6

"You should see if you can enter like you did before, Keith."

He nods and steps ahead of me up to the door and places his face to the scanner. A moment later, the door opens and we both step through. "Maybe it was because you're here?"

"I'm not sure. Hopefully, my father will show himself and explain things."

'We can only hope he will.'

I smile when I realise I heard his thoughts. "This could be fun. We can mess with Lance and ask questions without speaking and only answer aloud."

Keith laughs. "That would be a nice bit of payback, wouldn't it?"

It's good to hear him laugh. It's so rare. I smile and nod, "Indeed it would." We walk the rest of the way in companionable silence.

My father's ghost is waiting when we turn the corner to enter his tomb.

"So you have come for answers?" he asks as we both drop to our knees before him.

"We can hear one another's thoughts. Why?" I ask as I look up to see his figure is now sitting on his sarcophagus. I almost smile at the irony. Then see his mischievous grin and have to struggle to stifle a giggle.

"You are bonded," he replies so matter-of-factly I feel stupid for not understanding the meaning.

"But how? Why, Father?"

"Your feelings for one another," he states simply.

I see Keith stiffen and I feel him trying to throw up a mental block.

My father looks to him and smiles. "Are you denying your feelings for my daughter, young warrior of Voltron?"

Keith all but lowers his head to the floor in a bow of reverence. "I have not spoken to her of my feelings. As I know I am not worthy of her station."

"This bond was forged by the two of you. It is rare. It means that you are mates. Station or no, you are meant to be at her side."

"So you approve of this?" I ask as Keith sits back on his knees.

They both look my way and my father nods. "Yes. A queen needs a consort who is willing to protect and serve her and the people. Loving her makes life easier for you both. It is why your bond has manifested before you have consummated your relationship."

I feel my face heat and can tell this line of discussion has made him just as uncomfortable. "I...I see," I mutter.

"What about Coran? The people? What if they don't accept me?" Keith asks. His tone is different from any time I've heard him speak before. It almost unnerves me.

"They will. Once Coran knows you're bonded, he will have no objection. In fact, he will likely be your greatest ally. A bonded sovereign has not happened in a millennia. Troubling times are coming. If you are willing, I want you both to swear yourselves to one another now."

"Here?!" Both Keith and I say.

My father nods. "Here in this crypt, the very heart of Arus itself. Here among the spirits of all the sovereigns before you, will you swear yourselves to one another and to your people?"

Keith and I rise to our feet. He immediately offers his arm for support and I smile. 'We haven't even discussed this. Are you willing to make such a commitment to me? To the people?'

Keith's eyes meet mine and he nods. 'I've no doubts about what I feel for you. You know I would die for you.'

"Then let us begin," my father says.

We both turn towards him, anad Keith offers me his hand as we wait for whatever he is about to do. I have no doubts about being bonded to Keith. I have always felt drawn to him. Now, it makes sense as to why. He gives my hand a little squeeze when we are suddenly surrounded by the spirits of my ancestors. My mother, my father, grandparents, great grandparents, so many generations that I am almost overwhelmed. I feel Keith's hand squeeze mine again. A firm reminder that I am not alone in this. That I am never truly alone now. I have him. We have each other. I look to my mother and she smiles and gives me a nod of approval. 'You ready?' I ask mentally.

'Always,' he replies in kind.

"The blessings of the ancient guardians of Arus rest upon you, Sir Keith Kagone of Arus," A man who is in clothing so ancient I don't know him on sight. His crown is of an old design. As I start to study him, his voice breaks through my thoughts again. "Warrior knight of Voltron, do you here in our presence swear upon your lifeblood to honor Allura of Arus, Daughter of Alfor? To love, protect her and the people of Arus and allies until your dying breath?"

"I do, Sire," Keith replies with such certainty it surprises me.

"Daughter of Alfor, Heir of the ancients, do you, Allura, swear yourself to the protection of your warrior knight? Take him as your husband and consort? Confide in him your hopes, dreams, and fears? Allow him to sacrifice himself for the people of Arus if it is the only way to save your people?"

I want to cry out no, but I know as future queen, this is my duty. And I know that he would sacrifice everything for me, for Arus, for the people, so I take a calming breath and nod, "I accept Keith as my bond-mate, my consort, my warrior knight and king. May we serve Arus well together."

The ancient one holds out his hand and a golden box materializes. On it's lid is the crest of Arus. "Open it, Warrior," he says to Keith.

Keith releases my hand and opens the box. Inside are two rings, each embossed with tiny jewels the colours of the five lions.

"Take the smaller ring and place it on your queen's right ring finger. Then you do the same to your knight," the ancient says.

We do as instructed before turning to face the ancient king once more.

"Now, with our blessing go forth and serve your people well."

We both bow to the king and others to see as we fully stand again all are gone as is the box. We look to see even my mother and father are gone. Keith reaches for my hand and I take his hand. 'Lets go get some rest. I'm sure someone has noticed our absence by now.'

I nod and we turn, swapping hands as we start towards the exit of the tomb. We make our way in silence to the elevator. The tomb door opening, then closing after us. The castle feels eerily silent. Either it's really late, or everyone is off working. Exhaustion is hitting me hard and I feel it affecting Keith too. 'We both need to sleep.'

'I don't want to leave you alone. Too many unknowns.'

'I didn't say you had to leave me alone.' I feel his laugh and I smile. 'I think we're technically married, so you can sleep beside me if you wish.'

'That could be fun when Sera or Coran finds us in the same bed.'

'Or Lance,' I add.

I know he's exhausted, but I still can tell he's smirking.

We enter the bedroom and remove our shoes and collapse on top of the covers. I think I hear him saying something just as my head hit the pillow and sleep takes me.

A/N: Yes, more Kallura fluff, but I promise more action and we will soon learn the fate of our beloved Romelle and Sven. I ask you for patience. As soon things will come quickly and from all sides. Remember, this story is strictly from Allura's POV. So it will be slow at times. And knowledge will come second hand on occasion. I hope you're still enjoying this story. Thanks for reading!