As Keith walked to his ship, Acxa nodded by way of greeting and fell in beside him. He asked, "Has Commander Pivry answered yet?"

"Yes, captain. Preparations for flight are complete and we are ready to leave when you are."

"Good." They entered the bridge where the crew moved about with purpose while they finished their pre-flight systems check. Rhea was playing on the floor with Serad near the captain's chair. Keith knelt by her and kissed her forehead when she greeted him with a hug.

Serad reached into his pocket and removed a small figurine. "Princess, I have a gift for you."

Keith watched his daughter turn to the druid with a beaming grin. The druid had been kind to her and Keith was infinitely grateful. He called, "Serad."

The druid smiled from Rhea to Keith. "Yes, brother?"

"Thank you for watching her."

Serad's smile broadened. His dimples showed and his eyes were nearly shut. "You are most welcome. For you, it is nothing." He grabbed his mask and stood. Rhea looked up with disappointment making her lips pout. He rested a hand on her head and soothed, "I must go, little one, but I'll anxiously await your return."

Rhea hugged his legs as much as she could. "Bye-bye, uncle Serd" Then she ran to Acxa and exclaimed, "Mama, look what I got!"

Keith turned back to Serad and clasped his shoulder. "I mean what I said, brother. After mother's rejection..." He chewed his lip and looked away. He had prepared for a bad reaction, but nothing like what had happened.

Serad pulled Keith into an embrace. "Give her time. She'll come to love your daughter as we all have."

Keith nodded against the man's shoulder and stepped back. "Alright, crew," he announced, "We leave in a quarter varga."

Serad was nearly gone when a frantic woman hailed their ship. "Keitaran! We need you! Your mother-" There was an explosion and she screamed in pain.

Keith looked to Acxa who mouthed, 'go'. He turned and vanished. When he reappeared, Serad was running ahead of him. They entered the mansion side by side. Keith slid around a corner and ducked before slamming his shoulder into Serad. A flying table narrowly missed both of them. Serad frantically crawled more into cover and glanced around the wall. "She is in one of her rages."

Keith cursed under his breath. "I'll calm her. Alone. Find Apothica and get to safety. Do not return until I say."

"Brother, she-"

"Am I understood?" Keith demanded with unyielding determination.

Serad unhappily nodded. Then they went their separate ways. Haggar was wildly flinging her magic. It struck the walls, the shelves, the equipment. Glass shards and shivs of metal flew in every direction. Apothica was cowering against the wall shielding her head with a bloody arm. She screamed again as a blast hit the shelf nearest her.

Keith sprinted to Haggar and wrapped his arms around her chest, locking her arms to her sides. "Go, Serad!"

He struggled to hold Haggar as Serad appeared beside Apothica and they vanished together a second later. Then Haggar lashed out at him. Keith screamed, but refused to let go. He tried to lift her off her feet, but she pushed back and they slammed into a shelf. His grip slipped and she vanished from his arms.

He used the shelf to support himself and searched the dimly lit room. "Honerva? Mother, where are you?"

"Why do you forsake me, my son? Why do you torture me so?" Her weak voice cracked with anger and despair.

Keith was torn. It was one of those episodes. He called up his own quintessence and placated, "I haven't left you, mother. I'm here."

"Liar!" she screamed.

Her purple aura emanated in vicious streaks from the darkened far corner. He approached slowly. "I'm not lying. Look at me, mother. Look at your son. Let me help you."

She was like an animal, wild-eyed and scared. Her lank hair clung to her face in places and her hands clutched at her robes as she held herself. Keith reached out when he was close, his own energy stilling the air around them. Haggar flinched, turning into the wall when he touched her hand. Wide eyes slowly focused in on his face.

Keith smiled softly and lifted his hand to her cheek. "Mother, come back to me."

The witch slowly changed until the woman was the only one he saw. Honerva gasped, "Keitaran? You... I..."

Keith struggled to hold back a wave of pity for her and closed the distance until she was safely in his arms. "I'm here, mother. Let the obsession go." He could feel her thin body shaking beneath her robes. After a moment, she went limp and he lifted her into his arms. She barely weighed anything when he carried her from the lab.

Serad and Apothica were huddled together outside the door. Apothica held her hands tight to her chest and fear made her eyes sparkle. She asked, "Is our lady alright?"

