Chapter Twenty-Four
Night once again had fallen on Arus. Allura stood out on her balcony, taking deep breaths of the crisp evening air. All the hustle and bustle that surrounded her recently with her wedding plans hardly allowed her a moment to herself. Even her teammates were busying themselves with what she could only consider normal lives. Sven and Lance left earlier in the afternoon, and Hunk had left with Pidge to ease the young man's restlessness. They seemed almost too preoccupied to even send her a hello. Not that she minded terribly. It was temporary behavior, and she couldn't think of a time she was happier in life. The princess had found her prince, and she never felt more complete.
Smiling to herself, Allura wrapped her arms around her body. She closed her eyes. In her mind, she relived the day that they revealed their feelings for another. She remembered every detail: the colors of the sunset, the scent on the wind, the feeling of her heart pounding in her chest, and the look in Keith's eyes. Allura knew every facet of his face by heart. His was the face that brought instant joy to the princess. His voice could calm her even in the most precarious battle. He had an almost magical power over her, bringing out the very best she could offer in life.
Love truly is the most powerful thing in the universe, she thought to herself. Allura opened her eyes to once again gaze out at the beautiful sunset. A sudden shift of air came from behind her as two strong forearms circled around her. She didn't even flinch at the touch that had become so familiar. She leaned her body back slightly against a firm chest.
"Hello, love," she murmured. Allura felt Keith nuzzle into the curve of her neck, leaving a light kiss on her skin. "I was going to come find you before we go to meet with Auntie and Coran." She turned in his embrace to face him, grinning as she slipped her arms around his neck. His hands settled at the small of her back, his fingers interlaced.
"Guess I beat you to it," Keith smiled down at her. "I didn't mean to interrupt your quiet time."
Allura laughed lightly. "It's alright, I was just thinking about you."
"Oh really?" Keith grinned proudly. "And just what about me were you thinking?"
"Hmmm…" Allura thought aloud, teasingly. "I was thinking about how you and I need to go to our meeting with Auntie and Coran." She grinned at him. A disappointed expression fell over Keith's face.
"Oh."
Allura let out a laugh, leaning in to kiss him. "You're cute when you pout."
"Uh huh," he mumbled, trying to keep up with the façade…and failing miserably. A smile grew across his face, unable to stay grumpy as he held his princess. "Any clue what this meeting is about?"
Allura shook her head. "Not a clue. But being that it's just Auntie, Coran, and us, I think it must have something to do with the royal family."
Keith winced. "Not more…ceremonies?" he asked cautiously. Allura giggled.
"No, I doubt they'd spring another book on you to memorize," she soothed, running a hand through his hair. "It must be something more personal."
"Fair enough," Keith answered. He released his hold on her and took a step back. He bowed, and then offered his arm to her. "Permission to escort you, your Highness?" Allura grinned, recalling the numerous special occasions that Keith had escorted her to, always asking permission.
"But of course, Captain," was the standard reply she always gave him. She slipped her arm around his and stole another kiss before they left their quiet chambers.