A/N: Thank you for sticking with me. I hope I am keeping the characters close to how they are in the show, while still showing other sides to them. This will be a lighter chapter after having a dark one previously.

15

"Your Majesties?"

The voice makes me stir and I realise I'm on the bed. I open one eye to see Coran standing at the foot of the bed with a worried expression. I go to move only to find that Keith's arm is around me, preventing me from sitting up. He is still sleeping soundly.

"What time is it?" I ask, my voice still thick with sleep.

"Half after 15:00."

I must have made a really sudden move, cause Keith stirs. "Coran?" he asks sleepily. "When did we move to the bed?"

"Sera came to clear your dishes and she found you both here. Tried to wake you, but couldn't so she came and fetched me. Knowing that we have the meeting at 16:00. She was worried when neither of you stirred."

"Sorry about that," I say. "I suppose we both crashed." Keith moves so we both can sit up. He stands and stretches and starts looking for his uniform coat when Sera comes from the dressing room holding it.

"It got wrinkled from being on the bed, so I took it and steamed it. I'll do your trousers too if you want to change for me to do them."

Keith nods slightly and walks into the dressing room coming back out a few minutes later, looking better than he did before eating. I still see circles under his eyes, but his thoughts are pushed back and he is every bit the king the people need. I am grateful he let me see him in the state before. I'm not sure how much longer he could have kept up his 'commanding king' before he collapsed. So many see him as more than human, a legend on his own for what he's dome in the war. I too saw him like that before he let me in. I know even he has his limits and I know that he has forged right past them and now he has to put it all aside once more. It is my turn to protect him...from himself.

"Coran, when we're through with this meeting I want to discuss a few things with you and Lance. Keith too."

I see Coran look to Keith then to me and give a slight nod. "As you say, Majesty. Shall we go to the Library to talk after this is done?"

He sees it too. Good. "That works just fine."

"I will let the Lieutenant know and head to the council room. See you in a few minutes," Coran says before giving a bow and leaving as Sera is coming from the dressing room holding a box.

"You should wear your diadems, Majesties. This is a time to leave no question who is in charge," she says with a curtsey.

I give a dip of my chin in agreement as I take the box and set it on the bed to open it. I take out the first one, mine, and place it onto my head before passing the other one to Keith, who places it upon his head. I give him an appraising nod and he reaches up and tucks some hair behind my ear. Sera returns the box to its place in the dressing room as Keith and I go through the sitting room and to the hallway to the lift. The doors open, we step in and we both lean against the wall as the descent to the council chambers below.

"So tomorrow," Keith says firmly, his voice projecting easily throughout the chambers. "Admiral Wallace and his hand-picked platoon will go relieve our first crew that hit the ground. They have had time to rest and organise supplies. We know better just what we're heading into now than before. We are mostly a rescue party now. Admiral Wallace has chosen survivors of Pollux, Some from Arus, and some of the remaining Garrison soldiers. We will be meeting with the soldiers who are returning upon their arrival and will meet for a welcoming dinner for those who have worked so hard the day after tomorrow. We shall see you off in the morning. Tonight do your final preparations and we shall meet in the launch bay. Peace be with you."

"Peace be with you," The group replies. People begin dispersing and Keith, Coran, Lance and I head for the library.

Coran has gone ahead of us, Lance is lagging behind us. I feel he knows something is up and wants to be sure we're not disturbed enroute.

'I don't like that Lance has his eyes staring straight at my back,' Keith says. 'It is rather unnerving.'

'I let my laughter go only where I know he senses it. You trained him well.'

'He should be watching you, not me.'

We go through the doors as they open and walk through the massive shelves to the back of the large room where Coran is waiting. Lance strolls in after us. His eyes on Keith the entire way. When we're all seated, both Coran and Lance look between us expectantly. If the situation wasn't so dire, I'd laugh, but I see genuine worry in their eyes.

"I suppose you have figured out why I asked the two of you here," I say quietly.

"You plan to give us an edict," Coran states simply.

I give a slight nod. "Aye." I look between the two men, my eyes stopping to meet theirs for a minute as I debate my wording. I finally decide to be blunt. "Both Keith and I need some rest. As do the two of you." They both go to speak and I hold up a hand, stopping them. "I know all of us have been going non-stop. I want Lance to head up a security force to protect Sven, Romelle, and Sven's brother. Someone should be watching them at all times. Coran, I want you to task out your duties to four people and take two days' rest. Lance, you as well. Keith and I after the crew leave in the morning will then probably crash for a day. It won't be near enough, so we will try and manage after that to alternate with you so that either we or one or both of you are running things." I see a look of relief cross both men's faces and I feel Keith laugh.

"I am glad you're wanting a break," Lance says. "I thought Coran and I were going to have to lock you in your apartments."

Keith does laugh aloud now. A welcome relief. However short-lived. "Lock us in our room, eh Lieutenant?"

"Lance grins. Yeah. A forced honeymoon."

We both stare at him blankly. Neither of us had even considered such a thing. Not now. Not like this.

"There will be time for that, Lance. Now is not that time. But I need a mental break and rest," Keith says and Lance is barely able to keep a straight face.

Keith's tone changed from light to dark so quickly I see the color leave our friend's face. Words he never thought he'd hear from his commander. It makes my heart hurt.

Lance nods. "Of course. I was gonna say you really look like shit, your Majesty."

"Lieutenant!" Coran scolds as Keith and I both laugh.

Keith shakes his head, looking down at his feet, unable to keep the smile on his face.

I stand, as does Keith. Lance and Coran stand up after us. "Go and rest, your Majesties. We shall take care of things and see you in the morning. I'll update the duties and send them to you securely. Before retiring myself."

We nod and all head to the lift. They ride up with us, then go on their way after making sure we make it to our apartments. The doors close and I engage the security protocols as Keith goes about getting changed. I come in after and after we both change, we head for the bed. I snuggle against him and before he can speak he's sound asleep. I relax, my head on his chest, my arm across him and drift quickly into my own slumber.