I do not own Voltron or anything even remotely associated with it. Heaven knows if I did, I would still have the toys.

Before now, I haven't thanked anyone for their reviews, so I wanted to do that here. Thanks:):) I'm glad you're all finding the tension so gripping, I promise there will be more. I also apologize for my million-month hiatus. Computer problems love to find me and I finally have the stupid thing up and running again. Hopefully this was the LAST time. :) This chapter is also being the biggest brat and causing me a great deal of trouble...lousy stinking dinner, so that, too, accounts for the delay. Oh and it's INSANELY long...so consider yourself warned.

Dinner with the Chancellors

It was not all in black. The sigh of relief Keith uttered echoed throughout the vastness of the chamber as the door slid shut behind him. Noting the presence of his luggage in the center of the room, Keith absently pocketed his keycard and surveyed the rooms that were now his. A fleeting image of the quarters he had occupied passed through his mind and he unconsciously ran his fingers through his hair in acknowledgment of excessive space. This surpassed even his rooms at GG...under different circumstance he might have been tempted to stay indefinitely. Wryly it occurred to him that this was most likely nothing in comparison to the royal apartments a floor above him. Directly to his right was an extensive kitchen, containing every cooking appliance known to man and some that he didn't recognize as well as cupboards and a table with six chairs. Who he was supposed to be entertaining Keith didn't speculate on. Ahead of him was a large living area, sparsely decorated wtih chairs and a sofa, all of varying styles and colors. The furniture was overshadowed, however, by the rug that covered most of the floor, a rug that depicted Voltron in a classic battle pose flanked by the Black Lion alone. Thankfully he was not on it, but he still gave it little more than a glance as he moved forward to investigate further. Three rooms branched off from his living area, two on the right and one on the left. Choosing the one closest to the kitchen, he smiled at the sight of his bathroom, also containing more things than he would know what to do with. The second led to a study that rivaled his GG one and he barely checked a laugh as he recognized the flashing light indicating he already had a message. Striding over to the desk, he pushed the button and crossed his arms as the all too-familiar figure of Lance fuzzily came into view. Waving cheekily, the hologram of Lance looked pointedly at his surroundings and said,

"Hi ya, Keith! What about it, eh? Beats the old quarters, hell, it beats my guest quarters the last time. Nice to know the castle appreciates us. How you holding up, buddy? You can look at her, you know, it isn't a crime, though I wouldn't put it past Liran to make it one. 'No one may look at Her Majesty for'...not funny, I know. If you don't look at her, it'll alert him all the sooner and Liran is a suspicious man. How do you find him, anyway? Unless I'm much mistaken, Cael already won you over. Kid's got it rough for all that he's a prince. See you at dinner...and take a nap, you look terrible."

Waving good-bye again, Lance's hologram disappeared and Keith shook his head before recording a brief reply Sending it with a smile, he exited the study and headed for what had to be his bedroom, fully intending to take Lance's advice. There was nothing short of a transport back to GG that he needed more than a nap. While recording Lance's message, it had occurred to him to record another for Sam but he hadn't been able to bring himself to do it. They had agreed upon no communication and no matter how badly he needed to see a friendly face, it wasn't fair to either of them and especially to Sam. This was his own mess and he would have to get himself through it somehow. He had never expected this, however. He hadn't expected to come back.

Taking the long way to the bedroom, Keith passed an area that could only have been made for him as it was lined with bookshelves literally overflowing with books and chairs designed for reading. Briefly the temptation seized him to peruse the shelves and he conquered it only by plunging straight into his bedroom. At this moment there was nothing more inviting than the grandiose four-poster curtained bed and he fell into it, pausing only to set an alarm to make certain he didn't miss what was going to be the most ghastly dinner he would ever attend. Unsurprisingly the image of Allura demurely being led away by Liran was the last thing he saw before he closed his eyes.

