"Can this ship go any faster?" Talias gleefully shouted where she hung onto the com officer's chair to stay on her feet.

"Don't encourage him!" Lotor shouted back.

Keith checked the console. Temperature was holding and the route was clear. Retribution would never outpace Red, but she would give her a run for his money. He flipped the toggles and tapped a screen. "Hang on!"

The ship's engines purred below deck and kicked into overdrive. Keith barked a laugh over Talias's girlish giggling. Lotor brought the charts onscreen a few minutes later from where he sat in the navigation officer's seat. "We're nearing planet Lethua. Cutting primary engines now."

They all swayed and caught their balance from the sudden loss of power. Keith relinquished control to the stunned officer 'piloting' for the voyage and poked Lotor's cheek. "You're no fun."

Talias was flushed from the excitement. "That," she panted, "was incredible flying, Keith!"

"I try."

Lotor smiled ahead in an attempt to hide how impressed he was. Keith was about to reply when Lethua appeared. It was a small planet at less than half the size of Earth. A mesh-like net surrounded it holding glacier sized chucks of ice within orbit. Few large bodies of water dotted the surface. "Whoa, this is your estate?"

Talias wobbled over and clutched his arm for balance. "Sorry, it's been a long time since I've flown." She double tapped the screen and rolling hills covered in violet grassland surrounded by dense forests came into view. A large villa resembling a castle more than the summer home he'd been led to believe rose above the crest of the hill. "She has turned wild in our absence. This was a terraformed colony from before the great war, before our mother lit the Kral Zera and became empress. Our family governed over the colonists who tended Lethua's lush fields and established a wealthy trade route within the empire. I've had workers rehabbing Lethua since you suggested the gala, Keith."

"The saplings in the orchard... they've spread and grown," Lotor murmured.

Keith felt sympathy stab through his chest and discreetly watched the prince. He would have been a small child grieving the sudden loss of his parents the last time he was here. Keith grabbed Lotor's hand and stared ahead as they descended toward the landing dock. Lotor gave him a confused glance, but now wasn't the time to explain.

Talias instructed the pilot and took charge of the bridge. Keith covered a smirk by rubbing his jaw. Ever since he'd learned she was Zarkon's sister, it was obvious she shared his leadership skills. He hated to admit it, but Zarkon had been an incredibly successful ruler. Whether that was due to his unnaturally long life or the influence of his witch, he had the support of the empire long before the horrors that destroyed Diabazaal. It only made his estranged relationship with his son and their final encounter all the more painful.

"Keith, darling, are you listening?" Lotor asked and reached out to brush Keith's cheek. "Shall we be on our way?"

Keith flashed a grin to hide his thoughts. "Yeah. I want to see your home."

"Our home, Keith. I want you to have a place here," Lotor murmured. He closed the distance between them and held Keith to his chest.

Keith smiled into Lotor's armor as an exuding sense of calm overcame him. "Then let's get going."

Lotor led him to the docks. Their luggage was being loaded into an open air carriage with plush bench seats. Six scaled creatures resembling the mythical pegasus were saddled and galra soldiers waited beside them, but it was the nine animals that were the love child of highland cattle and Newfoundland dogs that made Keith run ahead in excitement.

He exclaimed, "Oh my god, are these yuppers?" and put his forehead to an animal's face. It started barking a series of deep yups which the others echoed before pulling on their leads. The one Keith was rubbing pushed into him and knocked him to the ground attacking with kisses.

After a few more minutes of cuddling while the others present watched the emperor's consort in blatant curiosity, Lotor pushed the beast off and held the animal's scruff in both hands. "How did you know?"

Keith flipped onto his feet and wiped his face on his sleeve. "Lance, Shiro, and Pidge had a run in with one in Beta Traz."

"Laika?" Talias clarified. "She was never meant to be a security yupper, but I couldn't change the warden's mind when they met." She climbed into the driver's seat on the carriage. "She was too soft, but that's what he needed in a companion animal, so I approved the adoption."

Lotor reached for the reins of a faux pagusus and mounted. Keith was torn. "I... I'm gonna ride a yupper!"

"Beg pardon," Lotor exclaimed.

