Arus, Love, and Peace
Chapter 2: Arrival Arus
Disclaimer: Voltron and its characters are not mine and are the property of World Events Production. Dr. Smythe, Colonel Williams, Capt. Wiley, Diana, Director Woods, Granny Wills and the like are all my original characters.
After being in space for four days, Diana was delighted to finally arrive in Arus' orbit. During the trip to Arus, everyone took turns piloting the shuttle. To Diana, it appeared that every time it was her turn, it seemed as if Lance was also on duty at Castle Control. Fortunately for her, when he was communicating through Castle Control, he kept the conversation strictly on business matters. But now they were in Arus' orbit, and Keith took over the task of flying the shuttle to the ground. According to the time clock, on Arus, it was roughly lunchtime.
Lance was finishing his lunch when the team was notified that Keith, Allura, Coran has returned with Diana in tow. The rest of the team was excited to see their teammates as well as being curious about Diana in general. "So, what are we waiting for? Let's meet them outside when they land!" Lance said, standing up. Hunk and Pidge were encouraged and also stood up from the table. Nanny came in to see if the young men were finished and were informed by them of the impending arrivals. Nanny asked the castle maids to get the dishes from the table before leaving the room after the guys.
When the guys made it outside, they met up with Sven and Romelle who were preparing to leave for Pollux after the shuttle lands. Although they enjoyed their stay as always, it was also great to be home in Pollux. "There's the shuttle!" Sven exclaimed. "I can see it, and it appears that Keith may do a fly-by to give Diana a better look at the new castle."
Back in the shuttle, Diana and Allura decided to finally exchange their gifts. Although mail delivery between the two planets suffered during the war with Doom, Diana chose to write her letters in a journal for Allura for when they have the chance to meet in person. When Diana informed Allura about her gift, Allura suggested that they waited until they arrive in Arus' orbit to exchange their gifts.
"It's time!" Allura said, smiling as she gave Diana the wrapped item. Diana gave Allura her wrapped gift at the same time. They each opened their presents before looking up and laughing at the other.
"You kept your promise!" They exclaimed at the same time, gaining Coran's attention and Keith's eyebrows to rise.
"You have no idea how much this means to me! I'll treasure this forever and promise to read it the first chance I get!" Allura told Diana.
"The same thing here," Diana replied. "I wasn't sure when we would get the chance, but I had faith that eventually one day, I'll be able to give you the journal so you would know that I kept my promise to the best of my ability."
Both women hugged each other tightly, fighting tears of joy. After Keith's warning to buckle up, Diana and Allura both returned to their seats and buckled their seatbelts as Keith started the descent into Arus' atmosphere. Once Keith made it closer to the castle, he called Castle Control.
"Castle Control this is Aerie Shuttle. Requesting permission to land."
"Aerie Shuttle, this is Castle Control. You have permission to land. Welcome Home!" The guard at the communication station declared. Before Keith decided to land on the small strip leading to the hangar at the castle, Keith did a fly-by so Diana could see the new castle better.
"Wow! This castle is amazing. I loved the old castle, but this castle has its modern charm." Diana replied.
"The floorplan is identical, but I know it's been years, so you'll have a personal tour," Coran stated as Keith neared the strip and made a perfect landing. Once the shuttle landed, a ramp pulled up to the craft, and the door was open for exiting. Coran and Diana left the shuttle first, nearly hand in hand. The honor guard saluted both Coran and Diana before lowering their hands. As she stepped down in the ramp, a warm breeze blew through the air, slowly making her curls move.
From the ground and in line between Sven and Nanny, Lance couldn't help but admire the way Diana left the shuttle. The wind played with her curls as she stepped down. Her outfit seems to fit her just right and even saluted the honor guard as if she was a movie star on a screen. It almost appeared that she was perfection and his awe of her grew. As a way of warning him, Sven hit the back of Lance's head. "What was that for?"
"Just a small warning to behave yourself. I know how you are with beautiful women. You can't help yourself." Sven replied.
"Whatever. I am always on my best behavior, especially with beautiful ladies." Lance retorted, to which Nanny gave him her sternest look, silently warning him to behave himself.