Waiting outside the dining room along with the others, Keith silently steeled himself for the ordeal that lay ahead. Realistically he told himself this was no different than any of the official functions GG often required him to attend, only by now none of them expected him to make any social contribution. 'The silent one' he was usually dubbed, along with a few other less kind names that had come about after he had voiced several unpopular opinions. If he were lucky, he would be allowed the same courtesy this evening though if any of the Voltron Force expressed an unpopular opinion, he suspected it would be Lance rather than himself. Appropriately he had dressed as he would have at GG(a fact which had caused the corners of Lance's mouth to twitch violently though he hadn't smiled)wearing a dark blue shirt, gray pants, and a vest emblazoned with GG's official logo. As for the others, Hunk and Pidge had opted for gray dinner jackets, the only color visible on each of them their yellow and green ties, respectively. To the relief of everyone else, Pidge had left Mycin behind, the creature, apparently, having expressed a desire to reacquaint itself with the palace. Naturally Lance had been unable to resist a chance at defiance and while garbed almost identically as Keith, instead of a GG vest, he had worn the same battered leather jacket he had always been seen in ten years before. If Lance had expected an outburst from Coran he had been severely disappointed, however. Upon their arrival, Coran's bushy brows had simply risen and then the older man turned away without a word. Behind them, the Chancellors stirred restlessly, once more garbed in their corresponding colors, though the yellow gown of the woman clung in ways that were not entirely suitable. While her gaze still flickered to him from time to time, Keith noted her attention was mainly captured by Lance whose continued ignoration of her could only mean one thing. Why Lance could go no where without attracting some female he couldn't fathom.

"Ah, at last. Your Majesties." Coran started forward with obvious relief, motioning unobtrusively for the doors to be opened. Simultaneously gesturing for them to move forward, Coran briefly spoke to Liran and Allura while the guests of Arus obediently shuffled into the dining room. Dismay flickered through Keith as he saw their seats had already been decided for them and his own name flashed obnoxiously at him from the right hand side of one of the end chairs. Grim lines settled about his mouth as he moved to stand behind his chair, his dismay growing as his former teammates took their places at various point in the table. Lance and the female Chancellor were not surprisingly seated next to each other at the opposite end, though it was surprising that Lance was placed at Liran's right hand. Pidge, thankfully, was only two seats away from Keith on the opposite side while Hunk was but one seat from him and across. Keith's right hand neighbor was none other than the youngest Chancellor who looked both pleased and intimidated by the prospect(Keith suspected his reputation had preceded him yet again)while Cael and Coran occupied the corresponding seats on the other side. Which put Allura at his left. Perhaps if he wished hard enough the floor really would disappear and swallow him up. This was not going to be pleasant.

He had no time for further speculations as the royal family, accompanied by Coran, finally entered the room. Arm once again looped delicately through her husband's, Allur had opted for a filmy flowing lavender gown that shimmered and seemed almost to float behind her as she walked. Ribbons of the same color had been interwoven with her hair; she looked more like the young woman he remembered than before and a lump unexpectedly rose in his throat. At her side Liran was resplendent in a white uniform, a smaller copy of it on his sown who walked in their shadow. Separating himself from his family with an airy kiss for Allura's hand and a brief clasp of Cael's shoulder, Liran majestically strode to his end of the table. Instantly the politician's smile broke out on his features and he made certain its radiance was bestowed on each of them in turn before he spoke. Keith despised him for it.

"Welcome Chancellors and Voltron Force. Before we discuss the unfortunate events which brought us together, we though to enjoy a pleasant dinner and perhaps get to know each other better. Tomorrow will be soon enough to discuss why we are here. Each of you will receive a message later detailing the time and place of the meeting, excepting Prince Cael, naturally. It is my hope that the Voltron Force will humor us and share some of their adventures that have not been chronicled in Arus' extensive Voltron archives. In exchange we can tell some of our own legends, though they may not be as interesting. Gentlemen, I welcome you once more on behalf of Arus and sincerely thank you for coming to our aid." Acknowledging this appropriately with a slight nod of his head, Keith met Lance's gaze at the other end of the table and knew he was thinking the same thing: Zarkon damn him, Liran was long-winded. A few words would have sufficed. Smiling at each of them a second time, Liran raised one hand, a heavy signet ring on one finger and bade them all sit. After the initial scraping of chairs, a tense silence overcame the room before Coran caught Keith's eye and said,