Keith looked down where Honerva's face rested against his chest. Her breathing was even, the only sign she was alive. Keith instructed, "Set the lab in order while I take her to her room and fetch a medic." He frowned and held Honerva tighter. "I can't stay long, though. I'm meant to be on a diplomatic mission to Blarathon. Apothica, if she worsens, do not hesitate to call me."

Apothica nodded and hesitantly reached out to her teacher. She pulled back at the last second and Serad put an arm around her shoulders. He nodded to show they understood before they went into the lab together. Honerva shuddered in his arms and he quickened his own pace.

Her bedroom was dark and sparsely furnished. A full length mirror, wardrobe, and curtained bed left the room devoid of emotion. He hated that about Haggar. Always so quick to bury everything behind a wall... but Honerva was better.

He placed Honerva on the bed and channeled quintessence to her. When she stirred beneath his hands, he sat on the edge of the bed and held her cool hand in both of his. Lifting it to his lips, he asked, "Mother, are you awake?"

Honerva groaned and gently removed her hand from his. "I am, child. I thought you had already left for your next task."

Keith slid off the bed and knelt so he was at her eye level. "I was delayed by faulty wiring. A good thing I was."

"A good thing indeed?" Honerva turned her head to look at him. Her eyes were swimming in tears. "You are such a difficult boy, Keitaran. Always worrying about things that are beyond you."

Keith again reached for her hand. "You are my family, mother. Why shouldn't I worry about you?" He kept her hand even when she tried to pull away again. "You're going to make yourself sick, or hurt yourself and the others. Apothica was bleeding when I found you both."

Honerva looked at the ceiling and said, "Leave me alone in my misery. Leave me like you always intended to."

Keith felt a mix of anger, frustration, and sympathy churn in his stomach. Yes, he hated her, but she had kept her word to learn to love again. Despite all the shit she pulled and the lives she claimed meant nothing to her, she was trying to change. Most of the time she even seemed to genuinely care about him and the other druids. Then these attacks would happen. He knew she was sick. She only needed someone to help. To allow someone to help.

"Honerva, look at me." There was a hard sheen in his eyes when she finally did as asked. "I will never leave you. You taught me everything I know about alchemy. You adopted me as your own even though there is no direct blood between us. Do not for one second think that having Acxa and Rhea in my life changes any of that."

Honerva chuckled weakly and covered her mouth with the back of her hand. "Acxa... how strange. I never imagined she would be the one you bonded to. I... I remember the old days on Daibazaal. Your uncle, my Zarkon..." She began to sob and Keith squeezed her hand. She murmured, "We were in love. We had our son."

Keith reached up and stroked her hair out of her eyes. "Do not think of him. He isn't the person we thought he was."

"Keitaran... why does everyone abandon me?"

Keith swallowed the lump in his throat and sat beside her. She sat up and fell against him like a child. He consoled her as he would anyone with a mental illness. With consideration and sensitivity. Acxa would not be pleased by the delay, but there was no way Honerva would maintain a stable mind if he left before the meds kicked in.

A knock on the door was followed by a hesitant voice asking, "Prince Keitaran, may I enter."

Keith turned and nodded, but didn't leave the bedside. The medic came close with a glass of water and whispered, "Apothica said this attack was worse."

Keith kissed Honerva's hand again and said, "Mother, Frenik is here with your medicine. You must rest. You've been pushing your research too hard."

Honerva nodded. "Yes, my son. You are right." She mindlessly reached for the glass and swallowed the contents.

Keith pulled her against his chest and kissed her forehead. "Lie back. I will stay with you today until you fall asleep. Apothica or Serad will be here when you wake."

"Yes," she repeated as she slouched in bed.

Keith gently guided her until she was laying and pulled the covers up. She reached for his hand and squeezed. "Forgive me, my son, for hurting you."

Keith tried to smile and failed. "It's already been forgiven." He sat beside her until he was sure she was unconscious before standing and pulling Frenik aside. "This attack was the worst by far. I think it's a sign of progress, but if that happens again while I'm gone, I don't know if anyone will be able to stop her."

"What do you want me to do, my lord?"

Keith ran his hands over his face. "I'm not sure. Fuck, I don't know what to do. She's more compliant afterwards, but if she lashes out for being drugged..."

Frenik put a hand on Keith's shoulder. "That is my task, my lord. When your father asked me to leave the empire to assist you, I knew the risks. This is only the minimum of what I'm willing to risk."