"Keith, I would not recommend this. Young ones may ride the pups, but these are fully trained adult animals," Talias advised.

Keith hugged a yupper's neck as much as he could. "I was a three time mutton buster champion by the time I was six. This isn't my first rodeo."

Keith squeezed his eyes shut and gripped the sheet in both fists. Lotor's hands guided his waist and he kissed Keith's shoulder instructing, "Breathe, beloved. Breathe and I'll make the pain go away."

Keith's breath stuttered out as Lotor's warm hands slid along his bare skin, each muscle sensitive to his touch. He stammered, "Hah, hah, I... fuck... Lotor, stop! It's too much! You... you're going to break me!" His muscles clenched, abs spasming against the table.

Lotor squared up to him and moved Keith's legs into position. "No, I won't. Trust me, dear heart." Leaning over Keith, he whispered in his ear, "Relax. Relax as you exhale."

He trailed kisses down Keith's spine beside the shoulder blade before focusing on the rise, successfully distracting him. Keith moaned as Lotor gently bit him. Fuck. "Th- that feels... oh god..." He shivered and exhaled.

Then Lotor shifted his hands and popped Keith's ribs back into place with a quick jab and an audible snap. "There, all done. Does it feel better now?" Keith went limp, prone on the table. The pain from his ribs when the yupper threw him was gone, but the memory remained. Lotor sat on the edge of the table and continued massaging. "You've never had a core realignment before, have you, Keith?"

He turned his face toward the dark prince and answered, "Finding a chiropractor within a hundred miles of the shack wasn't really feasible."

"I can't believe you lived in such a desolate hovel, child," Talias said over the edge of her book. "You deserved better. I suppose it was your father's decision, though, not even capable of caring for his only son."

"My dad did his best, okay," Keith defended. "We lived in a city and used the shack as a hunting cabin."

Lotor asked in surprise, "You are a hunter?"

Keith sat up with one leg bent. "Well... in the traditional sense, I know how to survive, but my dad believed in conspiracies. All his research was kept there so the feds didn't arrest him for knowing too much."

"He was right, after all. What you referred to as your 'bike' is quite advanced compared to every other technology Mr. Grey fetched. The core model is altean, if I'm not mistaken," Talias commented derisively.

"My dad found it in a cave near the blue lion. We patched it up and got it running and we knew it wasn't from Earth. Everyone called him crazy, but I knew the truth. It...heh," he laughed bitterly, "alienated me from the kids my age. All I had was him until..."

"Keith...?"

Keith wiped his eyes with the heel of his palm. "My dad loved me and my mom more than anything, so don't assume he was a deadbeat crackpot like everyone else did." He cleared his throat and added less confidently, "I, uh, I'm going to get some fresh air."

He wandered through the house wishing he could simply enjoy the beautiful architecture that that survived the test of time, but dredging up the past had that affect on him. When the sun was low in the sky, Talias found him in the orchard. Leaning on the tree he was in, she asked, "Is everything alright? The gardener said you've been out here for hours."

Keith folded his arms and bit his cheek. "The renovations have come a long way."

"Yes, but it will be many months before the manor is returned to its former beauty. Still, the gala will leave our guests impressed." Talias watched the sunset for a minute before apologizing, "I'm sorry if what I said about your father offended you. I was out of line."

"It's not your fault, Talias. Before he showed me his life's work, I... I said all the same..." Keith ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "I acted out and was constantly in trouble. It wasn't until they threatened to take me away that... I'm sorry, I shouldn't be dumping my troubles on you. Forget I said anything." He dropped from the tree and straightened his clothes. "Shall we finish unpacking?"

Talias looked down and he was afraid she was going to push the issue, but then she nodded. "Very well."

Lotor was pacing the dock. Keith leaned against a statue and suggested, "Stand still. They'll be here any minute."

Lotor loosened his collar and wrung his hands. "Why do you think I'm so nervous?"

He jumped when Keith hugged him from behind and soothed, "It's your turn to relax."

Lotor turned and lifted Keith's arms behind his neck. The distance between them disappeared and Lotor wrapped an arm around Keith's waist. "Make me."

"I love it when you take control like that," Keith rasped.

Lotor rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut up."