After Diana and Coran touched the ground, they moved to the right of the craft and waited for Keith and Allura to exit the same way. Instead of salutes, the honor guard bowed before the Princess before saluting Keith. Once the couple reached the ground, everyone was standing at attention. Allura grasped Diana's arm and lead her to the receiving line of the Voltron Force, Sven, Romelle, and Nanny.
"This is Pidge. He is our technology whiz. There's almost nothing he can't solve." Allura stated. Pidge started to blush at Allura's compliment and was shy towards Diana. In his short life, Pidge has never seen a beauty quite like Diana. Her dark skin and hair contrasted against Allura's fair skin and hair.
"Pleased to meet you, Pidge. I look forward to working with you on some projects while I'm here." Diana said, smiling back, encouraging him.
As his blush faded, Pidge stepped up and offered his hand for a handshake. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Diana." He smiled as the space mice climbed their way to his shoulder. "Awww, guys I couldn't have my moment?" Pidge asked the space mice. Lance at this point was trying to hide his smirk and was happy that the mice took some of the spotlight from Pidge.
"It's our little friends!" Diana replied. "I haven't seen these little guys for a long time."
"Yes. The largest one is Cheddar all grown up. The other one is Cheezy. She's also all grown up now. And those are their kids!" Allura explained.
"Wow! And they even have kids now!" Diana exclaimed as she beamed brighter at the mice. "You have to be very special, Pidge. They just don't hang out on anyone's shoulders."
"I agree. They really like you! They're a great judge of character!" Pidge replied. He stepped back while Allura and Diana moved a few steps away to Hunk.
"This is Hunk. He's our engineering specialist! There's nothing he can't physically design or fix!" Allura beamed.
"It's nothing, Princess. I love the challenge." Hunk replied, sticking his hand out for Diana to shake his hand. "I can fix anything!"
"It's a pleasure to meet you Hunk! I look forward to working with you on some projects in the future as well." Diana replied, taking his hand for a handshake. Diana was surprised how gentle but firm his handshake was as his large hand touched her smaller hands. From his spot by Sven, Lance was still grinning, ear from ear. Diana was getting closer, and he had a few ideas how to get Diana to roll his eyes at him in only the way she could.
"This is Romelle. She's the princess of Pollux, our sister planet. Next to her is Sven, they usually come here to help out when we needed or fly one of the Lions as needed. We met about a year ago." Allura explained.
Diana courtesied Romelle, giving her the highest respect first, before saluting Sven. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Romelle. I look forward to seeing you while I'm here on Arus." Diana replied. "I would also love to visit Pollux as well."
"I would love that, Diana!" Romelle replied. "It's also good to have another lady on the team here." Diana smiled before Romelle hugged her tight. "And any friend of Allura's is a friend of mine as well. Hopefully, we can get a ladies day in the future. It's rare that we ever get to enjoy women our age."
"I look forward to that day," Diana replied as Romelle released her hug. Looking towards Sven, Diana finally addressed him, personally. "It's a pleasure to meet you again, Sven. I remember taking that navigation class you taught about four years ago when I was going through the Alliance Reserved Officers course."
"I remember you now," Sven replied in his thick accent. "You were the only student that year who finished the course with an A."
"Yes, sir. I enjoyed the class thoroughly. It was very challenging but was well worth it." Diana replied, shaking hands with Sven. "I also hope to see you in the future while I'm on Arus, as well."
She made an A on Navigation! That is a rare achievement. Lance thought. I barely avoided a C and Keith barely missed earning an A. Lance hid his shock since Diana was so close. I wonder what other secrets and achievements she has.
Sven stepped back as Diana and Allura finally made their way to Lance. In the brief moment, before Allura formally introduced him, Lance was able to observe Diana's features carefully. The screen he saw her on didn't do her true beauty justice. With her curls loose and framing her face he could see her natural red and brown highlights intermingled with her black locks. Her bronzed skin glowed with the reflection of the Arusian sun as her eyes shined with intelligence and understanding. Her black jumpsuit with small ruffles at the collar fit her body just right, allowing him to notice her hourglass curves making her look so perfect as an angel. He loved how her round eyes brought him into her spiritual embrace. Her nose was spaced just right. Her lips were the perfect balance between full and slim. His only thought at the moment that she was absolutely beautiful in his eyes.
