends. "Please excuse me."
As she turned to leave the room, Lance felt a small victory bubble inside himself. "That is the Princess Allura we all know."
The prince leaned hard on the table looking among the Voltron Force. "You set me up. You knew how she would react."
Nanny floated into the room with a tray of cakes and frozen cream. Coran carried a tray of mugs and a variety of teas.
"Where's the princess?" Nanny asked as she placed the tray onto the table.
"She wasn't feeling well," Lance answered. "Keith was just about to go see if she was okay."
The commander brought his eyes up to his friend. They hadn't made any particular plan, but Lance as usual, initiated the chain reaction that would force Keith to play mediator on all fronts. He didn't know whether he wanted to kill the man or congratulate him. Perhaps, Lance's stirrings for once would work in everyone's favor.
Nanny frowned with suspicion. "Keith, why don't you let Prince Dirin tend to the princess?"
"I would be grateful actually if the prince would accompany me," Keith suggested, standing from the table.
Dirin visibly showed surprise at the commander's suggestion, but he was not against it. Keith knew how to navigate through the castle and he did not. Additionally, Keith was, in a military sense, the superior officer over the princess. If there was any chance to pull rank and order her back to the dinner, Keith would have that advantage. "That would be acceptable."
Lance smiled as he watched the two men file out of the ballroom to find Princess Allura. He reached over to the cakes, taking three of the small pastries. Then, he leaned back in the chair and enjoyed the sugary treats. They weren't going to lose the princess, and Dirin would not be offended. Keith would see to that.
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Allura rounded the next corner and continued down the hall a little further. She threw open the balcony doors and stepped into the night.
The stars above twinkled in a rhythm that was silent but melodic. The cool breeze softly shifted her skirts around her. The blooming night lilies filled the air with an aroma that was sweet and gentle. The tops of the trees swayed lightly in an answering rhythm to the twinkling stars.
Despite all the lovely distractions that nature was offering, Allura's sapphire eyes rested without thought onto the Black Lion. The Lion held its guard position on the pillar before the castle. It was a sentry from an old legend, a silent guardian with unspeakable strength. The Black Lion was a warrior who offered little mercy to its enemies. It was the heart of Voltron and the center of command for all the others. It was Keith's, and it was without question. He belonged to the Black Lion.
Her heart knew that each of the Lions they discovered and piloted was not by accident. Lance belonged to the Red Lion. Both he and his Lion were fiery and quick. The Red Lion symbolized the flaming passion of the planet to survive. Lance's Lion was the swift right-arm of Voltron. It held the Blazing Sword. The Red Lion was the only sensible position for the second-in-command.
Pidge belonged to the Green Lion. The young man had an intense love of nature. The Green Lion represented the earth of Arus. The pilot represented the quiet strength of the planet. The left arm of Voltron may not have the dominance of holding the weapons, but the strength within it could not be discounted. It was quiet and reserved, but it was very existent.
Hunk belonged to the Yellow Lion. He was sturdy and sure. The Yellow Lion was the foundation on which Voltron stood. Hunk's Lion characterized the foundation of Arus. Hard rock and stone were buried under the life above it. It was a shield to the heart of the planet, and it was the certainty that the people walked upon.
"I belong to the Blue Lion," she whispered. The Blue Lion signified the flow and ebb of water. It was about give and take. It was knowing when to lead and when to follow. The Lion was the might of the ocean when attacking and the serenity of a still lake when not in motion. The Blue Lion was Allura's. No one could take it from her. She believed the Blue Lion would not allow it to be taken from her.
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"If I was never supposed to take command of the Blue Lion, then what was the purpose of my coming to Arus?" Dirin asked as he and Keith moved about the hallways.
Keith looked at the doors as they passed to see if any were cracked from being opened recently. "Nanny does not believe Princess Allura should be piloting the Blue Lion. She has been trying for months to come up with ways to get the princess to give up command of it."
"I take it I was just another scheme then?"
Keith stopped. "Nanny means well to give Princess Allura a better life. Unfortunately, she pushes too hard. She does not care who falls into her plans as long as the end result is best for the princess."