Their kiss was interrupted by the updraft of a landing ship. Keith turned, grabbing one of Lotor's hands to prevent him from running away. He kissed Lotor's knuckles and whispered, "Hold strong, lover. I'll protect you."

Lotor breathed on his ear, "Are you patronizing me?"

The ship's passenger entrance opened and Kolivan and Krolia dropped onto the dock. The leader of the blades honed in on their position. The perpetual frown vanished the instant he saw his youngest agent and he shouted, "Keith!" He started running and Keith met him partway. The massive galra wrapped Keith up in the strongest embrace he'd ever participated in. "Boy, it's good to be with you again."

Keith returned the gesture by putting his head to Kolivan's chest plate the way the archivist had taught, the way kits did only with their family. "I missed you too."

Kolivan gasped and when Keith looked up, his mentor was surprised but happy. Kolivan cleared his throat and stepped back reaching toward Krolia. "Keith, I'd like to formally introduce my lieutenant, Krolia. She had been deep undercover almost as long as you've been alive."

Krolia grasped forearms with Keith and he answered, "It's good to finally meet you. I hope your mission was a success."

Krolia looked to her nephew before smiling to Keith. "It will take time to see what comes of it."

Lotor stood with his hands straight at his side and said, "Krolia, it has been a long time since you've been within the central circuit of the empire. I am sorry to hear about Warlord Ranveig."

Krolia's expression took on a slightly more hostile appearance. "Don't be. He was scum and the universe is better without him. You wouldn't have wanted him as a general."

Lotor flinched back a step. "Ah, then- perhaps we should make our way to the manor? You must have had a long journey."

Kolivan glared at the prince and clenched a fist. "We planned to stay with the ship. Our business is with Keith."

Lotor was flustered and Keith saved, "Kolivan, I know how cramped those quarters are. The manor has plenty of spare rooms and you'll be more rested sleeping in a proper bed."

Kolivan raised an eyebrow at him before sharing a look with Krolia. She rolled her shoulders. "You speak reason. Lead on."

Keith grinned and jogged backward. "We have mounts waiting!"

Kolivan relaxed and followed beside Krolia. Lotor brought up the rear, hesitating and distancing himself slightly. Keith looked over the animals with the equine grace and avian tendencies and grabbed the reins before mounting. The creature bucked and flapped its wings lifting slightly off the ground before settling.

Krolia stroked another's face and said approvingly, "You ride well, Keith, considering you've never had the pleasure of handling the haliaballus."

Keith ran a hand over his steed and sat up straight. "Earthlings have long since ridden animals like these. The flying is new, but it just combines my two favorite things."

"And what are those?" Kolivan asked as he gingerly mounted a calm animal.

"Piloting and going fast," Keith answered easily.

Lotor's beast sidestepped nervously and he pulled back on the reins. "Do you remember how to do this, aunt?"

Krolia smirked in challenge and kicked her mount to a trot. "I'm more curious if you ever truly learned, nephew."

She snapped the reins and her animal's hips flexed and cloven hooves dug into the ground as it leapt into the air. It's strong wings carried it twenty feet forward before it landed and kept on running. Keith yelled to his mount and flicked the reins on either side of the withers several times goading it to give chase. It screamed and the others echoed.

The race was on, adrenaline flowing and the pounding of hooves matching the rhythm of their hearts. Lotor kept an even pace, letting Keith ride ahead. Kolivan fell back as well until it was only Krolia and Keith riding neck and neck. She was bent forward like a jockey over her pagasus while Keith rode like a cowboy, one hand behind holding the tail of the reins while he whooped and hollered encouragement.

Krolia grinned over at him and he wondered what secret she knew that he didn't. He didn't have to wait long to find out. Her ankles slid closer to the front legs and she switched her grip on the reins. The animal responded by spreading its wings to their fullest and pumping the air. It tucked its front feet and soared higher than Keith dared before diving into the courtyard of the manor. When he finally caught up, he pulled his mount to a halt, throwing dust and gravel into the air. The pegasus reared and cried out again before coming to a stop and catching its breath.

Krolia walked over as he dismounted and patted him on the back. "That was some riding, cowboy. Who taught you that?"

