Allura surveyed the public closet. Rows and rows of clothes passed by her, spinning slowly so that she could survey each outfit as it passed. A Ghalli style suit drifted towards her, and immediately Shiro came to mind. The monochromatic outfit was similar in style to the formal Earthian suits Lance had shown her, except for the absence of a tie or bow, and the sash that kept the tunic closed, as well as the crisp creases of the pants and- Oh, Quiznack. It was nothing like an Earth suit, if she was being truthful to herself. She laid it on the couch behind her and continued her search.

After rescuing the Almian peoples from the Galra's tyranny, the royal family had decided to throw a banquet in their honor. As flattering as that was, it was proving to be extremely hard to get prepared for it. Being royalty herself, Allura was used to the conventions of parties such as this. She had grown up in long evening gowns, and had spent much of her adolescence throwing banquets of her own. The problem was everyone else. Aside from Lance, none of the Paladins were exactly excited to come. They understood well enough why they had to come, but that didn't mean that they were ready to go to it. Pidge and Keith's manners were atrocious; neither of them had any idea how to eat using a formal table setting, nor how to interact with high class. Coran was working on teaching them the basics now, but that didn't solve the problem of wardrobe. All five of them had only worn the same outfit that they had come to the castle in since they had arrived, and while she could deal with the fashion rules that they broke by doing so, their clothing choices would not hold up to Almian scrutiny. Which was why she was picking the outfits out alone, rather than with Lance, who had been the only volunteer.

A yellow robe slowly spun past her, and she hoped it was in Hunk's size. As she pulled it off of the rack, she sighed in relief; it was stretchwear, meant to change size depending on who wore it. It was similar enough in style to the Ghalli suit, which meant that she could pull off a common theme if she found three more like it. Similarity was important, Allura thought, looking down at her own dress. They had to show a unified force, even in clothing. Her usual gown wouldn't make the cut; she'd have to change later, after she found outfits for the other paladins.

She saw a flash of pale green, and focused on the rack once more. Ah, yes; finally something that Pidge would look at home in. The shirt was long and gauzy, with a scooped collar and no sleeves. It would probably fall down to Pidge's knees, meaning that the darker green pants were optional. She dropped both on the couch and turned back to the closet.

Allura wondered how Shiro would look in that suit. He always wore minimalist clothing, and it suited him, it did. But seeing as he never wore anything else, she was curious as to how formality would suit him. He was every bit as regal as she was, but he was different, not just because of the difference in species. He was something better, something more than she was. He was great because he had to be. She was great because she was raised to be.

She wondered what he'd look like without any clothes on.

Two Mjorniad robes passed by and she she grabbed them, closing the closet behind her. Both were of the same cut and style; short, criss-crossing tunics with simple but elegant pants. She was sure Lance would throw a fit because of the similar clothing, but she was too tired to keep looking.

Gathering the clothes in her arms, she left the room, the distinct image of a naked Shiro seared in her mind.

OoOoOoO

Shiro wasn't exactly surprised that wearing fancy clothes resulted in one of those stereotypical 'Wow, you look so different now that you're fancy.' moments. However, he was surprised to find himself having one of those moments.

As Allura stepped into the control room, a serene smile on her face, he found himself no longer paying attention to Lance and Keith's squabble. He had seen her in fancy dress before; she had worn them since they had met, her only real change in outfit being her battle jumpsuit. This dress was completely different.

The light pink fabric clung to her body like water, highlighting the gentle strength of her stomach and the curve of her waist. It's simple skirt fell to her feet, while the top revealed most of her shoulders and neck.

Her hair fell in gentle waves around her shoulders in a complicated half-up, half-down hairstyle, allowing her dark skin to contrast the bright colors of her dress and hair.

She broke the silence that had since taken over the room. "Is everyone ready to go?"

Behind him, Lance called. "Don't forget that you promised me a dance, Princess."