At the same time, Diana was able to observe Lance's looks as well. His hair was brown like chocolate, and its beautiful sheen was captured by the Arusian sun as some of his bangs fell and covered his forehead. His eyebrows were perfect sitting at the right distance above his chocolate colored eyes, thin but defined showcasing his eyes. She admired his nose and his balanced lips. His lightly tan skin seem to made just for him, making him quite handsome. He was wearing his regular clothes—the blue turtleneck top and the leather jacket showed off his broad shoulders and his chest muscles slightly, while his gray slacks allowed her to see his slim waist and hips but showcased muscular legs. His cologne also filled her nose a mixture of subtle smoke and woods. Her breath hitched before Allura's words brought her back to reality and the situation at hand.
"This is Lance. He's our second in command of the force and our ace pilot. He's also a great marksman and usually hits his target." Allura introduced Lance. "I believe you met through the screen, but here you are both here physically."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person," Lance said, extending his hand out to Diana, temporarily forgetting about making her roll her eyes at him. Diana took his offered hand, and they both felt a spark. Diana slowly released their handshake, deciding that they could never have feelings. She's still recovering from that last flyboy Lawrence. Lanced grasped her hand and decided to lay a chaste kiss on her hand as well, not wanting to admit that he liked her touch.
"The same here," Diana replied, reclaiming her hand.
"Isn't it a pleasure to meet me as well?"
"Really, Lieutenant?" Diana replied back. She sighed before rolling her eyes at him. "Pleasure to meet you." Why she thought he would take her earlier words was beyond her.
"The pleasure is all mine," Lance replied, gently and softly to where only Diana and himself could hear. Lance stepped back as they continued on the Nanny a few steps away.
"I'm pretty sure you remember Nanny! Although I'm pretty much grown, I promoted Nanny to being in charge of the Castle Keep full-time." Allura said as she hugged Nanny before stepping aside, so Nanny and Diana courtesied each other. Once Diana and Nanny were back at full height, Nanny hugged Diana very tightly.
"My darling Diana! It's so good to see you again. I never thought I will ever see my favorite pupil beside the princess." Nanny exclaimed, surprising Lance with how quickly she welcomed Diana. He was also surprised to hear the Diana took lessons from Nanny. He stole a glance at Diana and saw that her eyes were momentarily closed, then open with compassion although her body started to show signs that she wanted to be released again. "I have your room ready across from Princess Allura. I'll also make sure that your favorite meal is cooked tonight in your honor."
Nanny released Diana. "Thank you, Nanny. I missed you so much as well as your delicious cooking. You always make me feel like I'm home." Diana replied, smiling enjoying the lingering and comfort driven smell of Arusian Vanilla that Nanny always seems to favor as her perfume choice. Lance wanted to make a comment, but Sven hit his shoulders to warn him not to say anything and ruin their moment. Diana and Allura stepped away from Nanny at last and was standing side by side by Keith and Coran.
"Well, Romelle, we better get back to Pollux," Sven announced to Romelle. "Bandor will be calling us soon to make sure everything is okay." Romelle nodded her agreement before walking to Allura and Diana, giving both one last hug before leaving.
"I'll call when we arrive in Pollux," Romelle promised to Allura. "I'm also looking forward to when we all three of us can spend time together soon."
"You got yourself a ladies day!" Allura exclaimed while Sven was telling Keith bye. The Pollixan couple walked to their small shuttle and departed Arus airspace for Pollux. Everyone waved at the shuttle as it left their sight.
"We better get to those updates, Hunk," Pidge started. "Those updates can't happen on their own."
"Right with you little buddy." Hunk replied as he also left the group. "We'll see everyone at dinner."
"I'll go on and relieve the guard on duty at Castle Control." Coran offered. "I will also see everyone at dinner." Coran walked towards the Castle Entrance. He was shortly followed by Nanny who decided to personally oversee dinner tonight, stating that she required semi-formal dress code in Diana's honor.
"Lance, would do you do the honor of giving Diana a tour of the castle? It's been years since she's been on Arus and she probably could use a refresher on where everything is." Allura asked. "I would play the perfect hostess, but I'm sure there are several reports on my desk."
"Why me? Why not Kei-" Lance started. "Wait a minute, are you really going to do reports?" Lance teased.
