Note: 1st half of the chapter is Allura's POV, the 2nd half Keith's
The Wedding
Allura gazed out over the ocean and knew that this was the right spot.
When Keith had mentioned castle ruins as a possibility she'd at first been confused as to why someone would want to marry in such a place. But, after he explained the lore associated with it she understood.
Tintagel Castle wasn't as old as the Castle of Lions. It didn't have technology of any kind, and had been built from basic materials like wood and stone. Due to time and the elements, only portions of the walls remained as a testament to their former glory.
And it was perfect.
Keith had talked about the legend of King Arthur many times. His eyes would light up when he spoke of the Knights of the Round Table, detailing their adventures of bravery fighting for their king and kingdom.
In her mind, it wasn't too different from her father, King Alfor, and the Paladins of Voltron.
Her father.
She could hardly believe that she'd been able to see him again.
When Nanny told her what she saw during the battle she couldn't hope to believe it. Her father's spirit appearing in the cockpit just after the Red Lion had been struck. She'd first suspected that her former caregiver had suffered a hallucination from a head injury and only imagined she saw him there.
But Keith's face when he heard the story made her reconsider.
He recounted the time that, during the battle with Zarkon, he'd seen the same. Voltron was floating lifeless in space and the castle-ship had taken heavy damage when its weapons were deflected back onto it. That's when it appeared.
On the screen beside him, he saw King Alfor.
He'd never said anything to Allura because he, too, thought it was a trick of his mind. Now, however, he seemed to realize the truth.
Her father's spirit, which had been bonded to Red when he was her paladin, returned there after the castle had been infected. He existed now on the astral plane, much as Shiro and Zarkon had, and she was able to see him again.
The memory comforted her. As much as she would have loved having her father with her on her wedding day, it was enough to see him and to tell him all the things she'd held in her heart.
Father, please continue to watch over our family, like you did when I was small.
However, today was not going to be a day to look back. Today was about going forward, starting a new life with the man she loved so deeply.
"Princess, are you okay?" Pidge looked at her with concern, likely picking up on her mood.
"I'm good. I'm really good." Allura meant it, she truly had never been happier than she was at this moment.
"Then we should get ready for the ceremony. Don't want to be late for your own wedding, do you?" Romelle teased.
Allura smiled to her bridesmaids, both wearing pink dresses that reminded her of the color of Juniberry flowers. She thoughtfully touched her fingers to the jeweled clasp on her ear and smiled. It wasn't Altea but she still felt its presence, even here.
Before they left the dressing tent she took one last look in the mirror. The gown she had chosen was made of a material called chiffon. The bodice was adorned with silver beading that stopped just under her breasts, and the rest of the dress flowed loosely to the ground.
Satisfied that everything was in order she nodded to Pidge, who peeked out to see if the boys had arrived.
"Okay Princess, once the music starts it's time to go. So, if you're going to make a run for it this is your last chance!" Pidge was trying to look serious but was completely unsuccessful.
"Pidge, knock it off! Do you really want Keith coming after us if she disappears now? C'mon Allura, I'll get you to the altar if I have to knock these two over to do it."
Allura laughed at Hunk's determination. Since Coran was performing the Altean rituals for the service she'd decided that the Yellow paladin was the perfect person for the job.
As the music* began to play the girls made their way to the small opening in the tent.
She could see out enough to notice Lance's face when Pidge stepped out first. His smile lit up and his chest puffed out as he watched her make her way to the altar.
Next was Romelle, and Shiro wore a grin she wasn't sure she'd ever seen on him before.
Between the two girls she silently wondered which one was going to be next to be wed.
Finally, the music began to get a bit louder, letting Hunk know it was time to walk her down the aisle.
She'd honestly been trying to avoid looking at Keith directly. Her emotions were already wreaking havoc on her due to the pregnancy, and seeing him might cause her already overwhelmed emotions to crash over the edge.
But look at him she did. How could she not?
For all the time they'd spent together, the changes had happened so subtly they'd almost gone unnoticed. His hair had gotten longer and reminded her more and more of how her father wore it when he was younger. Usually he had it pulled into a ponytail during training exercises and any time he wore his helmet. Today he'd pulled the sides back in a clasp to reveal more of his face, the rest of his hair draping his broad shoulders. His muscular build was easy to appreciate under the white shirt he wore, the vest pulling a bit tightly as he rolled his shoulders back, standing straight as any good soldier would.
His face was broader, his jaw squarer. Still it was soft. Sometimes she felt that look was reserved just for her, with his smile so warm and inviting.
He and the others were wearing light grey pants that matched their vests and ties to match the dresses. Apparently, this was earth fashion, and she had to admit she appreciated it.
Especially on Keith.
In fact, she'd picked a dress that was just a shade lighter than his eye color (which was now admittedly her favorite color) so his tie would enhance them that much more. Those eyes that pulled her deeper every time they locked with hers.
Those eyes that were now right in front of her.