Lance yelped as Keith elbowed him. "She's gonna dance with all of us. Tradition, remember?"

Shiro could count on both hands the number of times that he'd been so relieved. Thank whoever was out there listening that he didn't have to ask her to dance of his own volition. If he stepped on her feet, or danced badly, he could blame tradition for putting him there.

"Thank you, Keith." Allura replied, a small hint of a blush on her cheeks. "The Almian's would appreciate it if you traveled in your lions to the banquet. The civilians, and children especially, would appreciate seeing them in person." She turned to Shiro. "I'll be riding with you if you don't mind."

Shiro smiled nervously and hoped that it wasn't noticeable. "Of course, Princess."

Despite Lance's protests, Allura rides with Shiro back to Almia.

The ride was quiet. No one felt the need to comm him, allowing Allura to fill the silence with anecdotes about previous experiences in court, or about the struggle of teaching manners to the Paladins who lacked them. By the time they arrived at the palace, Shiro was calm and the prospect of their expected dance wasn't so daunting. However, since the beginning of the ride, he had noticed that her eye markings had glowed. He didn't ask her about it, even though he had plenty of chances to on their walk into the castle.

They are welcomed warmly by the King who leads them deep into the castle, through crowds of civilians who chant their names and swoon at something as simple as a smile. The humanoid figures of the Almians are similar to that of humans; the main differences are the wings that some of them sport, scaled and dull and the hues of blue that seem to be their main skin tone. Lance enjoys the attention, while Keith and Hunk nervously walk through the crowds.

They are seated in the seats of honor at the King's table, and are immediately offered what looks like rich seafood. They all remember to refuse it twice before accepting, although Keith almost forgets on the second offer. The feast is fun and rowdy after the initial start, and Shiro's glass is never empty of the strange wine-like drink that the King insists on. Allura seems at home amongst the royalty, Shiro notes as the High Prince compliments her battle prowess.

"Why thank you, Prince Lamad. I have heard much of your own resistance efforts and I admire what you have achieved." Allura responds, flashing him a gentle smile before taking a modest sip of her own drink.

The music starts, and Shiro doesn't catch the rest of their conversation. He turns back to one of the High Ladies, who asks something else about Earth. He tries not to pay attention to the pair anymore, but as the music stops for a brief interlude, he has no choice but to overhear.

Prince Lamad stands and offers her a hand. "May I have your first dance?"

Allura nods her head, only looking back at him for a short second before accepting his hand. "I'd love to."

Shiro tells himself that he's not jealous when Prince Lamad spins her across the floor in a series of impossible moves. Shiro knows that he can't dance like that. It's impossible. Literally impossible, he thinks, at least without the years of training that the both of them have received.

The High Lady, whose name Shiro doesn't recall, asks him to dance, and he accepts. She leads him onto the dance floor, her wings taut against her back in excitement, as the next song begins. The first few notes are similar to that of a violin, and he wonders if he can even do this dance. Then the music begins, and he finds himself led across the dance floor in what resembles a waltz. He tries to be polite. Tries to keep his attention on his dance partner. But Allura passes by him more than once, and her flowing dress catches his eye in the sea of blue creatures.

Finally the dance ends. Be bows to his partner. "Thank you for the dance."

The woman smiles. "I hope that was sufficient practice for your dance with the Altean. Good luck." She turns and approaches the Prince. He is reculent to drop his hand from her arm, to leave her but tradition gives him no choice, and so he dances with the woman instead.

Allura meets his eye and smiles, the markings on her face lighting up as he crosses the distance between them. He offers his hand. "May I have this dance?"

"I'd love to."

The music starts again, this time more similar to electronic Beethoven, if that was a thing. He remembers to place one hand on her shoulder and the other on her waist, and they dance. And all the while, Shiro cannot stop smiling.

Author's note:This is a two shot. Next chapter will be up by Monday. Enjoy this healthy dose of Shallura.