"I don't believe you've met our Chancellor from the west, Keith. May I present Chancellor Peter Wessin. Chancellor Peter, Captain Keith." At Keith's right the young man started, a slight flush coloring his cheeks as he returned Keith's nod and said stiffly,

"It is an honor to meet you at last, Captain. Your name is legendary throughout Arus."

"I'm sorry to hear it, but thank you," Keith answered frankly.

Chancellor Peter started a second time, his brows arching towards the hairline as dark as Keith's own while Allura and Coran exchanged a brief look.

"Will you permit me to ask why, Sir?"

"Flying Voltron made me something of a celebrity throughout the galaxy but it was never my intention. I only wanted to help." Even he couldn't check the thought that it sounded like a load of crap, but it had been the truth and still was. In spite of himself, Keith chanced a look at Allura while Peter appeared to mull over his words. A soft smile was playing about her lips but there was a sadness in her eyes that both alarmed and intrigued him. Across the table Cael was riveted by his every word.

"Begging your pardon, Sir, but what did you expect to come from it if not some sort of recognition?" A smile reluctantly tugged at the corners of Keith's mouth as he replied,

"A sincere thank you and a mention in the history books but galaxy-wide fame was the farthest thing from my mind when we were rallying against our invisibility ten years ago. I can't speak for the others...I daresay Lance has found a way to use it to his advantage but I...the existence I know at Galaxy Garrison is a sheltered one, primarily by choice." As he fell silent, Keith reflected that he couldn't remember the last time he had said so many words together in a social setting. Hand stroking his mustache, Coran shared another glance with Allura before clearing his throat and saying,

"The others have already heard my apology on that front, Keith, but..."

"It isn't necessary, Coran. I know."

A smile managed to find his lips again and the relief that promptly spread across the older man's features at the sight of it surprised Keith slightly. At the other end of the table, Liran's gaze rested speculatively on the Voltron Captain even as he gestured for the first course to be served. Unobtrusively Allura placed a hand on Coran's arm, the gesture so fleeting Keith nearly thought he imagined it. Thankfully he was spared further conversation by the arrival of his plate and Coran and Peter soon filled the void by giving him an account of all that had happened in Arus since he left. Occasionally Allura would contribute but for the most part she kept silent, her gaze continually scanning the table. Between them, Hunk and Pidge managed to keep Cael entertained, joined reluctantly by Chancellor Mika who seemed to find their conversation preferable to Keith's history lesson. Meanwhile, Lance and Liran were engaged in a war of words, joined occasionally by the nearest Chancellor. Twice Keith observed the woman, Calinda, try to draw Lance into conversation and each time it was Liran who successfully reclaimed his attention. How he managed to both notice this and remain an attentive listener was the combined result of too many GG functions and his own skill, though he was scarcely aware of the latter. Underneath it all, he remained acutely aware of Allura's presence, his mind registering her actions even as he appeared to be unaware of them. He had forgotten the effect her nearness had on him, perhaps in the vain hope that it would no longer be a concern, but there was no escaping his awareness of her or of his own actions. By the time of the third course, Arus' history was exhausted and short of inquiring about the reason for their visit, Keith could think of nothing else to ask his willing informants. Taking the opportunity to regain control of the conversation, Chancellor Mika launched into a debate with Coran and Peter and it was under the cover of their discussion that Allura caught his eye and spoke to him directly for the first time.

"I'm sorry about the seating arrangement." His brows arched and for a moment she seemed to be fighting against as smile as she continued softly, "Originally you were to be at Liran's left and Lance at his right. It was only when I pointed out that it would hardly be proper for him to monopolize both of you on your first night that he agreed to a change. He chose Lance. I didn't want you to think that I..."

