Once back at the castle the festivities continued. Dancing, laughter, singing. It was truly a spectacular night and Keith was rather bummed it was coming to an end as he stood in the doorway of Lance's chambers. Knowing he shouldn't go in. After the carriage ride his mind had been lingering a little too long and was worried he would not be able to control himself. Lance seemed tired anyways. A lot happened that day. He needed some good rest.

"Good night Lance." Keith said breaking the silence. Lance smiled and leaned over giving him one last kiss.

"Merry Christmas" He said before shutting the door softly leaving Keith on the other side. Keith turned and stated his long walk back to his own chambers, anxiously awaiting the time they would be in the same one.

The next morning came too quickly noted a rather grumpy Keith. The castle was a buzz with the decorations and such being taken down and stored. It was so loud he just wanted some peace and quiet. He was heading to Lance's chamber to steal him away into the gardens for a nice morning. To his surprise a flurry of boy crashed into him causing him to stumble, barely righting himself before falling to the ground.

"Hey!" He grumped and realized it was Lance, in a state of panic. Keith immediately grabbed him gently his heart eating faster all ready.

"Lance? What's wrong? Did something happen? Did someone hurt you?" He asked and Lance was patting himself down as if he was looking for something.

"It's gone Keith..I-I don't know... I mean." He gasped out of breath from his worried state. "It's just gone!" Keith rested his hands on the poor boys' shoulders trying to calm him.

"Just breath. What's gone?" Keith asked clearly. Had someone robbed him? Taken the sword? Lance's hand went to his throat as the boy looked grief stricken.

"The trinket. It's gone" He wailed softly his eyes ready getting teary. Keith had to bite his cheek as to not laugh in his face. He was so distressed over that thing?

"Lance. It's okay. Just calm down. It's here somewhere. Where was the last place you've seen it?" Keith asked and allowed Lane a few moments to calm down before replying.

"I fell asleep with it on my neck I swear! I fall asleep to them tinkling together and I woke up and it wasn't there anymore!" Keith smiled a bit.

"Have you checked your covers?" He asked and Lance froze and a small look of shame passed his face.

"No.." H admitted feeling silly to have caused such a ruckus and it could have just fallen off. Keith allowed his laugh to slip out that time and linked their arms.

"Then let's go look. I'll help." It wasn't the peaceful gardens but at least it was Lance.

"I told you it's gone" Lance cried flopping dramatically on his chaise. Keith was stumped indeed. No sign of the trinket lost in the covers, or under the bed. They tore apart the whole room.

"It's okay Lance. It has to be here somewhere. It'll show up, promise." Keith tried to reassure him but Lance looked so defeated.

"I'm sorry.. I never wanted to lose it.. " Lance felt awful, it had been his mother's and he went and lost it. Keith took a seat next to Lance and took his hands in his own.

"Stop that. It's not lost. Just misplaced. Yesterday was a crazy day, you may have just sat it somewhere and not remembered okay? It'll be found." Keith smiled reassuringly and Lance just sighed but nodded. He would find it. It was so special to him. Once Lance was calm and collected the two made their way to the gardens finally. Lance seemed sullen and it made Keith frown a bit. The kid really felt bad about losing the trinket.

"Hey. Stop for a minute" Keith said pulling Lance's hands so he was facing him.

"I'm sorry you're upset. I know it was important to you, but it's a beautiful morning and I want to share it with you and your sad face is making me sad. " Keith said and poked at Lance's pouty cheeks.

"Come on. Where's that smile I fell in love with.?" Keith poked more and Lane tried to hide the smile that was escaping.

"Stop." he pushed Keith's prodding fingers away and flashed a giant cheesy smile.

"I'll take it" Keith grinned glad Lance was already in a better mood. The two boys walked arm in arm taking in the new sunlight dancing around the gardens, The flowers were mostly gone but there were still the hedges and the pond. Now, frozen.

"Wait.." Lance stopped looking horrified at the frozen pond.

"Are..the swans..?" He said wondering if the poor things were frozen below. Keith laughed again and grabbed his hand leading him on.

"No Lance. The swans are not frozen. They moved out of the pond for the winter." The boy was just too passionate, his heart too big and caring. It was all new to Keith. He never would have second guess the swans and never cared if they had frozen to death or not. Yet here Lance was fretting the birds were swansicles.

Now, hours later Keith was seated taking care of kingly duties sadly. He never got a break did he?

"Your Majesty.." Cardinal Hunk bowed as he walked into the throne room. "We have not heard back from the informant we sent to visit King Lubos, as of now, as the days have passed since Zarkon's threat, we can assume he will not return and that Lubos has accepted Zarkon's deal." Keith sighed. That wasn't good news.

"Alright.. Takashi, any news from the Coast?" He asked Shiro who shook his head.

"No Your Majesty. No movement. I have not a clue what they are planning." That also wasn't good news.

"Does anyone have any good news? Please? Anyone?" Keith asked looking around at tall the faces of the men in his council. They all murmured no's and shook their heads. Keith sighed rubbing his face in frustration. What was Zarkon waiting for?! Keith looked up hearing rpaid footsteps approaching. The doors burst open as a very weary soldier stumbled in. Keith was at his feet in seconds as some men rushed over to help the man.

"Your Highness! I have.." He panted and held up a small box tied with twine. "From.. The Coast. One of Zarkon's men delivered it." He said and passed off the suspicious box to Shiro who examined it.

"Give it to me." Keith ordered and Shiro reluctantly handed it over.

"Be careful..." he warned and Keith just waved him off. He undid the twine and was really hoping a small scroll of a truce was inside. Little chances but it was the only thing he could think of. Upon opening it a small piece of parchment with two words scribbled on it stared at him causing his blood to run cold before even seeing what was inside.

Found Him

Keith took the piece of paper out with trembling hands and felt a wave of nausea hit him as he stared down inside the box. The trinket Lance had lost that morning sat in the box. They new about Lance. They were in his room last night and this was a threat. One Keith would not take lightly. His whole being igniting in such a rage I scared him but the thought of any harm coming to Lance had his blood boiling. They were sending a threat, telling him they could find Lance easily again. They were toying with him.. If they wanted him dead they would have killed him in his sleep no? Keith was not a fan of games. Especially ones that involved someone he cared about. This game of Zarkon's had gone on for long enough.