Chapter Twenty-Five

Orla sat in a straight-lined, cushy chair in the rec room, holding a black velvet satchel in her lap. Moonlight strained through the large windows, competing with the interior lights of the room. Her pale blue eyes drifted over the various pictures that had been hung on the walls. Of course there were photos of her dear sister and brother in law, with and without all the pomp and circumstance. Some of a younger Allura, with curly golden blonde hair, a smile brightening her face as she played with her parents. It was a shame that she had been an only child.

Orla's eyes shifted to another set of framed pictures. It was like a jump in time, going from Allura's childhood to that of her as a young woman. Obviously there wouldn't have been happy pictures taken during the brunt of the war. But there were most definitely happy times captured in the frames that she was now looking over. Her dear niece, surrounded by the Voltron Force, all smiling and having fun. Orla couldn't help but smile as she saw Allura's hand on a much younger Pidge's shoulder. He was grinning up at her, a sibling-like love sparkling in his eyes. Allura appeared to be in mid-laugh, no doubt at something that Lance had said, as he stood with arms crossed and his signature smirk on his face. Hunk was flexing his bicep behind Lance, grinning proudly. And then there was Keith. Standing straight as an arrow next to Allura. The picture had perfectly captured him, smiling lightly as his gaze was permanently affixed on the princess. Orla smiled. Thank God they didn't waste anymore time. Their love would be forever… She gave a soft sigh.

The door to the rec room slid open. The pair of lovers entered the room, arm in arm, softly chuckling at each other. Allura looked up to see her aunt. Her face lit up.

"Auntie!" she greeted, embracing her relative. "What is this meeting about?"

Orla smiled gently at her. She raised a hand to touch her niece's cheek. "You'll see. Coran should be here shortly."

As if on cue, the door slid open again, and Coran stepped into the room. He paused, his weight shifting onto his cane as he glanced over the room's occupants. Coran held his gaze for a moment on Orla before darting his eyes over to Keith, remembering their earlier discussion. He raised a hand to his mouth to cover a forced cough, hoping to divert his actions.

"Ahem, good evening to you all," he politely began. Each in turn greeted Coran back. He made his way over to a chair next to Orla and eased himself into the soft cushions. Coran motioned for Keith and Allura to sit on the sofa that sat parallel to him. He pulled a matching velvet satchel from his pocket. Keith and Allura both eyed the two pouches curiously.

"Queen Orla and I called you here in a private matter. There is something you both must know," Coran began. Allura shifted her gaze to meet Orla's eyes, a flash of worry present in them. Orla simply smiled soothingly back at her.

"My dear Allura, there is more to the legend of Voltron that you both are unaware of," Orla stated.

"I don't understand…" Allura questioned.

"Allow me to explain," Coran started. "You see, the first king, Altaine, was a very powerful man. He possessed abilities unmatched to any other Arusian. You have a touch of those powers, too. Telekinesis, telepathy, even the capability to speak with the space mice. Altaine was able to pass most of these traits to his wife and Queen. Sound familiar?"

"Why, yes! Keith and I have been able to communicate telepathically since…well, as long as I can remember," Allura said excitedly.

"That is how I knew you were destined for each other," Orla smiled warmly. "Among the other traits King Altaine had was crafting. He created these for his marriage, passed them down to his son, and his son, and then to Alfor , and now they will be passed to you two." Coran and Orla emptied the velvet satchels to show two crystal rings. The rings were made completely of a clear white crystal, void of any other substance. They were nearly invisible. Orla and Coran each drew their hands toward each other, and the rings began to emit a soft glow, sparking to life.

"These rings," Coran continued. "Are made of a combination of all the power crystals that give Voltron life. The wearers of the rings share in that power."

"But why would we need that power?" Keith asked.

"Keith," Orla paused. "With these rings in both of your possession, you will always have a shield of protection. Near invincibility against outside attacks. King Alfor felt it was too cherished a possession to have while facing Zarkon, so he chose to leave it in Coran's care. God forbid it ever fall into the hands of evil."

"King Alfor wore this ring when he was pilot of Black Lion," Coran said, holding it out for Keith.

"And your mother wore this ring as pilot of Blue Lion," Orla matched the action, placing the ring in Allura's palm.

The princess' eyes were brimming with tears. "My…my mother was pilot of Blue Lion? What about…all that talk…you said it was no place for a princess to be a pilot…"

Coran gave a sigh. "I thought your parents would want you to have a normal life as a young princess. I didn't think they would want you to be risking your life in battle. But, being a lion pilot was the best thing for you. You've learned lessons I still have to confront. I'm sure your parents couldn't be more proud of you."

A single tear traced down Allura's cheek. Keith instinctively reached out and caught it at her chin with his finger. He cupped her face with his hand, giving her a sympathetic smile. "I should've known you had some innate piloting skills when you first began flying. You caught on pretty quickly." He gave her a wink. She smiled at him, giving a sniffle.

"These rings are meant to be worn by two of the same soul," Orla continued. "You two are definitely kindred spirits." She folded their hands together, placing her own on top. "They are to be a symbol of your love, and your vows to each other, as well as your devotion to Arus."

Coran turned to Keith. "I know on your planet, rings are exchanged as part of the wedding ceremony. As I'm sure you've read, it's our tradition that rings are worn once an engagement is announced. I apologize for the delay in providing them to you."

"It was well worth the wait," Keith answered. "I couldn't design a more symbolic ring if I tried. But there is one tradition with wedding rings that I must uphold. The vows," he took the ring that lay in Allura's palm. Holding her hand in his own, he slid the ring onto her finger, losing himself in the azure depths of her eyes. "I love you, Allura. Now and always, I am yours."

Allura smiled, her eyes once more brimming with sentimental tears. She mimicked his actions, slipping his ring onto his finger. Pressing her lips to the ring, she murmured, "I will love you, Keith, and only you, now and always." Keith reached out his finger to lift her chin, sharing with her a kiss of pure and undying devotion.

Orla smiled warmly at the exchange. Glancing over at Coran, she caught him dabbing at the corner of his eye. Reaching out, she rest her hand on top of his, giving it a light squeeze. He shyly smiled at her, allowing his fingers to wrap around hers tenderly.