Keith grasped forearms with him. "Thank you Frenik. She... She would be proud of you."

"And you, Keith. Never forget that."

Keith cleared his throat and stepped back. "Now I really must go. Acxa's probably worried sick." Frenik nodded toward the door and Keith left with an unsteady breath.

Keith lifted Rhea's sleeping form from her bed. She moaned, but didn't wake. Acxa and Pivry were waiting in the main room of the suite. She was different from most of their colonists. Most of them had partial galra blood, but she had none. Her eyes gleamed like jewels and there were colorful patches of feathers growing down her neck and arms.

Pivry handed over a new data card and whispered, "Your ship is ready to go. The tricksters have given additional information in there."

Keith nodded and kissed Acxa. "The tech is working?"

Acxa touched the band on her wrist and he was looking at a copy of himself. She said in his voice, "Go, lover. I can throw off any hunters from your trail."

Keith lifted Rhea higher and checked that his dagger was on him. Then he vanished. Unlike the times before, he was deadly silent. He could not afford to be seen leaving or returning. He waited in the shadows as a patrol walked by then darted to the ship Pivry had specified.

Once aboard, he buckled Rhea into the passenger seat and released the safety tether securing the ship to the ground. The ship began to slide toward the open hangar door on the slope the base was built on. He activated the camouflage Matt had installed and waited until they were free falling toward a vast ocean before triggering the toggles and kicking the engines into overdrive. He double checked that no one had picked up on his heat signature before accelerating and increasing altitude.

A minute later, they'd broken the upper atmosphere and were traveling through empty space. He opened the data card and deciphered Pidge's code again. A couple hours later, he'd reached the co-ordinations she'd hidden. A wormhole opened in front of the ship and he sailed through.

Lotor was in the throne room waiting. There had to be more. Keith couldn't have simply vanished so easily after his declaration. His suspicions only fed his paranoia. He knew Krolia didn't like him poking into her business, but it had become an obsession he knew was borderline unhealthy.

The door opened and he looked up expectantly. He slumped and crossed his legs when only Kolivan and Alphonse entered. They spoke in hushed tones, but stopped when they noticed him. Lotor drawled in annoyance, "Please, don't stop on my account. Continue as though I weren't here." He folded his arms and muttered under his breath, "Not like anyone notices me anyway."

Kolivan raised an eyebrow, but Alphonse laughed and plopped down beside him on the steps. "Having a rough day?"

Lotor scooted away, but Alphonse yanked him back with an arm around his shoulders. Lotor groaned, "Can't I mope in peace?"

"No," Kolivan said and sat across from them, "because when you do, Krolia worries and it becomes our problem."

Alphonse crossed his ankles and covered Lotor's ears. With a teasing smirk, he joked, "Be nice, Kolivan. The child is sensitive."

Kolivan chuckled and asked, "What's bothering you, Lotor?"

Lotor shook his head, shaking off Alphonse, and exasperated, "You wouldn't understand. Leave me alone."

"Nephew."

Lotor hated Alphonse for using that tone. He stuttered, "I- don't make me do this."

Alphonse only squeezed him tighter. Kolivan said, "It's about Keith." Lotor looked up in surprise and caught a sidelong glimpse of Alphonse shooting Kolivan a dirty look. Kolivan returned a look Lotor couldn't decipher and said, "I know I'm right, although hardly a day goes by where I'd be wrong."

Alphonse sat up straighter and turned to face Lotor. "Please, try not to dwell on him. We're doing everything we can to find him."

"Alphonse," Kolivan warned.

Lotor perked up. "Then let me help you. I-"

"No," both men said in unison. Lotor flinched and Alphonse placated, "Lotor, son, what we're doing is too dangerous for the nephew of the empress. What if you were held captive or worse? Honerva will do anything to have you as well."

"And you are not a blade, Lotor. You may carry his weapon, but you are not trained like he was," Kolivan added with finality.

"If I pass the trials-"

"No," Kolivan said again. "I will not put another of Krolia's cherished through that."

"Through what, my heart?"

They all looked up when Krolia entered with Gnov. Kolivan stood and said adamantly, "It doesn't matter because it's never happening."

"Oh my. Lotor, you really worked them up this time," Krolia teased.

