Chapter Twenty-Nine

The past seven months were a hazy blur. Keith sat out on his terrace, a blanket draped across his shoulders to shield him from the evening's chilly breeze. The weather had started to turn on Arus, much like fall on his native planet. It had always been his favorite season. The clean scent of the air, the fiery colors of the leaves, and intense sunsets always renewed life within Keith. It reminded him of the beginning of each year at the academy. He craved the structure of school. As a younger man, he was utterly devoted to studies and training, doing whatever he could to advance himself through merit. Now, he would rather run a gauntlet of academy stints than have to memorize another royal proclamation. Fortunately, he wouldn't have to. He was to wed Allura and be crowned as king of Arus tomorrow.

Keith insisted on spending the night before their marriage separated. Not that he didn't want to be with Allura, but as part of Terrain tradition. The boys would want to spend one last hurrah with him, he was sure. And, with Romelle being back on Arus, he felt Allura should have some certifiable 'girl time.' He knew she was feeling as much stress as he was, if not more. Nanny had been running circles around her, fitting her gown, preparing decorations, and even prematurely talking about nursery preparations.

Smiling to himself, Keith lifted his mug of coffee to his lips. The hot liquid warmed him from within as he took a long drink. He wondered what Allura was doing that particular moment. Part of him was still on edge, thinking Lotor would rise from the dead and try to stop the wedding. He was sure that would be an edge he would forever keep himself on, just to keep prepared. Keith took another drink from his mug, choosing not to focus on his inmost anxieties.

It had been more than a year since the war ended. The team had definitely changed. Pidge was so grown up, making Keith feel horribly aged. He was starting to give him a run for his money in Judo training. He even beat Lance once. Pidge even had found himself a steady girlfriend, Reina, in Altaire. Love, it seemed, was amazingly contagious. Danny Wylde and Lance had an extremely interesting relationship. Keith got an absolute kick out of it. It was wonderful to see a woman make Lance squirm. They had traded the racing title back and forth at least three times at this point. Danny was a very skilled racer, and was rapidly becoming a phenomenal pilot. Keith and Allura each granted permission for Lance to train Danny as a backup Lion pilot. Keith had seen Lance's leadership skills begin to build when the princess first started to fly, and he was curious to see how those skills would improve with a feminine version of himself to cope with. Keith hadn't been disappointed. The team took to her very well, and Lance was beginning to better fly Black Lion. Knowing they would have a prepared team if he was unable to fly let Keith rest a little easier each night.

Then there was Hunk. Even after Mary Ann pleaded with himself and Allura, they had to stick to their decision of temporary banishment. Hunk became reclusive, unable to enjoy any time with the team members, even Pidge. While he still performed his duties, he was not the same Hunk that everyone knew and loved. Keith was debating about having him take a forced leave to clear his mind. Who knew, maybe Hunk would meet someone else along the way.

Keith let out a heavy sigh, his breath funneling into small clouds in the cold air. He shifted his gaze down to the crystal ring on his finger. He smiled contently to himself. A sudden beeping diverted his attention. He lifted his wrist to his COM.

"Keith here," he answered it. Lance's playful voice rang out into the quiet night.

"Heya Cap, uh, the team is requesting a session with you."

Keith raised a dark eyebrow. "What kind of session?"

"I'm not at privilege to say, sir," was Lance's quick reply. "We are gathered in the rec room."

Several minutes later, Keith was being pummeled by water balloons as he entered the rec room.