"I didn't. I approve of Liran's choice." The smile he threw her was intended to reassure but she didn't return it, her expression remaining carefully blank as she looked back at him.

"Perhaps you shouldn't," she murmured, her gaze falling to the man in question, still seemingly engrossed in his conversation with Lance and Calinda. Eyes following hers, Keith's smile hardened and he unconsciously gripped the edge of the table. The Chancellors might be fooled by Liran's apparent obliviousness to those not in his immediate vicinity but he was not; he knew Liran watched them all, himself in particular, just as he watched the Arusian King.

"Perhaps."

"I don't think you understand..."

"I understand perfectly. I will reveal only what I choose to. Nothing more."

"Don't underestimate him, Keith. Others have made the same mistake and regretted it."

Looking away from Liran, Keith smiled at her again, unaware of the gleam entering his eyes as he said lightly,

"I won't. You really shouldn't worry about me, Princess."

"I'm not a princess anymore," she retorted, her voice sounding harsher than she meant it to. Abruptly the gleam vanished from Keith's gaze and he dropped her gaze as he answered simply,

"I know. Old habit, I'm sorry."

"Don't be...I'd rather you still...rather than something else," Allura replied, trying to smile at him and failing.

"As you wish...Princess."

For a moment longer they met each other's gaze and then Allura quickly joined Chancellor Mika's debate, for all the world seeming as if she had not been conversing with Keith. Feeling suddenly strained, Keith immediately looked towards the opposite end of the table and found both Liran and Lance watching him. For one he had a wry smile, the other a look of defiance that caused the corners of the King of Arus' mouth to curve upwards slightly. Let Liran make of it what he would, he didn't care at the moment, despite his promise to Allura. In truth, he did not think Liran had any specific suspicions where he and Allura were concerned. The impression he received from the man was more one of general curiosity than of open suspicion. She had not talked about him or the extent of their relationship and that had clearly intrigued him. Turning his attention to the main course as it was placed before him, Keith thought of nothing more than eating for several moments, the break one his mind sorely needed. Conversation in general achieved a pleasant lull as the entire table devoted themselves to eating and for a time, the tension that had gradually been accumulating in the air lifted.

Looking up from his mea, Liran smiled–a far different smile from his usual politician's grin–and touched the tips of his fingers together. One by one he looked at the members of the Voltron Force, from Hunk as he shoveled food into his mouth to Pidge as he picked at his plate with all the delicacy of a woman. Fork halfway to his mouth, Lance paused as he met Liran's gaze and grinned cheekily. The barest flicker of disgust marred Liran's impassive features before he turned his attention to Keith. Fingers resting around his glass, Keith met the Arusian monarch's challenged with a bemused expression. He was not intimidated. Liran's smile deepened slightly and transformed back into the politician's as he said cheerfully,

"Gentlemen, I am disappointed in you. All we've managed to do is bore you with our history. What of your adventures?"

"Adventures? Adventure doesn't come close to describing my time on planet Conibus. I was sent..."

"Captain Keith," Liran interrupted Lance's speech as smoothly as if he hadn't even spoken. "You haven't set foot on Arus for ten years. Surely you have hundreds of adventures at Galaxy Garrison to share with us."

"Conibus usually doesn't welcome diplomatic visits so naturally I..." Lance tried again. Whether or not he was aware that Calinda was the only one paying any attention to him, Keith couldn't determine. As it was, all attention fell to the faintly smiling Voltron Captain as he levelly met the Arusian King's stare.

"Adventure isn't often found at Galaxy Garrison. It's why most cadets leave."

"You returned," Liran replied, one brow arching on his forehead.

"I'd grown tired of my adventuring ways."

"Indeed. Yet here you are."

"Here I am."