Lotor refused to meet her gaze out of embarrassment and frustration. He stood, too flustered to bring up why he'd been waiting in the first place, and tried to leave. Gnov stopped him with a hand on his bicep. He glared up at her, but she said, "Empress, we can continue what we discussed later." Then she pulled Lotor after her.

"Unhand me," Lotor hissed. She kept a firm grip until they were in a darkened room. Then he yanked free and stalked away. "They're hiding something from her."

"Of course they are," Gnov answered with a nonchalant shrug.

Lotor snarled, "How can you say that without getting angry?"

"Because Krolia knows as well. My young lord, do you really doubt your empress so much?" He clenched his teeth and looked away. Gnov continued, "Your aunt trusts my judgement and I have full faith in her. Do you? I have been your father's, your aunt's, and your lover's adviser before your own."

"Exactly," Lotor spat. "He trusted you before I did. Look-"

"Lotor," Gnov snapped, sharp as a whip, "do not go there. I have moved on. It's time you did too, or you will go down the same path your parents walked." She took a steadying breath and said, "You must make a choice. Listen to your aunt and follow her command or find your own way, but you will be alone. I know you'll make the right choice."

She left and he stood in the dark considering her words. He removed the blade at his belt and glared at the crest glowing in the hilt. The longer he stared, the greater his conviction became. He murmured, "Sorry to disappoint you, Gnov," and went to his ship. He waited, cloaked and silent, until Kolivan's ship flew from central command. A wormhole opened and Lotor followed the blade leader into the depths of space.

Keith landed behind the manor. The suns were rising on the horizon. A small moan and yawn were followed by Rhea asking, "Where are we, daddy?"

Keith ran a hand over his face and shut off the engines. "We are somewhere very important to me, sweetheart." He unbuckled and went to help Rhea. When she was free, he took her hand and walked to the door.

"Where's mama?"

Keith answered, "She has work with the nice lady you met yesterday."

Keith let go as Rhea gasped and ran among the flowers growing wild in the garden. He bit his lip and his chest tightened. The lights were out and the fountains dry, but from this side, you couldn't see the damage five years old. He murmured, "Talias... I'm home." Then Rhea grabbed his hand and towed him across the yard.

He spent the day showing her around the grounds of his family's estate. Lethua had once again grown wild in their absence. The halliaballus roamed free to graze. The yuppers bounded across the hills in packs. Keith stroked the neck of his halliaballus and took hold of Rhea's waist to slide her off the animal. "When you're older, I'll teach you how to fly."

Rhea watched in wonder as the halliaballus regarded them before extending its wings and flying back to its herd. Keith carried her to the backyard and set her down to play again, but he went past the gazebo where a memorial had been erected. "Talias, I miss you. I miss your advice. You would know what I should do for Rhea. You'd love her." He sat with his back against the warm stone and continued speaking to her like he had before everything changed.

Eventually, Rhea wandered to him and sat in his lap. She asked, "Daddy, are you sad?"

"No, no, I'm just remembering someone who used to make me happy." He kissed her hair and hugged her tight. "There was a woman who loved me the way I love you, but something bad happened and she died. This is where we lived together, our home."

Rhea was silent, but he was sure she understood what he was saying. He was struck with an idea. "Rhea, what did your mother's friends call her?"

Rhea looked up at him then away scrunching up her face. "Erui."

Keith swallowed and turned. Moving Rhea from his lap, he went to a different memorial, one he had made himself. He ran a hand over the coarse surface with hundreds of names carved into it. Then he took his dagger and added another. He brushed aside rock dust and put Rhea's hand over the name. "This is where she rests now. This is where you can come to think of her, the way I come to think of my mother, Talias."

Rhea's lip quivered and he saw the tears coming in time to pick her up and hold her against his shoulder. "Rhea, take your time getting over the pain of losing her, but remember that she will always live in your memory."

He held her in the garden until she fell asleep. He looked over the names once more, then he and carried his daughter into the manor. His footsteps echoed strangely on the staircase before muting on the carpet of the residential wing. He opened the door of his mother's suite and went to her childhood bedroom.

The attack of that day hadn't touched this part of the house. Being here was like stepping back in time. It was too much. He tucked Rhea in bed, placed a second com on the dresser, and went into the hall. He put his back against the wall and slid to the floor. Curling into a ball, he held his head in his hands and cried.