"I also have reports to do, and I have to go over the reports you made for Garrison records," Keith replied, scowling at Lance for talking so openly. "You're the best person for this job since you seem to know all the nooks and crannies of the castle." Keith finished giving Allura and Lance a quick wink.
This smells like a set-up! Lance thought. I'll give her a quick tour just to humor them. "Ok."
They are not leaving me alone with him! Not going to do it. I don't know if I can survive a tour with Lance. I can only take so much teasing and remarks. Diana thought before answering, "It's ok, you don't have to give me a tour. If I can get a—"
"I'm taking you on tour, and that's it," Lance replied, crossing his arms. "It'll give me something to do."
"I'm nobody's chore, Lance," Diana replied, crossing her arms as well ready to engage in another staring contest.
"It's not a chore unless you make it one." Lance shot back. Is this lady crazy or what? It's like she doesn't want to be alone with me. Who doesn't want to be alone with me? As Lance and Diana started a short back and forward discussion, Keith and Allura quietly walked into the castle. Lance took his hand and raked it through his hair. I better end this conversation more nicely, otherwise, we'll be late for dinner later. "Diana?"
Whatever comment was going to leave Diana's mouth this time, it died when Lance suddenly said her name as a patient question. "Yes?"
"I know that we haven't started in the best way over the phone or even just now." Lance started, lowering his arms. "Can we start over and be friends?"
Diana took a moment to think about his request. What's the harm? Looks like he's going to drop his mask and I better take advantage. "Yes, let's start over."
"I'm Lieutenant Lance McClain, 2nd in command of the Voltron Force." He started. "And your name?"
"My name is Diana Smythe-Williams, niece of Coran Smythe and owner of Williams House on Earth," Diana replied as Lance took her hand once again and kissed it chastely.
"May I give you a tour of the Castle of Lions? I promise to be on my best behavior." Lance replied, waggling his eyebrows and giving her a wink afterward.
Diana shook her head. He's incorrigible. Nanny must really be mellowing out. "You're hopeless!" Diana replied with a smile. You're also almost as charming as people make you out to be.
"All in good fun, Diana," Lance said as he started to go to the hangar first. "Let's start at the hangar and go from there." Diana nodded her agreement and was by his side within seconds. They walked hand and hand to the hangar first. The hangar had a high roof, and there were 3 shuttles all within their own bays. "As you can tell, this is the hangar. All other crafts besides the Lion are kept here."
"I know. I just got off from a shuttle a few minutes ago." Diana replied, shaking her head.
"Are you throwing a one-liner there, Lady?"
"Quite possibly. I can give just as well as I can receive, Lieutenant." Diana replied, shrugging her shoulders. This tour should be fascinating.
"So can I, Diana," Lance replied. I think I have a new verbal sparring partner here. Nice to have a little variety, it's only so much fun needling Keith and Allura. "On to the next stop." They left the hangar and entered the stables. The smell of hay and horses filled Diana's nostrils, and she sighed. She remembered riding horses here in Arus for fun and the horse she used to have on Earth when her parents were alive. "Here are the stables," Lance announced as they walked into the bays that kept the horses. Lance stopped at white horse in the third stall. "This is Quicksilver. He's mine horse and the best one ever, aren't you girl?" He cooed to his horse.
"She's beautiful," Diana said as she looked around and found a white horse across and three stalls from Lance. "That horse is perfect!" Diana said as she walked towards the horse.
"That's Winter. He doesn't let anyone close enough to him. He also won't let any-" Lance started as he ran towards Winter to save Diana. He was stopped and was surprised when Diana was able to stand face to face with the horse. She cooed at him, and the horse ate up the attention.
"Hey, Winter. You're very handsome there. I hope we can be friends and I can take a ride on you soon." Diana cooed to him. "You're not so bad, are you? The next time I see you, I'll try to sneak in a snack. If I didn't know any better, I think you prefer apples over anything." The horse neighed, then nudge Diana's hand to pet him. She laughed and gave him a quick pat.
"I'll be darn," Lance said out loud, still shocked at the gentleness the horse showed Diana.
"I love horses. They love me back." Diana replied. "I can't wait to ride him soon!" Lance sighed as he took Diana's arm to continue the tour. The next area they visited was the bridge entrance.
"This is the bridge, there's one way in and."
"One way out." Diana finished for him as she assessed the bridge design. "Makes it easier to defend the castle from the ground, right?"
