Chapter Twenty-Three

Coran sat in his chair in the control room. Various scans of towns and scenery flashed on the large monitor. Coran took solace in the peace that had finally rested over Arus, and yet, he didn't feel at ease until he did a check on all the planet's sectors. As an image of Castle Wyndham came on the screen, Coran paused the scan. He stared intently at the castle, his mind wandering along each brick of the building. Random thoughts trailed through his mind, pausing at the curiosity of which window belonged to Orla.

Coran sighed heavily, his arms crossing over his chest. His heart was in a civil war within itself. The loss of his wife, Leta, had left a gaping hole in his being. He wasn't fully healed from that pain. His soul had been scarred by grief. Now, with Orla nearby, it seemed his heart was stirring with renewed life. It was bittersweet. While he couldn't deny the feelings he had fought to bury about Orla, he wanted to remain loyal to the memory of Leta. And with the current state of the kingdom, it was hard to not get swept up in lovey-dovey emotions. Coran was relatively sure any feelings would be reciprocated by Orla. He kept his heart guarded for so long, and the idea of betraying Leta was slowly eating away at him. Yet, each time he encountered Orla he found it more difficult to control his feelings.

"Hey Coran," a male voice filled the control room. Coran turned in his chair to see Keith striding towards him.

"Your Highness," Coran responded, moving to stand in respect.

"Please, don't get up, my friend," Keith held a hand up. "And I'm not quite a 'highness' just yet."

"Well, close enough," Coran replied. "From what I've been told you've already finished most of the testing required. Not that I would expect anything less of you." He gave the young man a genuine smile.

Keith smiled and patted Coran's shoulder. His gaze shifted up at the screen. Raising an eyebrow, he glanced back down at Coran. "Sector scan?"

Coran gave a nod. "Yes. I'm a creature of habit."

A corner of Keith's mouth curved up in a lopsided smile. "I know exactly what you mean. It's almost hard." Coran gave him a puzzled look. "Getting used to peace after so long." Keith explained.

Coran smirked, a slight laugh causing his shoulders to shrug up. "I suppose you're right on that. But we must never let our guard down."

Keith eyed him carefully. "I believe you live by that philosophy in all areas of life, Coran."

"I beg your pardon?" Coran raised his eyebrows quizzically. Keith took a deep breath and sat down in the chair next to Coran.

"Coran, it's been at least fifteen years," Keith began. "I understand what it's like to lose someone you love."

Coran's gaze dropped down to the floor, realizing where this conversation was headed. "Twenty-one years ago this year," he corrected.

Keith gave his shoulder a squeeze. "My friend, I don't mean to pry or trudge up sad memories. I lost out on so much time with Allura over my fears of losing my heart to pain again. You've sacrificed so much for this planet and all of us." Keith paused. "Coran, it's okay to move on. Everyone knows you will always love Leta. It's not replacing her. She's not better than Leta, just…different." He stopped, carefully looking over Coran to see if he touched a raw nerve.

Coran's eyes were squeezed shut as he contemplated the words of wisdom bestowed upon him. Sure, it's easy for him to say, he's found his love. Now he thinks he can give advice on the matter. Coran wanted to be angry at Keith for encroaching on such a private subject. Is it that obvious? 'She's not better than Leta.'

Coran cleared his throat, re-establishing himself. "Thank you for your advice, your highness. I'll be sure to consider it."

"Coran, listen," Keith now stood and faced him directly. "Life is short. Do you really want to have regrets?"

"Captain, I'm sure my personal decisions won't have any affect on you or the planet. I don't understand what reason you have to be concerned with them," Coran firmly stated.

Keith pursed his lips together in frustration. "I appreciate the fact that you like to maintain proper etiquette and protocol, Coran. I hope you understand that it is the opinion of the entire population of Arus that you deserve the chance to be happy. And the opinion of Arus IS my concern."

Coran blinked in surprise, his jaw hanging slightly open at the quick response that left him speechless. "I….forgive me, your highness…" he struggled for words.

"My friend," Keith sighed. "We all just want you to be happy. You have the chance now. We will be alright now. Please, Coran, just don't let her get away. Leta would want you to be happy…Forgive me, I've gotten too personal."

Coran blinked away the sudden tears that stung at his eyes. He rubbed his face with his hands, absorbing the weight of the words just laid out for him. How did Keith bloody well just reach into the darkest parts of my mind and lay all my insecurities out like that?

Sighing heavily, Coran began to speak. "Keith, forgive an old man that is set in his ways. You speak very wisely. I'm grateful to have a friend in you." He reached out and patted Keith's arm. "But how on Arus did you know?"

Keith grinned down at him. "I dunno, lucky guess?"

Coran gave a chuckle. "Well played. On another note, did you get my message about you and the princess meeting Queen Orla and me tonight?"

"Sure did. What's up?" Keith was intrigued by the urgent message he received earlier in the day.

Coran smiled almost mischievously. "In due time, Captain." His hand reflexively dove into his pocket and fingered the small velvet satchel. "I will take my leave now. I trust you will finish up the scan?" Keith gave a slow nod, slightly confused. Coran smiled and stood from his chair, making his way toward the door.