Shattered

By Shannon (AKA KittyShan, LancesKitten)

Originally Published 10/20/2015

Disclaimers: Voltron and all associated characters are owned and copyrighted by WEP. Original/new characters belong to the author.

Be Advised - This chapter isn't so bad!

Rating: M Violence, Sexual Situations

Chapter 12

"Planet Arus, please come in...This is Princess Romelle of Planet Pollux hailing Castle Control"

Romelle felt her heart jump into her throat and tears sting the backs of her eyelids when the view screen flickered to life and Coran's wizened face appeared. As always, his voice was cultured and commanding when he spoke.

"Castle Control here," Coran leaned in and studied Romelle's image. "Princess Romelle, is that really you?!"

"Oh, Coran!" Romelle could no longer hold back her tears. "Thank the heavens! Please, I need your help. I've escaped Lotor and I'm in a Doom airship, about to enter Arussian air space."

"Thank the heavens indeed, Your Highness!" Coran sounded jubilant. "I will ping your ship and send troops out to meet you. Are you alone?"

"No, sir. There are two other prisoners who escaped with me, but I know they can both be trusted."

"I see," Coran seemed worried regardless. "Are you being pursued?"

"I'm sure that they are looking for us now, but we were able to make a quick escape and I don't think they were alerted right away."

Coran nodded. "Good. But I will send one of the lions out to meet you just to be sure."

"Thank you," Romelle looked as if she had more to say. "Coran, my brother...? Do you know if, if he's..."

"Yes, my dear, Prince Bandor is alive and well. He has been working hard to regain control of your home world." Coran understood the young woman's pain, he had lost his wife and son to Zarkon's evil ways many years before. "But we will discuss this further when you are safely inside the castle's walls."

"Of course," Romelle smiled her thanks and cut the transmission.

Coran leaned back in his chair for just a moment. Thank the universe Romelle had survived, but for all the stars in the sky, he felt as if she were holding something back. He stood and shrugged off the feeling. He would have to work quickly to ensure all the proper arrangements were made to welcome the young monarch.

: )

: )

"That seemed to go well."

"Yes," Romelle answered through her tears. "We should prepare to enter the atmosphere and land this thing."

"It is good news that your brother lives."

"It is," it was taking all of her self control to keep from breaking down. "He is the only family I have left, besides my cousin, Allura."

"I am sorry, Roma."

"I can't talk about this anymore, Sven." She looked up at him and gave him a weak smile. "Maybe we can talk in the coming days, after we have had some time to rest."

"Of course," Sven said as the two traded places; Romelle moving back into the co-pilot's chair and Sven back into the pilot's seat.

"Let's go home, Princess."

: )

: )

It was a bumpy landing. Not terrible, but they had been knocked around a bit. Darla stepped onto the bridge as Sven and Romelle unbuckled their seat belts.

"So, that's a Lion Ship?" Sven looked from Darla to Romelle for confirmation. They both nodded.

"That's the Yellow Lion piloted by Hunk," Darla blushed. "He's really quite handsome!"

Sven and Romelle looked at each other before breaking into laughter. The sound was beautiful, especially after their horrifying experiences.

"Well, he is!" Darla insisted.

"He is, Darla." Romelle agreed. "Now, why don't we head outside and you can meet him in person?"

For a second it looked like the girl might swoon, but she didn't and before another word could be uttered, she stood by the hatch waiting for it to be opened.

As Sven pushed the button to open the door and lower the ramp, Romelle gave him one more encouraging smile.

"Now, remember to let me do the talking at first, Sven."

Sven agreed and the two women started down the ramp. Darla stayed at Romelle's side as they stepped out into the sunshine. Sven remained a few steps back, hidden by the shadows. He took the opportunity to survey the situation. Nothing looked threatening, but he wouldn't allow any more harm to come to his Roma.

"Princess!" Hunk called as he ran across the open field where all their ships now sat. He rushed forward, ready to scoop Romelle up into a giant bear hug but found himself instead looking at the business end of a ray gun being pointed at him by a Drule soldier.

"What the-" Hunk spat out as he reached for his own gun.

Romelle rushed to stop Sven who had moved to stand between herself and Hunk. She placed a restraining hand on his arm. "Please, he is a friend."

"I will not allow you to harm the Princess."

Hunk's gun fell into the soft grass. He knew that voice, that accent. He shaded his eyes and tried to make out the man's features.

"Sven?"

"Yes, Hunk," Romelle confirmed. "It's him, but he has no memory of his life."

Hunk continued forward at a slower pace. When he got close enough to make out the other man's features, he stopped and stood completely still. After a moment, he reached up and wiped away a tear. "Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle!"

"Sven," Romelle admonished. "Lower your weapon. Hunk means no harm!"

After a brief hesitation, Sven did as Romelle asked. "I am sorry, I mean no offense."

Never one to be shy, Hunk stepped over and crushed Sven in a giant hug. "You might not remember me, buddy, but you've been one of my best friends for a long time." He released Sven and turned to Romelle.

"I don't know what the devil is going on, but let's get you all back to the castle for some hot food and clean clothes. I know your cousin is dyin' to see you! Coran had to threaten to lock her in her room to keep her from coming out to meet you herself!"

Romelle laughed. "Hunk, you read my mind!"