"Right," Lance replied. He guided Diana to the courtyard. Hedges were marking the territory of the courtyard from the rest of the walkways around the castle. From where there were standing, Diana noticed a group of hedges near the center that help give cover for a gazebo. "This is the courtyard. A place of beauty and romance." Diana nodded her agreement, and they continued the tour. They arrived at the Castle entrance. "Let's do inside voices unless…"
"Please don't tell me those details," Diana responded quickly. Lance whipped his head towards Diana, shocked that she voiced that thought out loud.
"Hey, get your mind out of the gutter." He responded. "I was going to say unless it's a major emergency. People are still startled easily here."
Diana gave him a sheepish look before responding back. "My apologies, Lance."
"No offense taken." He replied, charmingly. "But if…"
"Don't even think about it," Diana replied, cutting him off. They continued into the castle before stopping at the Great Hall.
"This is the great hall. This is where we meet and greet citizens before we allow them admission anywhere else." Lance stated. The great hall had the Arus Royal Banner the highest in the rafters in the center of the room, flanked by the coat of arms for each noble family. Her Arusian family's crest was just to the right of the Royal Banner. Diana nodded her head when Lance asked if she was ready for the next room. The next room was the sitting room. "This is where we allow guests to mingle before anything formal happens." Diana nodded her head. The next room was the ballroom. "This is the ballroom. This is party central."
"Formals, we hold formals here." Diana corrected, shaking her head.
"Refined parties, same thing," Lance replied back. Diana rolled her eyes at Lance, before motioning him to continue the tour. The next room was the throne room where Lance remarked that most of the formal ceremonies and recognition happen here before stepping out to the balcony so that all the citizens can witness the results. After the throne room and the balcony, they walked to the library. "This is the library."
"Any chance Lance that you actually visit the library for its purpose?" Diana joked with him. Lance stared at Diana.
"Why of course. I read in here occasionally. I also meet some of the—" Lance started when he was interrupted by one of the castle maids asking if he wanted to go to his favorite room. Blushing, Lance said not this time, and the maid left the touring couple. "Anyway…"
"Studying, hmm?" Diana remarked, shaking her head. Of course, he'll be the team playboy. Diana thought.
"I actually do study other things than human anatomy here. Occasionally." Lance defended himself, starting to cross his arms.
"I'm sure. Let's just continue the tour." Diana replied, diplomatically, anxious to see the other rooms and made a note to read up on Arus history when she returned from visiting the Davi-Smythe lands next week.
Lance led Diana to Castle Control where Coran was scanning the outer lands for signs of activity. Coran beaconed for Diana and Lance to come closer. Coran gave her a brief summary about the room before Diana stated that she wanted to spend her first full week in Arus at the Davi-Smythe lands to assess the needs there, as well as other personal things she didn't want Lance to know about yet. Coran remarked that it's possible and that he understood her desire to visit those lands first. After Castle Control, Lance led Diana to the dining room.
"Since they are more people at the castle now, there are several eating times for everyone," Lance explained. "Lower castle personnel and guards usually have the first meal times. Officers and Royal personnel usually have the second meal times. We usually eat during the last meal times."
"I like the different mealtime ideas. If you miss a meal, does Nanny set aside a plate for anyone?" Diana asked.
"Yes, she usually set aside some plates for every shift just in case someone misses a meal and is hungry," Lance replied. "Sometimes even if that person isn't hungry, she'll personally make sure that we eat."
"That's Nanny for you. She can't bear to see someone not eat." Diana replied, smiling. She remembered the few times she wasn't hungry, but Nanny made sure that she ate anyway. Lance and Diana walked to the kitchen.
"This is the kitchen. Pots, pans, people everywhere. Let's go before Nanny sees us. She doesn't like for anyone not on the kitchen staff to show up here." Lance replied, grabbing Diana's arm before they got caught. Once they made it to the kitchen, Lance let go of her arm. "I'm going back to see if I can sneak a piece of fruit from the kitchen. Do you want one?"
Diana shook her head. She also remembered the couple of times she was caught sneaking a snack from the kitchen under Nanny's watch. She winced at the pain of those swats across her bottom. "You're not going to be able to get away with that snack…" Diana started before she noticed that Lance was gone.