She had no recollection of Hunk taking her arm or leading her to the spot were Keith was standing. Now she was there, holding her lover's hands and thanking the stars that they had made it this far.
Nanny stepped forward to give Coran a red ribbon, which would be used in the binding ceremony.
After wrapping their right hands together, he spoke an ancient Altean blessing. Allura could feel the quintessence moving from his hand to hers, and from hers into his.
"Exchanging quintessence binds your lifeforces together," Coran explained to those gathered. "Your connection to one another is stronger than before."
Allura heard Keith inhale sharply, most likely surprised by the pulsing energy pouring into him. Still his smile never faded.
"How are you feeling, my love?"
"Amazing. You?"
"Very much the same."
"I really want to kiss you right now, Princess."
I really want to kiss you, too.
"I love you, Keith."
"I know."
If Keith ever doubted how Allura felt about him, those worries were now scattered in the fading sunlight that stretched over the water.
As the sun was setting the sky turned red. The colors were dancing off her dress and making her look every bit the fairy tale princess. Even her hair, loosely tied up with curls framing her face, was streaked with color. She looked like a goddess. If he were an artist he would paint her like this on every blank canvas he could find.
She wasn't simply beautiful. She was a masterpiece.
Once their hands were unbound, Commander Iverson stepped towards the couple to officiate their vows.
The officer looked to Shiro. "Do you have the rings?"
The bands they had chosen were matching, rubies encased in gold. Keith took her hand and began to slide the ring on her finger.
"Allura, there was a time in my life when I could never have imagined a day like this. I always felt something was missing, though. Everything I did up until the day we left this planet felt like it was moving towards something big, but never in my dreams did that include falling in love. The first time I saw you was like no other first. Yet each of our firsts since then have been better than the last, and I can't wait to experience more with you. Once I swore to you that I'd stay by your side no matter what. This ring reaffirms that vow to you. The rest of my life is yours."
His hand was trembling while he was speaking, but his gaze never left hers.
He meant every word.
Now it was time for Allura to place the ring on his hand.
"Keith, over ten-thousand years ago I fell asleep, and when I awoke it felt like there was no future for me. My people, my planet, my family…they were long gone. But there you were, waiting for me with a new future. At the time, I didn't understand why I felt drawn to you. Now I know. Fate brought you to me, of this I'm certain. Yet falling in love with you wasn't written in our stars, it was the labor of your heart that brought me here. Your patience, understanding and acceptance gave me hope for us. I happily accept your offer, and in return you will have my future days."
Hope.
When he'd accompanied Allura to the astral plane to try to find her father that's all he could offer her. No guarantees. And when they finally spoke with King Alfor, that's why he gave Keith his blessing- because he'd given the Princess hope when she had lost hers.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," boomed Iverson's voice.
"Can I kiss her yet?"
Allura didn't even wait for a response. Her lips found their way to his and he answered with fervor.
Married.
If there's one thing he'd never get tired of it would be this.
Sure, things weren't always perfect. He was sure he didn't want them to be. Perfect is predictable, and predictable is dull. Life with the Princess was anything but boring. It was winks and nudges, inside jokes and long talks. It was promises and apologies. Tears and kisses. And love.
Maybe it was perfect, after all.
Keith patiently worked his way through photographs and congratulations. Finally, the party moved to a grassy overlook where they danced to an old song** that he had chosen as his love letter to her.
The darkness of the area afforded them an amazing view of the starlit sky. He couldn't help but muse that he'd had to fly past all of them to get to this point.
"Star-crossed lovers" had a new meaning for him.
Allura gave him a curious look when he chuckled at nothing. He'd have to introduce her to Shakespeare someday. There were so many more things he wanted to share with her, he really needed to start a list.
"Do you remember our first dance, Captain?"
Keith hummed the song*** in her ear in answer.
He hadn't wanted to go. In fact, Lance had basically bribed him with offers to take his week of kitchen duty just to get him there. Being a wingman wasn't his thing though, so he'd stepped outside of the dance hall to get some fresh air.
She'd surprised him, showing up looking not like herself at all. He'd decided to play along, assuming she was there to observe. Or maybe she wanted to just enjoy not being the leader of a team of universe defenders. But he'd stuck close to her in case she needed his protection.
Right. As if she needed it.
No, he wanted to be close to her and took advantage of the situation. It wasn't a paladin asking his Princess for a dance; it was a regular guy helping a regular girl out of an awkward situation. He'd not expected to dance the rest of the evening with her, although he wouldn't complain about it one bit.
That first kiss that night felt like wildfire licked by a strong wind, and if everything around them burned he couldn't be bothered.
And here, from the charred earth, new life was growing.
"Thank you," he whispered.
"For what?"
"Seeing me."
"Then I should thank you."
"What did I do?"
"You opened my eyes."
A/N: Songs mentioned in the story are as follows:
*Wedding Song: "Your Song" (Instrumental) from Moulin Rouge
**Wedding Dance: "Running Home to You" from The Flash
***Dance from chapter 1: "So Close" from Enchanted