"Some fool I am. I let a mere servant convince me I would become part of the legendary defense of Arus and find a wife with endearing characteristics."
"Please don't refuse an alliance between Arus and Fedmar because of this."
"What could Arus offer us?" Dirin asked. "This planet is nearly dead. The people survive because of your courage."
"Voltron," Keith answered. "We're not limited to just Arus. We have taken him to other worlds. Even you know that aligning with a legend like Voltron would bring encouragement to your own people."
Dirin suddenly laughed. "You talk about the robot as though it's a living being."
"Voltron is more than just a living being. The legends say that Voltron picks his pilots. When we're connected as Voltron, sometimes I can feel a sixth person, like another soul is with us. The others have noticed it, too."
Dirin took a breath, and they began walking down the hallway again. "I appreciate your honesty about my involvement this evening, Commander. It's not often in my experience that I find someone within the royal circles quite so truthful."
Keith shrugged his shoulders. "I wish I could apologize for what you were put through."
The prince sighed, knowing that the princess destined to him was somewhere else in the galaxy. "I would like to work on an alliance between our planets."
"I'm sure Princess Allura would be grateful to arrange such an agreement."
Keith had a couple suspicions as to where the princess wandered. He knew of one such place that he hoped she did not go to tonight. He did not want to have to look for her there with Dirin in tow. They wanted that cavern to be their place of solitude where they would be safe to share their emotions.
Dirin put a hand out to stop Keith when they spotted the opened balcony doors. "With all due respect, please let me talk to her first."
"Choose your words carefully," Keith offered. "She sees you as an enemy."
Dirin nodded as he watched the sheer curtains by the balcony doors sway lightly. "Thanks for the advice."
Dirin saw Allura standing on the wide balcony. She faced away from the doors, her attention drawn on the Lion in the distance.
"Princess Allura," he said gently.
"I'm not giving up my Blue Lion," she answered without turning around.
Dirin dared to step closer. He rested his hands on the ornamental balcony rail and looked to her. "Wanting to fight for your planet is noble…"
"But, you have to consider your safety," Allura finished. "The people need a leader and if anything happened while you were in your Lion, Arus would be left without its rightful sovereign."
The prince looked away from her suddenly. "You've heard this argument before."
"I'm sorry you were entangled in this conspiracy," Allura offered gently. "Is it wrong for a ruler to know that the smiles on her people's faces are because she protected them? Is making just one child feel safer at night a reason to give up defending my planet?"
The princess took a deep breath. "I'm helping my people the best I can. Some people don't understand that. I'm not a leader who sits in comfort, merely making laws. I'm a leader who takes action and stands in harm's way to keep my people safe."
Dirin followed Allura's eyes to her point of interest. The Black Lion stood out even in the dark of night. Her passion was not just for her people. There was some bond among the Voltron Force. Her attachment ran deeper than just a common pilot. The Earthen men had a respect for the princess and everything she stood for. She, in turn, had a respect for their strength, their dependability, and their friendship to her.
"If you ever need me or my military, please don't hesitate to ever contact me," Dirin said gently.
That broke Allura from her reverie on the Lion. She looked to Dirin and saw a flash of regret in his green eyes. For one moment, the aristocrat faded leaving behind the vulnerable man he was.
"Nanny and Coran want a monarchy for Arus that is long gone," she explained gently. "Inventing new laws and knighting soldiers have no more place here."
"But, the battles give you a purpose," he concluded.
"How could I abandon my own people?"
"You are doing what is right." He took her hand gently and kissed it formally. "I will tell Coran my decision is that Fedmar and Arus will become allies. Our kingdoms won't unite under marriage, but we will draw up an unconditional policy that will provide mutual aid whenever needed."
"I am honored by your graciousness." She turned again to look at the Black Lion. "Please excuse me for tonight."
Dirin released her hand. He stepped from the balcony, heading back into the castle. He paused to look at Keith and saw there was a bond that ran even deeper than five pilots. "She is waiting for you. I can distract the others if they come by for only a few moments. I'm sorry I can't give you more time."
Keith studied the prince unable to verbalize the questions he wanted to ask.