"I told you Lance about trying to sneak a snack away." Nanny bellowed from the kitchen. Lance ran from the kitchen with Nanny hot on his tail. "Don't let me catch you! I can't swat your behind, but I bet even a pot will teach you a lesson." Nanny turned on her heel quickly and returned back to the kitchen.
Diana stifled her giggle when Lance gave her a dirty look. "I told you that you weren't going to get away with that." Lance shrugged his shoulders.
"Let's continue with the tour. We still have 3 more floors to cover." Lance replied, producing a shiny red apple. He took a pocket knife and cut the apple into halves. He offered Diana a half, and she graciously took the fruit. "I'm a master at getting what I want from the kitchen."
"I see," Diana replied, smiling as she bit into the apple. The juicy flesh was refreshing as she followed Lance to the back stairs to make it to the 2nd floor. As she followed Lance up the stairs, she studied his back, noticing that it was muscular as well. Although his frame was smaller than Keith's, there was a lot of muscle packed in.
"This is the office wing," Lance replied, moving his arm to indicate the area. "I don't envy those with duties that require a full-time office and paperwork," Lance stated.
"That's what everyone speaks about until they're faced with that added responsibility," Diana replied. "So whose office is where?"
"The first office here is Keith's office," Lance replied. Without knocking on the door, he opened the door and saw that Keith was in his office during reports as promised. "You're actually doing paperwork?" Lance asked Keith.
"What did you think I was going to do?" Keith snapped back. "And how many times do I have to tell you to knock on the door before entering?"
"It's more fun to just burst in. It wouldn't be me if I didn't just help myself." Lance replied, taking the core of the apple and placing it in Keith's trashcan. Keith shook his head and went back to work.
"Close the door behind you," Keith stated as Lance left the office and closed the door.
"Across from the commander's office is Coran's office." Lance pointed out. "Next to Coran's office is Allura's office. Your office will be next to Keith's office." He opened the door to her office, and she noticed that the room was left plain so she can decorate any way she wanted to. There was a couple of boxes of her office things already at the desk.
"Perfect! I can decorate it later. I think I'll be spending a lot of time here." Diana stated as she closed the door to the office.
"You could spend that time better with—" Lance started.
"Let's not go there." Diana retorted as she rolled her eyes at Lance yet again. Is it just me or does he enjoy it when I roll my eyes at him?
"Moving on, the other offices…" Lance continued as the finished touring the office wing. The next stop was the Guards quarters, and their accompany lounge. "…This is where the regular guard stay. It's more like their barracks. The lounge is where they can kick back after a hard day's work." Diana waived at the guards before following Lance to the Situation Room. "This is the situation room. We come here to form plans before acting them out. This room also good for a quick council meeting." Diana nodded as they continued on to the Personnel Quarters. "This is where the maids, valets, kitchen staff stay." A group of maids walked by just as Lance finished. They were giving Lance the biggest smile and courtesied Diana before moving into their rooms.
"Seems that you have a big fan club here." Diana mused.
"Not as big as Keith's. He just doesn't take advantage of it." Lance replied. "He only has eyes for…" Lance stopped and allowed Diana to finish the thought in her mind. "I'm a free agent so, I more than…"
"It's ok. You can spare me the details, Lance." Diana replied, crossing her arms. She turned around and looked at the window and smiled at the moat. Somebody could use a cold dip.
"Anyway, let's continue the tour," Lance replied, leaving the Personnel quarters and pointed out the lounge for the personnel as well. They took the front stairs and made it to the training rooms. "This is my favorite section of the castle…the training rooms." Diana perked up when she heard that the training rooms was his favorite rooms. Lance had a big smile, and his eyes were glittering as if he was in a dream.
"So why are the training rooms your favorite rooms?" Diana asked, genuinely interested.
"Besides sharpening my skills, it's where I can teach the guards a few tricks. The training rooms helped me realize that I enjoy instructing and I look forward to one day when I can solely teach." He replied, giving Diana a serious look.
"I can understand that. I've been able to follow my dreams so far…but I still have ways to go." Diana replied, enjoying the fact that Lance was sharing something that was his passion. She could admire him for his ultimate dream.