He wasn't aware of how much time passed before there was a second presence and a familiar voice soothed, "It's okay, Keith. I've got you, buddy."

Keith looked up and whimpered, "Lance."

Lance put a hand behind Keith's neck and pulled him close. "I knew it was a mistake to bring you here."

"No, Lance, I needed to come home. I-"

Lance put their foreheads together. "I know, Keith. I know."

Keith sniffed and concentrated on the present. His breathing settled and the panic left his chest. He listened to the com, but Rhea was still asleep. Clearing his throat, he asked, "Where are the others?"

"Matt should be arriving shortly, but I haven't heard from Kolivan."

Keith nodded and wiped at his eyes. "Give me a minute to clean up, and I'll meet you in the suite."

"You sure you're alright?" Lance asked with a concerned hand on Keith's shoulder.

Keith nodded again. "It's just been a rough month."

When he returned from the bathroom, Lance and Matt were standing by the couch. Keith went to the rebel leader and hugged him. "It's good to see you, Holt."

"You too, Keith. You gave us a scare."

Keith groaned. "That... wasn't good. I never meant to get carried away." The door opened again and Kolivan entered, throwing back his hood. Keith grinned and ran over. "Kolivan, I missed you."

Kolivan chuckled and put his head to his kit's hair. "I missed you also. Sorry I'm late. I ran into a small dilema."

"Nothing too big, I hope," Lance said with a hint of worry.

Kolivan shook his head. "I don't believe so. Come. Let's start the meeting."

They all sat at the table and began the discussion with new troop movements and destroyer routes. Then the moment Keith had been dreading came. They wanted to know what had happened on Iiterai. He answered their questions as best he could, but there were parts near the end that he didn't remember. It had been like blacking out. He'd 'come to' when the last few bounty hunters had been screaming in pain. Then he'd killed them all and had broadcast their leader's execution.

Kolivan asked, "Has there been a negative response within Sendak's ranks? Haggar's?"

"No," Keith answered, "Not like that, though-"

"Daddy? Daddy! Keef!? Daddy!?"

He jolted in his seat as the com went off a second before he heard Rhea run to the bedroom door. He turned to intercept her, but he was too late. She looked up in confusion and fear, large eyes welled and her ears laid back. Keith knelt and lifted her in his arms. "Rhea, sweetie, you should still be asleep."

She looked over where the others stood in surprise. Kolivan and Matt had managed to put their masks back on, but Lance had been too slow. Lance's jaw was dropped and he looked between Keith and the girl in his arms trying to piece together what he was seeing.

Keith kissed Rhea's cheek and reassured, "These are daddy's friends, Rhea. We didn't mean to wake you up."

"Friends?" Rhea asked with a head tilt.

Lance smiled and came closer. Ruffling her hair, he said, "Yeah, your daddy and I go way back. What's your name, beautiful?"

Rhea smiled back as he charmed her and said, "I'm Rhea! I'm eight dob- dobschs!"

"No kidding!" Lance said with a raised eyebrow at Keith. "Well, I'm twenty four dobschs old, so you're practically my age. Why don't we go back to your bedroom and we can play together."

"Can we, daddy?" Rhea asked with a giant smile plastered between her chubby cheeks.

Keith laughed and kissed her again. "Of course you can play together." He set her on her feet and she grabbed Lance's hand. Keith mouthed 'Thank you!' as she dragged him off. Lance shot a finger gun at him, then they were shut in the bedroom.

Matt yanked his mask off and asked, "Who is she?"

"Shh, Matt! Keep your voice down!"

Kolivan said slightly calmer, "I think you'd best explain her, kit."

Keith shook his head and frowned. "She's not mine biologically." He sighed and sat back down holding his head. "Part of why I lost control... was because of what happened to her mother. I rescued Rhea and her mother from a burning building, but an ion canon... I couldn't save both of them. I promised Erui I would look after her daughter. The only bad reaction within my faction was from Haggar and Sendak. She rejected Rhea completely and Sendak loathes her existence, but they both know I will do anything to protect her."

"Just like your message," Matt noted.

Keith nodded. "I'm sorry it came across as a war declaration, but I think we can make it work to our advantage. Haggar believes we aren't large enough to take on the empire directly, but Sendak is more than willing to fulfill my threat if he thinks the empire would fall under his command."

"What do you think?" Kolivan asked.