"I once loved a commoner, too. Consider this a gift for your honesty with me." He started to close the door. "I owe you this."
Keith moved out onto the balcony. His eyes instantly caught sight of his Black Lion, and he knew exactly what was holding Princess Allura's attention and how Dirin came to his conclusion. He heard the door to the balcony close behind him. Minutes with her were better than the torture of no time at all.
He moved to her, allowing himself to get lost in the emotional haze he fought off earlier. She was a vision of perfection tonight. Every detail was accounted for and aligned with precision. The dress shimmered in the moonlight, and the rhinestones in her hair sparkled in accompaniment with the stars.
Allura turned to Keith, aware that he was with her and alone. In the formalwear Nanny had chosen, he appeared regal. The clothing gave his stature a confidence that she was not accustomed to seeing. His hair, pulled neatly from his face, showed just how dark his eyes really were. He stood with no arrogance but rather as a leader in charge of more than just pilots. She looked to his dark eyes and stepped closer to him.
Keith brought a hand to her face, touching her to confirm she was real. He didn't want to awaken again from another dream. He was tired of reaching out to visions and empty air. The soft warmth of her skin told him that she was truly standing before him now. He allowed the weight of her sapphire eyes to pull him closer.
"I missed you," he whispered, his lips barely touching hers.
Allura' fingers traced his chin, the ache in her heart numbing with the contentment that she could finally touch him again. "It's been too long," she replied.
She leaned forward, allowing Keith to pull her against him. Their lips caught in a kiss of hope and devotion. He silently swore he would not be forced to wait so long to be with her once more. He would find time, steal time, even stop time if he had to. She did not deserve to be neglected again.
Allura was aware of her hand around Keith's neck, clutching to him afraid that letting go would leave them months apart and not just mere weeks. She could find ways to get away. She had done so when she was younger. She could be with him late at night or early in the morning. They could coordinate their time. It wouldn't have to be for long intervals, just moments would do.
Gently, Keith eased back from their kiss. Allura tightened her hold on him, resting her head on his shoulder. She couldn't let him go just yet. She finally touched him again after two weeks.
"We don't have much time," he told her softly.
"I know." She brought her eyes to his. "You look amazing tonight."
"And, you are a vision of enchantment." He kissed her gently, his hand touching her face one last time.
Reluctantly, Allura stepped away from Keith. It was a stolen moment, and it could be nothing more tonight. Slowly, she returned to her place by the railing. She willed the passion in her eyes to fade again, where it was replaced with the determination of the princess she was.
Keith stepped to the opposite side of the railing and looked out into the distance. His eyes studied the Black Lion while he hid his emotions safely away again.
After a few moments, the door opened behind them and Nanny rushed onto the balcony.
"Princess, you'll catch a cold out here," she complained. "Come back inside and enjoy a cup of tea with us."
From the corner of his eye, Keith watched as Nanny practically dragged Allura into the castle.
"And you," she complained as she stepped back onto the balcony and shoved a finger into his shoulder, "should know better! Why would you allow the princess to stay out here and not even offer her your jacket? You Earth boys have no manners."
Then, she was gone. Her ramblings continued down the hallway until Keith was left again in silence.
"Good luck," Dirin said, from the doorway. "After thinking about it, I'd never handle a mother-in-law like Nanny."
Keith laughed for the first time all evening. He turned to the prince, suddenly solemn. "Thank you for what you did for us."
"I just hope the princess and you have a better chance than I did."
"Can I ask…"
"My aunt had her exiled on false treason charges." With that, Dirin disappeared into the castle.
Keith looked again to his Lion. He wondered what kind of punishment Nanny would try to bestow on him. He wondered if Coran would stand beside him or play the executioner. He could imagine Lance fighting to his aid while telling him in one breath that he was a moron and in another breath that he was proud of him. He could see Hunk and Pidge trying to fight their way around Nanny to stop whatever cruelty she had planned. Lastly, he saw Allura pleading for them to understand that the dream of a shiny, new monarchy had been long dead.
And, he knew he could never take any other path. Voltron brought them together, and he was certain that the spirit of the mighty robot knew what it was doing.