The Prince

Allura was usually pretty patient when one of her paladins was in the cryopod. This time was very different, however, due to the presence of two mysterious Alteans. And, of course, that unfinished conversation between her and Keith. Her words are always so measured that she surprised even herself when she blurted it out. The truth was that she had thought about starting a family with him after the war was over- if the war is ever over.

It didn't help matters that Coran was excited about the young Prince that she'd rescued, making little comments here and there about him being a proper suitor once he was older. The idea of an arranged marriage for political purposes would have been acceptable to her ten thousand years ago; today it seemed archaic, given the universe seemed to afford her new ideas every single day.

Bandor was the first out, his injuries being the least serious. Pidge and Hunk helped him down the steps so he could sit and rest. He was obviously a bit younger than the paladins and was closer to Pidge's height, his hair even more fiery and untamable than hers. Allura stepped to take his hand to welcome him. She wanted him to feel safe in the castle but also wanted to speak with him about his planet and about Prince Lotor.

He stared at the technology around him, mouth agape when he realized they were in space. The team gave each other looks reminiscent of when Lance had a similar reaction when they'd left Arus. After quick introductions of the team, Pidge offered to show the young man around the ship while they waited for his sister to emerge from her chamber. Although he was obviously curious to see the rest of the castle he was not willing to leave his sister with strangers in case she woke in his absence. Pidge nodded her understanding and went to get him some food instead.

Allura looked up to see how much longer the wait would be for her near-twin. The other Princess was a bit shorter, her hair a shade darker. She looked older but likely because of her treatment at the hands of the Galra, not because of her age. She was beautiful, though, which did not go unnoticed by a certain Blue pilot. Lance had placed himself directly in front of the pod which prompted her to pray that he'd be much more of a gentleman should the woman stumble exiting it.

Her prayers were answered. The Princess from Pollux stepped only slightly unsteadily from her pod. Lance bowed while extending her his hand, which she took graciously, and led her to where her brother was sitting. Again the team greeted her excitedly and she smiled at the friendliness she'd been denied for so long. She turned to hug her brother, tears in their eyes as they embraced each other. They may not have been close in age but it was certain that they had a deep concern and affection for one another.

"I'm sorry Romelle, Bandor, but we do need to ask some questions of you."

The conversation began with the people who were being held on the planet. They were all citizens of Pollux who had been forced into slavery when Lotor took over several years ago. At first, they had allowed the people to be used for labor, thinking it would benefit the planet financially since they were part of the Galra alliance. However, once they saw how horribly their people were treated they tried to overthrow Lotor. Failing a coup both had been thrown into the dungeon.

Romelle caught the evil Prince's eye and he had tried to place her in his harem. She'd heard many stories of his attempts to murder his father, and that since Zarkon was dying he hoped Voltron would finish him off. He didn't seem too confident since the pilot of the Black Lion had been captured in the last battle…

"Wait, did you say captured?" Hunk nearly jumped out of his seat at the news.

Lance couldn't believe his ears. "Are they holding him on Pollux as well?"

Romelle bit her lip and looked down at her hands; Bandor clenched his fist and set his jaw. Whatever news they had was not going to be good, that much they all understood.

"When prisoners are more dangerous to the Empire they all go to the same place. No one has ever come back from it. Everyone who speaks of it refers to it as the Planet of Doom."

Allura knew they had to find this planet and to find it fast. If they were holding Shiro there then he was in more danger than they had realized. Coran left to contact the Blade of Marmora. Perhaps they had intel on this prison, and with any luck an inside person as well. It would be their most dangerous mission yet and they couldn't risk going in blind as they had on Pollux. She shivered when she thought of Lotor looming over her. It was a thought she pushed from her mind to get back to the subject at hand.

"Yes, regarding Pollux. We need to rescue your people." The Princess was determined to keep her promise, even if she'd made it to herself.

Brother and sister looked at each other with determination; they knew this was their best chance of saving their people. They gave her all the information she needed to set a plan in motion. Since Lotor had abandoned the planet and taken most of his ships and troops with him it should be easy enough to accomplish.

It was decided that the Olkari would handle the logistics of getting the people off the planet while Voltron would offer cover fire if needed. The rescued civilians would be sent to a few different planets to prevent Zarkon from attempting to recapture them. Former military officers would commandeer any ships left behind and serve under Prince Bandor. These forces would be sent to protect the planets taking in the refugees. Once this was accomplished they would finally go to Planet Doom to save Shiro and put the team back together.

Pidge was beaming. Lance and Hunk were chatting excitedly about how they would go in, guns blazing, to save their friend. Romelle and Bandor began asking questions about the castle, the team, and about Voltron.

Allura was listening so intently to them that she missed Keith stepping up behind her. She gasped as his arms encircled her waist as his lips brushed the back of her neck. Once she realized she'd neglected to greet him she spun around to kiss him, knocking him over in the process. Falling on top of him she forgot all formalities, planting her lips over every inch of his face before finding his lips. After what felt like not nearly long enough she pulled away, her face feeling heated from a combination of lust and embarrassment.

"I just got out of that stupid cryopod, you trying to put me back in?"

"If you can't show a little appreciation that can be arranged."

He smiled as he returned her affections before standing to brush himself off. Allura introduced him to their new allies and excitedly told him the news and what they had planned. She could see he was overjoyed that they were so much closer to finding his lost friend. Although he never spoke much about it she knew the men had a long-standing connection and Shiro was the closest thing to family that Keith had.

Watching her young Captain discuss the strategy with the others she realized that their former leader had been right. Keith had become their leader, their rock. Pride filled her as she knew that, no matter what Coran thought, this man was the one who was going to be by her side forever. The best part was that he never lost himself, his transformation leaving unchecked his passion and his instinct. Things that had drawn her to him in the first place were still there, under the outer layer of poise and control.

And she loved him even more for it.

"Princess, come sit with me. I'd like to get your input on this."

She happily obliged, squeezing his knee playfully as she joined them.

We'll finish our other conversation tonight, my prince.