Not once had the two men broken their gazes since the beginning of their conversation and neither seemed to show any inclination of doing so. Fiddling with his fork, Lance looked from Keith to Liran, a strange expression on his face before he looked at Allura. Features smooth, the Queen of Arus had eyes only for her husband; only someone who knew her well would have noticed the sudden tension in her shoulders. Several of the Chancellors shifted uncomfortably in their seats, Peter and Calinda among them. Only Pidge and Coran seemed unperturbed by the open stare-off, the latter stroking his moustache while the former continued to pick at his food. Finally succeeding in catching Allura's eye, Lance nodded slightly, his gaze deliberately flickering towards the oblivious Coran. Allura returned his nod and opened her mouth to speak only to be prevented by the most unlikely person at the table. Her son.

"Captain, I'd like to know something about Galaxy Garrison that isn't an adventure."

Keith blinked but otherwise gave no outward sign of surprise and turned to face Cael with an unusually patient smile.

"If it is in my power to tell you, Prince, I will."

At the other end, Liran began to frown, his brows drawing together as his son squared his small shoulders and said,

"What are the requirements for becoming a cadet?"

Dramatically all the color faded from Allura's features as she continued to stare at her husband, her fingers twisting in her napkin as his face began to darken. Returning Cael's stare, Keith couldn't help but arch his brows–not at the question, but at the sudden intensity in the boy–and he kept his tone neutral as he replied,

"Applications can be sent by anyone eleven years of age or older. If it's approved, the applicant then takes a written and oral exam where they must score 94 or better in order to move on. Those with scores of 94 or better are then asked to fly in a simulated situation. Their performance is also rated and combined with the test scores to determine acceptance. A high test score can make up for a poor flying performance and vice versa. There is a final screening process where the applicant meets a number of professors and is judged on whether or not they are truly GG material. The entire process takes about a year...GG only takes the very finest." This with a wry smile and look for Lance. "Training continues for the next seven years. At nineteen cadets can take their final tests, something that often takes a year as well. They have up to three tries to take the test, but cadets who make it that far are usually assure some sort of position in GG if they've proven themselves valuable in other aspects. Pidge, as you know, was an exception to the rules on all accounts, but times were different then. What was once traditionally accepted as the guidelines only officially became them after we were here on Arus. Anyone and everyone is welcome to apply so long as they're no younger than eleven...GG prides itself on giving everyone who has the desire to try a chance."

"Even if they have no flying experience?"

"It's recommended, but not necessary. One of my best students had never flown before the simulation. I've only seen one other person take as easily to flying as she did."

An odd light shining in his eyes, the young prince of Arus stared almost hungrily at the Voltron captain turned GG instructor for several moments. The same light seemed to encompass all of his youthful features and though he maintained a neutral expression, Keith was once again reminded of Allura when she had been caught up in one of her plans for defending Arus and tried desperately to rid the image from his mind. Dropping Keith's gaze, Cael unexpectedly clenched both his tiny fists and asked softly,

"Even a Prince?"

"Cael," Allura said quickly, her gaze flickering in alarm to Liran before resting on her son in growing concern. At his end, Liran was directing the darkest of looks at his young son, his features nearly obliterated by the anger encompassing them. Understanding dawned in Keith and he smiled sadly as he looked at Cael. Occupied in staring at the tablecloth, the young prince's fists clenched and unclenched themselves.

"I have had royal cadets over the years and they've done well. None of them have ever stayed the full seven years however and nearly all of them have had siblings who stood to inherit the throne instead of themselves. Once a year GG holds a special session for royal heirs, it lasts for most of a semester and is intended as a crash course so they will at least understand the workings of GG. It is the option most heirs choose. There's only been one, to my knowledge, that made it through all seven years and even he was never able to take the final tests due to his obligations at home. But yes, GG will accept a Prince."

"I knew it," Cael whispered, more to himself(and the tablecloth)than anyone else. "I knew it," the young prince repeated, his head raising and revealing him to once again be possessed of the strange light that had encompassed him earlier. Defiance crept into the eyes that were a replica of his mother's and he unconsciously tossed back a lock of his hair as he looked down at his fuming father and said a final time, "I knew it."

