Disclaimer: I do not own Voltron or any of its characters.I didn't want to own Nanny anyway.
Rating/Setting: Rating is M. Setting is DotU but is definitely AU – see challenge info below.
2nd Response to Cheetoy's KAEX Challenge "A Royal Twist." "What if Keith was the surviving Arusian Royal Prince and Allura was an Earth born hometown girl turned GA Starpilot? How will the prim and proper Prince deal with falling for a strong-willed GA pilot of no royal line? Sadly, Nanny and Coran insist on a Princess for our dear Kogane... But how shall they deal with the Drule Prince(ss)? Can they find their Happy Ever After?"
Author's Notes:
In this AU take on DotU, we are following the KAEX challenge that is listed above. However, you'll see that my writing of this Keith is much different than what I usually write and he isn't very prim and proper as mentioned in the original challenge. I hope you like my splurge. ;-)
Chapter Three
A month later, the delegation from Pollux with King Cova, Prince Avok, Princess Romelle, and their entourage arrived. Coran looked with hope down the dining hall table. For the last two nights they had eaten in the formal dining hall and worn formal clothing. It was a nice change to the casual atmosphere that usually colored their evening meals when it was just the Force eating with the prince. Drawing a deep breath, Coran watched the interaction between Keith and Romelle. He seemed to be more interested in her than in any of the previous princesses that had visited in the last year and a half. It would be a blessing if Romelle were to become Queen of Arus. The treaty between Pollux and Arus was holding, but it wasn't firm. A marriage could make the peace permanent. Now, if the prince just kept the lovely princess' female attendants out of his bed. So far, he hadn't bedded any of them, which was unusual in itself.
A laugh caught Coran's attention and he turned to see that Lt. Altaire was laughing at something Prince Avok had said. Well, a dalliance for the prince wouldn't be out of turn. Avok was striking in his own right and known to be a ladies' man himself. It was surprising that Prince Keith and the Alliance pilot hadn't had an affair, but then, perhaps she would find it too painful when Keith wedded another or moved on to another woman. What Coran failed to notice was the frown that Keith directed in Allura's direction when she laughed with Avok.
Keith turned back to Romelle. Allura wasn't his concern. He expected her to stay out of his sex life when it related to other women. He had no right to interfere in hers. It galled him that she might give herself to the Prince of Pollux but wouldn't accept his attentions. Concentrating on Romelle, he decided he would see if she had a hidden passion. "Romelle, would you like to walk with me in the gardens?"
"I'd like that, Keith," Romelle said as she gave him her hand and he assisted her to stand. Taking his elbow, they left the room.
Allura frowned at the prince's retreating back.
"Allura?" Avok asked.
"Hmmm?" she replied.
"I was going to ask if you wanted to walk in the gardens, but I doubt the prince and my sister would appreciate that," he said with a smile.
There was no doubting the innuendo in his words. "No, I doubt they would appreciate it. However, we can go to the balcony overlooking Castle Lake if you like."
"That sounds like a thoroughly acceptable alternative," Avok said with a smile. Rising, he offered her his elbow just as Keith had offered Romelle his. She found her heart ached a little at that.
Out in the garden, Keith and Romelle stood near a bubbling fountain in the light of the full moon.
"The gardens are lovely, Keith. It's amazing that you have managed to bring them back so quickly after the rise of the new castle," Romelle said with genuine warmth.
"It took a lot of work and I can't claim the honor of their restoration. However, I can say that they aren't as lovely as you."
Romelle's tinkling laughter filled the garden. "Come now, Keith. I've heard that you have quite the silver tongue when it comes to compliments and that statement doesn't do you justice."
Keith moved to stand in front of her. She was a true beauty. Is she the one to finally snare my heart? "Then perhaps a kiss would better fit what you've heard." He was surprised as she stepped up and locked her hands around his neck. The invitation was clear and he had never been known to refuse the invitation of a beautiful woman.
Several minutes later, Keith whispered in her ear as his hands roamed her body. Suddenly, he felt her stiffen. She had welcomed his kisses earlier, something had changed… or perhaps he was cursed. It seemed that when women started responding to him lately, they later wanted him to stop. He pulled back from her.
Romelle straightened her gown and put a hand to her hair. She was rather breathless as she replied, "Well, I'd say that you're even a better kisser than what I had heard." She saw his puzzled expression. "However, I won't be a substitute."
"What do you mean?" Keith asked. He truly didn't understand what she was talking about.
"When you whispered to me, you called me 'Allura.' Since I have been around the young woman for the last few days, I can see why you would desire her." Her head tilted to the side as she realized that Keith didn't know what he had done. "Do you not see that she and I look alike? We could be cousins."
"You can't think… I'm not… We haven't…" Keith's words tumbled over each other.
Romelle stepped up and placed a hand on his cheek. "I don't know if it's love or lust. But you have one or both for the lieutenant."
"Romelle-" he began only to have her put a finger on his lips.
"I'm not offended."
"We're not sleeping together and she's not royalty. I would never marry her," Keith said with assurance.
A shadow crossed Romelle's face. "You sound like my brother. I wish you men would see that you should accept love where you find it and with whom you find it."
Keith stiffened, "I'm not in love with her."
Romelle looked intently at Keith. "Perhaps. However, until I'm convinced, I won't consider a marriage."
"I understand, Princess, even though I don't agree with your reasoning." A muscle twitched in Keith's jaw as he asked, "Can I escort you back to your chamber?"
"Thank you, yes."
Their walk to Romelle's chambers was done mostly in silence. When he stopped outside her door, she looked at him carefully before she spoke. "Normally I don't interfere in my brother's love life, but this time, I think it's warranted."
"What do mean?" Keith asked as a frown appeared on his face.
"Avok plans on seducing the lovely Lt. Altaire this very evening. I'd say he's almost as good as you, Keith. If you really don't have feelings for Allura, you'll let nature take its course. However, if you chose to interfere, I suggest you examine your feelings a little closer." She saw that he was conflicted but she was certain that he would end up interfering.
Keith nodded as he struggled to decide what to do. He watched Romelle enter her room and close the door. As his hands clenched at his side, he spun on his heel and headed down the corridor.
Romelle smiled as she walked into her chamber. She had hoped that Keith would be the one. He was definitely an incredible kisser and she had no doubt that he was a skilled lover. But he wasn't meant for her. She just hoped he didn't let something like status interfere in what his heart really wanted.
Keith wanted to head to Avok's room, but it would be incredibly embarrassing if he had another woman in there and not Allura. So the prince headed to Allura's room. Standing outside of her room, he rang the chime. He was about ready to walk away when it opened. Keith looked at her. She was in her regular night clothes and braiding her hair.
Allura looked to see Keith in the doorway. "What are you doing here, Keith? I thought you were in the garden with Romelle." She blushed slightly and was surprised to see him blush as well.
"I was. I was just concerned for you. I thought… I thought Avok … Hell, I'll just leave." Keith turned to walk away when he felt Allura's hand on his arm.
Allura smirked at him. "Oh, he tried and when he didn't take no for an answer, I kneed him in the groin."
Keith's eyes opened wide.
"That's what happens to men who don't listen," she said huskily.
Keith's eyes locked with hers, "I'll keep that in mind, Lieutenant." He paused before adding, "Do I need to speak with the prince about his behavior?"
Chuckling, Allura said, "No, I think he got the message loud and clear."
With a bow, Keith turned and left. Allura watched him go. Who told him about Avok? What happened with Romelle? All were questions that she had no answers for. However, the fact that he left Romelle to check on her did tell her something. But it was something she was afraid to believe.