"Takashi, Bring Lance to me. Do not give anything away. I do not want him to worry." Keith said after the council had cleared out. He held the trinket tightly against his chest willing his heart to slow. Just the thought of someones grimy hands on Lance while he was so vulnerable had is stomach twisted in knots. He needed to post a guard outside his chambers from now on. Once Shiro left Keith sat down gazing at the piece of jewelry in his hands lost in thought. His head snapped up hearing approaching footsteps. He plastered on as authentic of a smile as he could seeing Lance enter the throne room.

"Everything okay?" Lance asked coming in. He wasn't sure what he was needed for but hoped everything was alright.

"Of course! But look what I happened to find lying around." Keith said holding up the charms. Lance's eyes widened and he broke out into a huge smile.

"You found it!" He shrieked happily skipping over. Keith smiled for real this time seeing how happy he was to have it returned to him.

"Turn around" Kith said and Lance obeyed allowing Keith to re-chain it around his neck. It better not come off ever again. Lance was beyond glad to have it back. He had been so worried.

"Where did you find it?" He asked impressed with Keith's discovery. Keith held his breath as his mind raced for a good area to have found it. Crap..

"He found it walking back from your chambers. You must have dropped it at some point." Shiro luckily filled in and Lance sighed in relief.

"Silly me.." He said his fingers lightly brushing the charms. Keith's stomach twisted more wishing he could just tell Lance the danger he was in, but he couldn't. He never wanted Lane to be scared.

"All is well now. Sorry for taking you away from your afternoon." Keith said and Lance just rolled his eyes.

"Trust me. It's never a chore to see you." He said earning a small smile from Keith.

"Sadly, I must continue with my duties for a little while longer. I'll find you soon okay? Go have fun, for the both of us." Keith gave Lance a quick kiss before Lance headed out with a final wave.

Keith glanced over at his brother feeling the man's gaze burning holes into the side of hies head.

"You're not going to tell him?" Shiro asked. He wasn't angry, just concerned.

"Shiro I can't. I do not wish him to be scared." Keith sighed running a hand through his hair as he realized it had become a nervous habit.

"Keith.. I know it's scary but he should know he's a target. I mean, he's already been near his assassin and he hasn't known. I think it would be better to know than to be in the dark. Especially if it meant his life as in danger." Keith just shook his head.

"I..can't. It's my decision." He finished and Shiro could only nod. He knew Keith was not open to negotiate.

"Very well. I would tell Adam though.." He trailed off and expected a glare or some snarky comment but instead Keith just looked at him like he had solved world huger.

"Shiro! That's perfect!" He exclaimed already pacing in furious circles.

"No one knows about Adam! He's like.. a ghost. People know of him but they haven't really met him!" Shiro raised an eyebrow wondering what the point was.

"Lance can go stay with Adam! For only a little while so we can clean up this Zarkon mess and he'll be safe. No one would think to find him there!"

"Keith.." Shiro started but stopped himself. Of course he was worried putting Adam in harms way. But Keith had a point. Adam wasn't well known and no one would think to look there.

"I know this is putting Adam at risk but it's the only safe place I can think of. I couldn't possibly keep him here or send him home. "

"I think that's best then. I'll bring Adam in and we will discuss it."

"Thank you Shiro"

"So.. you're saying you want Lance to come stay with me for a.. mens weekend?" Adam asked cocking his head. "I have only spoken to Lance a few times but surely he doesn't seem dumb enough to believe that? Why not just tell him? He'd understand. I'm sure he wouldn't mind hiding from a crazed assassin out to kill him right?" Keith sighed at Adam's statement. He was right. He should just tell Lance but he couldn't. He wouldn't.

"Adam. I don't care what or how, convince him and take him with you. If anything happens to him.." Keith just trailed off not knowing. He couldn't fathom what he'd do, he just knew it would be bad.

"Very well.." Adam said not wanting to argue with his King. "I will do my best Your Majesty."

"Good. I am glad to hear it." Keith turned to the boy beside him.

"Thomas, please fetch Lance for me. Make sure you keep the air light. This is going to be a good thing, he must not sense any worry." Thomas bowed and took his leave going to track down the boy on everyone's mind.