"Cael, I think it's time you went to bed," Liran said coldly, rising to his feet and resting both hands against the table in an obvious attempt to maintain his calm. Coming out of his reverie, Cael lost his enchanted look and transformed back into a nine year old boy as he cried,

"Dessert hasn't even been served yet and you said I could stay..."

"I also said that you weren't going to Galaxy Garrison and you seem to have disregarded that completely. Excuse yourself immediately."

"Just because you don't like flying doesn't mean everyone else has to hate it too," Cael said bitterly, looking down at the tablecloth once again.

"Cael, please do as your father says and excuse yourself," Allura said quietly, ignoring Liran's angry start as she spoke.

"But he said..."

"I'll have dessert sent up to you."

Casting his mother an almost desperate stare, Cael seemed to be struggling against himself for several moments before his shoulders slumped and his fists unclenched.

"I don't think his behavior tonight merits any dessert," Liran put in, outwardly seeming the very picture of calm, though his eyes told a different story.

"But I haven't done anything wrong!"

"You are embarrassing your mother and me with your behavior. Now excuse yourself before you embarrass any of us further."

"I don't care if I embarrass myself."

"That much is obvious. I find your lack of regard for your mother and me displeasing, however. Concern for others is one of the qualities most needed in a prince, whether or not he comes by it naturally."

"I'm sorry if I've embarrassed you, Sir, but I don't understand why you won't let me..."

"You are not applying to Galaxy Garrison, Cael, not now, not in two years, not ever. Do you understand me?"

"But you don't even have a reason! It doesn't matter that I'm a Prince or that I haven't flown, why can't I..."

"Because I've said you can't and that's final. Go to bed. Now."

Rising to his feet, Cael's chin began to tremble in a way that was once again frighteningly like Allura but he gave no other sign of his turmoil as he turned and bowed fluidly to those seated at the table.

"Chancellors, Voltron Force, thank you for a pleasant dinner. I apologize for my behavior. Good night. I hope you enjoy dessert." His defiance crept back into his tone and he threw his father a look of something that looked disturbingly like hatred before he fled from the room. Scooting back her chair with a noise that startled everyone, Allura threw her napkin down on the table and moved towards the door.

"Allura."

The tone of command in her husband's voice forced her to stop at the doors, but she did not turn. Anger barely leashed within him, Liran allowed himself to grip the edges of the table as he spoke, his voice deliberately calm,

"Why are you forgetting your guests?"

"If my guests will excuse me for a moment, I would like to see that my son is safely in bed. He might take it into his head to run away again and I'm sure I can speak for my husband when I say that we would like to avoid such a crisis, if at all possible."

"The boy is nine years old. I think it's high time he stopped being coddled."

"I will only be a moment. The dessert, incidentally, is your favorite, just as you asked." For a moment she looked at him over her shoulder, an anger to mirror his own flashing in her eyes and then Allura was gone. For several moments no one dared move or meet the gazes of anyone else as Liran remained where he was, his hands gripping the edge of the table so tightly it seemed liable he might break it. Gradually his grip lessened, however, and the politician was back in place as he forced out a laugh and said,

"Nine year olds are unpredictable as best. Those of you who have children will no doubt understand and those of you who don't, please forgive my son for his behavior. He is as yet unused to functions of state and the presence of so many of his heroes has overexcited him. If you will excuse me, I find I no longer have the stomach for dessert but I will welcome anyone who wishes to join me for an after dinner drink. The gardens are particularly lovely this time of year, should anyone desire to walk. We will convene again tomorrow, though the situation will be no more pleasant. It is truly an honor to have you here, Voltron Force. I apologize again if Arus has presented itself badly this evening. It won't happen again."

Mimicking his son, Liran bowed fluidly to the table and strode from the room. A moment of stunned silence followed before the Chancellors hurriedly began murmuring among themselves. Determinedly avoiding the gazes of his friends, Keith stiffly rose to his feet and remarked to no one in particular that he wished to see the gardens. More than anything he wished he was still at Galaxy Garrison. There were no adventures there. None whatsoever.