Keith shook his head. "It will be a bloodbath on both sides. I would rather divide Haggar and Sendak completely. His men may come to my side if I prove Sendak's instability and Haggar..."

Kolivan put a hand on Keith's arm and said, "I know you are personally divided about her, but you cannot afford to think of her as anything more than your target."

Keith nodded, but it wasn't so simple. "She is sick with quintessence. It poisoned her long ago before we even knew the risks. She is as much a victim to it as... I'm sorry. I don't... like her, but is she really beyond a cure?"

Matt said without doubt, "She knew exactly what she was doing for ten thousand years. Think about what she did to her prisoners. Think about Takashi. Keith, she doesn't deserve your pity."

"No... Haggar doesn't, but Honerva..."

Kolivan interrupted, "Do you think Haggar would join the empire if her desires were met?"

Keith looked back to his step-dad. "She would not hesitate."

"Good. If we can separate the druids from Sendak, that would weaken him greatly and the empire can handle his forces from there. I'll find a way to convince Krolia to hold an armistice." Kolivan stood from the table.

Keith stood as well and hugged Kolivan again. "Thank you, father."

Kolivan kissed his hair and whispered so only he could hear, "Remember, kit, when this burden grows too heavy, call on me and I will extract you no matter the costs. Losing you is not worth ending a war before it begins."

Keith closed his eyes and put his forehead to Kolivan's chest. "I love you, too."

Matt stood as well and said, "I should return to base as well, but Katie had a request. She wanted to ask you personally, but you know how it is." Keith stepped back and raised an eyebrow. Matt grinned and explained, "They're finally tying the knot, but they want you to lead the ceremony."

Keith grinned back. "Hunk popped the question?"

Matt laughed and shook his head. "Yeah, but it took him, like, three months. He asked me for her hand since our parents are so far away. Do you know how hard it was not to let on that I knew he was planning to propose? I swear Katie thought I was going insane."

Keith laughed and blinked back happy tears. "I would love to, but how-"

"Don't worry about that. I'll shoot you a time frame once the rings are forged. It's going to be a small wedding here on Lethua. Nothing fancy. Which reminds me, I have to forge a wedding license. Mom and dad are going to demand a do-over once we have a chance to explain everything, but they'd have a cow if there wasn't some 'legal' documentation of the event." Matt pulled Keith in for a side hug. "Don't do anything out of your league, ok? Katie will kill me if anything happens to you."

Keith nodded and said, "Same to you. Take care, Matt."

Matt ruffled Keith's hair and went to the door, waving as he left. Kolivan held Keith's shoulders and looked him over one last time. "I must be off now also. There is an immediate situation I must deal with. My agents will find you when I send word about the truce."

"Understood. See you soon."

Kolivan nodded approvingly and agreed, "See you soon."

Keith waited until he was gone before walking over to the bedroom. When he opened the door, Lance had a sleepy Rhea draped across his lap while she looked at a puzzle and Lance read a book.

Keith sat beside Lance and waited until Rhea was nodding off before lifting her in his arms. She yawned and curled up against him with her head against his chest. Keith settled her back in bed and looked for the com set on the dresser. Lance moved silently beside him and removed the com from his ear, placing it where he found it. Then Lance grabbed Keith's arm and led him out.

They went into Krolia's bedroom and shut the door so they didn't wake Rhea again. Lance leaned against the wall and folded his arms. Keith took in the fresh scar on his jawline and the pink line peeking above the collar of his shirt. He was letting his beard stubble again. Keith ran his hands self consciously through his long hair pulled into a ponytail at the nape of his neck. He wasn't sure if he was envious of Lance's facial hair or thankful he didn't have to shave daily. Long hair was enough trouble.

Lance sighed and shook his head. "I can't say I'm surprised you adopted a child, but it is ill timed, right?"

Keith shrugged and sat on the bed. "It was an impulsive decision, I know, but... you saw her, Lance. How could I abandon her?"

Lance pushed off the wall. "She is a cutie pie. You're going to have your hands full if you don't already. You would not believe how much she talks about everyone she knows."

"I was wondering about that," Keith moaned under his breath. "I have limited her exposure to my true work, but kids notice things adults don't. Thankfully, Haggar and Sendak will never listen to her on principal alone."

"Then you're safe from them, but what about others?"

Keith raised an eyebrow. "I don't follow."

