With a grunt, Lotor hoisted himself over a rocky outcropping. His usually perfect silver locks where growing somewhat dishevelled. Sweat was permeating through his clothes giving him a chill in the low temperature. Evening was looming on the burning horizon. He placed the silver metal box onto a nearby stone and turned around to offer the princess his hand.

She was a considerable way down and looking quite determined not to notice his outstretched hand. He could tell she was tiring but was certain the princess would never admit to it.

"Allura," he said her name softly but with enough command in his tone to get her attention.

She levelled him with a too-comfortable look… it was almost knowing. He mentally shook the distraction away from him and got onto his stomach to allow his arm to stretch more. A flare of electricity ran down his spine when she actually took it. He smirked and carefully aided her climb, relishing the feeling of her small form next to him when she scrabbled over the edge and rested beside him.

Dammit, what is wrong with this place? He was realising the longer he walked in this wilderness, the more his feral instincts were consuming him. Watching her in this environment, completely alone and confident. It was putting his reservations from this morning in the closet.

He rolled onto his back while she shifted to sit cross legged, taking a moment to breathe. "I did not think it would be this far out," she said morosely. Her eyes wandered to the sky. "Who knew one cycle could last this long," she added, growing glummer at the thought of any more hiking.

Lotor did not answer. He was having a mental wrestling match with himself about keeping focused on the mission.

She finally looked down at him. Seeing the prince laying on the dusty stone right next to her… It was surreal. It stirred a myriad of emotions in her and none of them were what she had expected. Allura had noticed the change in him as the wild permeated him… It was almost like a tide washing away the stoic, moody, man who had struck her earlier. In truth, she had already almost forgotten about that. It was ancient history… But he hasn't even apologised. Well, not really…

She shook her head to clear the thoughts and just enjoyed the view of him. His gold eyes were distant with thoughts. Carefully, she broke the silence. "It will be dark soon."

Lotor's gaze snapped back to reality and he met her eyes for a second before flipping them to the sky. The shadows were lengthening in the dim forest. A wave of clouds could just be seen over the tops of the trees. They blushed a brilliant golden hue as the last rays of sunshine kissed their faces. He pushed himself up and nodded. "What do you wish to do?"

Allura swallowed. She couldn't express the driving feeling humming just under her skin, but it goaded her onwards… towards the meaning of their finding. Yet, the verse from the box stated waiting till morning. Whatever entrance to whatever they were heading towards would only show itself by the light of the dawn. "We are so close," she stated. Even she could hear the longing in her own voice.

Lotor met her sapphire gaze with understanding and a hint of sympathy. The conviction in her eyes was all the affirmation he needed. This was big. This was important. This could be powerful. He had doubts before but now looking into her eyes and being so close… with part of the puzzle in his hands… He was almost able to touch the invisible energy pulling the Altean princess forward. It was nearly as intoxicating as her.

It could have been the dying embers of sunlight dancing through the trees. It could have been the gentle breeze toying with her silky locks… Hell, it could have been her exotic fragrance that mingled so beautifully with the wild air.

A strong desire came over him, alarming him but also igniting his soul. It lit his senses on fire and he was overwhelmed with the foreign sensation … Emotions reared within him. His heart picked up pace and his breath caught, trying to keep up with the vigour of his pulse. The prince's mind blanked; shutting out everything except her. The forest around him seemed to melt away. His searching, amber eyes flicked over her gaze, so captured was he with this princess in front of him.

His mouth moved on its own accord and, for the first time in his life, he felt no control over his words. "Patience," he whispered hoarsely, more to himself than the princess.

She chuckled nervously, breaking his reverie. She blushed mightily.

Embarrassment shattered the dream like a dagger running through glass. Heat burned through the prince's cheeks. He cast his eyes away as she suppressed another giggle.

It looked so good on her, but he kept his gaze straying in the woods. As he silently cursed himself, Lotor composed and levelled his voice. "I … meant…"

Allura cut him off "It's okay. You are right. We need patience… as hard as that is right now," she added, meaning to touch his shoulder in reassurance but catching herself quickly.

Lotor felt the sting of the gesture and his anger at himself flared once more.

She swiftly changed the subject. "We should make camp somewhere."

Feeling the way he did right now, Lotor really did not want to, but the thought of a cold, long trek in the dark was drearier. He cleared his throat. It wasn't like they had a choice either way. "That would be fine with me, princess." He gave her a false smile. Inside he was ready to vomit. Too many contradictions whirled in his head and too many instincts roiled in the pit of his stomach.