Lotor sat rapt as the princess continued her exposition on theories. The content she was speaking of was interesting, no doubt, but the Galran prince's energy was quickly draining. It was a shame really. The princess was obviously excited over the knowledge. Lotor would have been too if he were not so weary. His heavy lids slowly collapsed, and sleep almost claimed him… It would have. However, one word stuck out in her excited drone: "Terraformed".

His eyes snapped open and he cleared his throat to get her attention.

She stopped mid-sentence and tilted her head before realising what had gotten his attention. "Oh, yes. There is substantial evidence that this planet and the others in the solar system were terraformed almost entirely," she said brightly.

Lotor's eyebrow quirked. "The Alteans did that?" His memory spanned back to his studies and the recollection of the Battle of Naxzela came to mind. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. That was the first time he had ever met the gorgeous woman standing here… Now, he was discovering that he and Allura held a mutual love for discovery, among other things. The thoughts warmed his soul and the memory of their kiss stirred once again. Once again, that crushing feeling was welling deep within him, making him want to grin and laugh deliriously.

Allura's lilted voice broke into his thoughts. "We believe after further scans of the planet that, yes, Alteans terraformed the system." Her tone changed to something almost relieved. "It would explain why the other planets in the system are so strangely identical."

He gave a slight nod as another wave of tiredness blanketed him. This emotion brewing in his heart was lulling him to sedation. His thinking was coming slowly but he pondered absently. "I wonder why Alteans would bother doing so here," he said blearily. He closed his eyes as she made her way back to the bed. He felt her sit beside him on the plush surface before consciousness slipped away.

XxX

"What did Lotor say?" Shiro's deep voice spoke from the doorway and Allura looked up from the book she was reading. She was still settled beside the aforementioned prince, who had been dozing for an hour.

She offered the man a smile and set her reading material down. Her excitement was hard to contain. The memory of Lotor's smile and his sweet words was enough to make her cheeks flush. She wanted to gush out to her friend but doubted Shiro would want to hear it. Indeed, the man had been acting somewhat strange since the cave rescue. Allura had meant to ask Shiro about it earlier. She weighed whether now would be a good time.

Instead, she answered his question, telling most of the truth. Shiro didn't need to know about their personal 'accomplishments'. She said, "he was groggy but coherent… and very intrigued with our discovery of a terraforming plant."

Shiro crossed the room, folding his arms across his chest. He stood beside her to take in the half-breed. Seeing Lotor incapacitated set him on edge for a reason he could not place. "That's good," he stated, attempting to sound cheerful for Allura's sake. To his dismay, the princess was growing increasingly attached to Lotor. He could see it in her eyes. And, though he was not completely certain how, he knew that some recent change had affected the two's relationship. Part of Shiro told him how much of a danger such a connexion would be. Lotor was a snake and no person could turn from such a path so quickly… or easily.

Allura did not seem to notice Shiro's darkening thoughts as she interrupted his musing. "How have you been?" She asked carefully.

For a moment, he weighed the merit of telling the princess the truth…

She must have noticed his hesitation for her brow knit together in concern. "What is it?" She asked.

He was trapped now. Even if he lied, Allura would be able to tell. He chastised himself for considering lying in the first place. She deserved the truth. He cared about her enough to tell her his feelings on the matter, especially if it could be a mater of life and death. His steel gaze flicked from Lotor and back to her before he replied. "I have just been… worried lately."

A trace of exasperation crossed over her face, but her voice remained friendly, if not somewhat troubled. "Why is that?"

If he didn't know better, he would be sure Allura could read his mind… Shiro pursed his lips debating on telling her… No, she needed to know. It was his duty to protect his team against all threats, that included whispers of deceit from within. He sighed, "Allura, I don't trust Lotor. He is up to something." His gaze slid to the half-breed laying silently. Paranoia egged on, but he continued. "You shouldn't allow yourself to become close to him," he warned.

Allura's eyes flashed with irritation or perhaps it was merely stubbornness. Shiro couldn't tell. "I think Lotor has done enough for us to be able to treat him like a person," she retorted.

"I wasn't saying that we should reject him. I was just reminding you that he is notorious for betraying people he has worked with. Remember what we learned about one of his generals," Shiro hedged. His eyes softened as looked into her sapphire eyes. "Just be aware of him. I know he has been showing some different colours lately." He paused before continuing, uncertainly. A knot was twisting in his stomach, but it was not the fluttering feeling he had expected. It was akin to nausea. "I just want you to stay sharp," he finished quickly. He was going to say something different, but the words died in his throat. Shiro broke the eye contact and crossed his arms. Suddenly, speaking about all of this was wrenching a coil in his chest. "We are a team. I'm just looking out for you," he finally let out with a nervous chuckle.

Allura let out a breath, calming herself. The deep emotion in Shiro's soft smile was enough to cool the emotions rising to the forefront of her mind. His last statement brought a smile to her own face. She couldn't stay irritated at him. Her tone was gentle. "I know you are." She added, "But trust me, I am watching Lotor. I will not allow him to betray us so easily."