Lance rolled his eyes and smirked playfully. "Come on, Keith. A single dad with a sweet daughter and a beautiful relationship? You must be irresistible among your faction."

Keith snorted and covered his mouth. Turning away, he admitted in embarrassment, "You have no idea. A dozen or so are turned away daily."

"I can imagine."

Keith turned back to see Lance directly in front of him. His hands were braced on the bed on either side of Keith's lap. Keith barely breathed before Lance's lips were on his. For half a second, he forgot about the mission and everything related to it... Acxa.

But only for that moment in time.

He shoved Lance away and demanded, "What are you doing?!"

Lance staggered a step before he caught himself. With that same flirty smile, he said, "I think you kn-"

"What made you think I- Lance! Fuck, you're with Allura!"

Lance's smile faltered as Keith's anger rose. He suggested, "You should keep your voice down, or Rhea will wake up again."

Keith took a deep breath, but it did nothing to calm his temper. He said again, "Lance, you are with Allura. My cousin. If you truly love her, you will never do anything like that again. Understand?"

"I'm sorry, alright. It's just, you seemed receptive and I... got carried away."

Keith looked at Lance where he stood sheepishly against the wall. The bond. That was why. Keith could feel Lance's confusion and curiosity. He closed the bond, mentally slamming the door, and Lance met his eyes. Keith explained, "Lance, there is no way. We cannot be together. This mission... it has taken this long already. I will not ask you to wait for me."

He relaxed his posture and went on, "I know you've grown close to my dad too, and I'm glad, but he will tell you the same thing. I am galra. I will live much longer than you. I'm unavailable and complicated. Please, love someone else. For your own sake as well as mine. I can't stand the guilt if you ruin what could be for an impossible chance."

Lance looked up at him, a strange thing since he was taller, but Keith held firm. Lance finally sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Alright. For you... I'll try. It was... good seeing you again. Take care of that girl, Keith. She is more precious than anything."

"Thank you, Lance. Take care of everyone for me. Especially my dad. He is good at hiding pain."

Lance held his arms open. "Can I at least get a hug before I go?"

Keith rolled his eyes and sighed before crossing the bedroom. "I'll be in touch about the wedding. See you around, Lance."

"Good-bye, Keith. We look forward to hearing from you," Lance whispered. Keith stepped back first and watched the handsome cuban walk out of his life again.

Kolivan heard another loud bang in his cargo hold and checked the monitor. His unwilling passenger was throwing another fit. He waited until Lotor had calmed down and remained silent for nearly a varga before setting the ship to autopilot. Keith's blade gleamed on the console. Kolivan groaned and wiped a hand over his jaw, then went down to the hold.

Lotor was silent inside. Kolivan grimaced and opened the door. When he took a step inside, a pale flash of hair was his only warning as Lotor struck out with cuffed fists. Kolivan ducked and dodged the follow-up. Catching Lotor's arm, he slammed the prince against the wall then tossed him to the floor across the hold. Lotor glared through an ivory curtain and pushed up on all fours.

Kolivan leaned casually against the door frame and crossed his arms. "Are you quite finished?"

Lotor snarled, "You son of a bitrax... What have you done? Where are we?"

Kolivan answered evenly, "We are on our way back to the central hub so I can return you to Krolia after you secretly followed my ship and nearly compromised my mission."

"Your mission," Lotor spat. "What is that exactly? What aren't you telling Krolia?"

Kolivan sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Lotor, we told you. This isn't something the empress's heir can help with."

Lotor sat against the wall with one leg bent. His glare was still intense. "How did you know I was following you? That camouflage was the best we have."

Kolivan felt a smirk twitch at the corner of his lips. "Your's perhaps, but I have my own."

"Those siblings," Lotor admitted in disgust.

"The Holts are the best in their field. You shouldn't distance yourself from them just because they were close to Keith. It would be good for you to befriend the paladins, Lotor," Kolivan advised.

Lotor lowered his glare to his lap. "Do not tell me what to do when you will not even let me join your endeavor."

Kolivan sighed and shook his head sadly. "Lotor, we love you. That is the only reason I refuse your request." He turned to leave and said over his shoulder, "The return trip is much longer. There's food and water in the bag. Please, use your time here to ponder what I've suggested."

He shut and locked the cargo hold once more before going back to the pilot's chair. He checked the monitor again, but Lotor hadn't moved. He groaned. This trip was going to be bothersome.