Keith rubbed his mount's flank and answered, "My father did. We used to go out into the canyons a lot when I was younger."

Krolia didn't say anything more, catching him by surprise. He turned back, and asked, "Where're Kolivan and Lotor?"

Krolia reached for his shoulder and led him toward the house. "They're probably just chatting."

Keith resisted and countered, "He won't try to scare him, will he?"

Krolia only replied, "Kolivan will say what he will regardless of intervention. You cannot stop him."

"Look, I get it that you two worry about me, but I don't want Kolivan to jump Lotor before he knows the whole story."

"Yes, that would be preferable, sister," Talias said from the top of the stairs by the front door.

"Talias, salutations."

Talias nodded, "And to you, Krolia. Welcome home." She gestured past her and said, "Your room and the connecting suite are prepared for you and your guest."

"How gracious, sister," Krolia answered. She put her hands on Keith's shoulders, hesitating before pulling him in for a quick hug. "I shall speak to you soon, young one."

Talias glared at her as she walked into the house. She asked Keith, "Will you take the haliaballus to their stalls? The handlers should handle them from there."

"Yes, Talias." Keith grabbed the reins of the two animals in the courtyard and clicked his tongue to them. They followed diligently in his wake. In the stable, the workers tried to take them from him, but he asked, "Will you teach me how to care for them?"

The worker seemed genuinely surprised, but was more than happy to tell Keith about his trade. After Keith had finished rubbing down the second animal, he heard the telltale clop of Lotor and Kolivan enter the courtyard. Kolivan dismounted and walked straight into the manor, but Lotor was slower to move. He was slumped in the saddle and flicked the reins to turn his and Kolivan's haliaballus to the stable with dejection.

Keith ran to meet him in the shadow of the stable entrance. He put a hand to Lotor's face and pulled him in for a kiss. It drew Lotor out of his thoughts. After a moment, he reached under Keith's hips and lifted him. Keith gripped Lotor's waist with his knees. Lotor pressed his back aggressively into the wall. His ran his hands through Keith's hair before he attacked Keith's neck with his lips, his teeth, and his tongue. His talons snagged and cut the string holding the front of Keith's shirt closed. Keith trembled as a gust of cool air hit his suddenly bare chest, encouraging Lotor's frenzy.

Keith moaned and held the back of Lotor's shirt in his fists. Their hips were locked, flesh grinding through tight clothes, but Keith only felt shivers of electricity across his skin. Lotor's name was a ghost of a breath from his lips while he reassured Lotor that whatever Kolivan had said meant nothing to him. Lotor growled his name in return and his nails scratched Keith's back, ripping through the high quality cloth in his carelessness.

When Lotor finally calmed, there were several new bruises along Keith's neck and shoulder, at least one to the point of drawing blood. Lotor used a thumb to wipe away a line of crimson and licked it off. Keith put his forehead to Lotor's and whispered, "That... was intense."

Lotor's chest heaved against him as he replied, "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

Keith kissed his lips again, tasting the warm copper of his blood on Lotor's tongue. "No. Never."

Lotor braced his hands on the wall and put his face to Keith's neck. "Thank you, beloved. I don't know how you knew, but... thank you."

Keith held the back of Lotor's head and gently stroked his hair. "You have my support in every form. Always, Lotor. Whatever that need may be."

A weak chuckle left the dark prince. "The only question remains, do I tell Talias about your appearance or do you?"

Keith began giggling and put his cheek to the side of Lotor's face. "You handle Talias, I'll handle Kolivan?"

Lotor gulped and let out a whine. "Oh yeah, because switching those would end well."

Keith took Lotor's earlobe into his mouth and gently sucked. "Or, consider the option, we both stay out here and leave them in the dark?"

Lotor whimpered and his arms quivered on either side of Keith. "I love the way you think, beloved."

Keith smiled and ran the tip of his tongue across the earlobe in his mouth. "I thought you might."

So that got steamier than I ever intended. I mixed the name of the horse creatures from the scientific names of eagles and horses! And you should all look up mutton busting because it is adorable and I nearly had an aneurysm thinking about toddler Keith hanging onto a sheep for dear life and refusing to let go when time was called.