"Moving on, the next room is the gym and indoor track," Lance announced, as he took Diana's arm and led her next door to the gym and track. There all kinds of weight machines, weight stations, stationary bikes, step machines, elliptical machines in the room. There were also stations set aside for jump rope and even a few circuit rounds. The indoor track looked like the indoor tracks you would see during Indoor Track Season, with the curves raised off the ground. Lance led Diana out of the gym and guided her to the Officers' lounge and the Officers' wing. "This wing is home to Guard officers except for the Voltron Force."
Diana saluted the officers present at the lounge before following Lance to the large laboratory. "And this is the lab rooms. Pidge spends a lot of time here as well making or doing experiments. We just started receiving scientists back in the castle…but if the Alliance sends in a group, they'll be happy here." Lance explained.
"Yes, they would. I probably will spend a significant amount of time here as well if we have outbreaks or epidemics during my time here." Diana replied. Lance led Diana out of the labs and finally made their way to the Medical Wing of the castle.
"This is the Med-Wing of the castle. Whatever ills you or whatever you put your body though, the staff here can bring you back to health. Including hospital rooms, they also have their own dorm wing within the area. Dr. Gorma is the Chief doctor." Lance said as he allowed Diana a quick look around the med wing.
"I'll also spend some time here," Diana replied. She bumped into Dr. Gorma, before introducing herself. With the invitation that she was welcome here anytime she desires, Diana left the Med Wing with Lance to continue the last part of the tour. As they climbed the stairs, they arrived at the landing for the fourth and highest living floor of the castle.
"Welcome to the penthouse!" Lance said, making Diana smile momentarily. "This is the Royal Personnel wing. These are unique maids, valets, and the like. Nanny trusts them, so they get to help us as requested or needed. They waved a few of staff members before going to their private lounge and repeated the action again. "Next is the Rec Room. After dinner, we usually gather in this room to relax and recharge for the next day. If you like, you can join us after dinner tonight." Lance replied. "The Rec Room is usually reserved for the Voltron Force including Coran and Nanny, now you."
"Thank you." Diana simple responded as she followed Lance to the next area—the Voltron wing.
"This is the Voltron Wing. This is where we lay our heads at night. The first room to the left is Pidge's room. The room across from his is Hunk's room. Next to Hunk's room is my room. Keith's room is across from my room. The last room is reserved for Sven and Romelle when they come to visit." Lance paused. "You're always welcome to my room any—"
"Let's not offer up anything," Diana replied, shaking her head. He can be quite persistent. Diana thought.
Lance shrugged his shoulders as to shake off her comment. "Our last stop is the Royal Wing. Just around the corner." Lance led Diana around the corner. "Here is the Royal Wing. The room to the left is Coran's room. The room to the right is the Royal Apartment which stands empty until Allura gets married. The room across the Royal Apartment is Allura's room." Lance said as he personally led Diana to each door before finally leading Diana to her room. "This is your room. It's catacorner to Allura's room but close to everyone's room." Lance said. "And this concludes the tour."
Diana let out a loud yawn. "I'm sorry for the loud yawn. I guess my adrenaline finally wore-off."
"You've had a long trip, and you were probably pretty excited the whole way here. Besides, the castle is huge." Lance replied, showing a bit of his empathy on Diana.
Diana yawned again. "You're right. I have time for a quick nap before dinner." Diana leaned against her door and looked at Lance. He was growling mentally as he enjoyed the way her body leaned on the door and made her like a supermodel. "Thank you for giving me a tour of the castle. It refreshed my memory of the old castle and the tour was very enjoyable."
"It was a pleasure," Lance replied, smiling. He gazed at Diana's face when a great idea came to him. "You know how you can really thank me?"
"How can I do that?" Diana asked, her curiosity getting the better of her right now.
"A nice kiss on the lips," Lance replied, featuring his winning smile as Diana rolled her eyes at him once again.
"A kiss, huh?" Diana replied smiling. I'll give him a kiss alright. A kiss from my hand to his cheek. Lance closed his eyes waiting for Diana to kiss him. A few seconds later, Diana slapped his cheek. "I'm not one of those other ladies you've been with. It takes more than a nice tour for me to give a man a kiss. On top of that, I don't even know where you've been." Diana closed the door on Lance' face. The nerve of him asking me to kiss him for giving me a tour of the castle. Diana looked around her room and was satisfied to see that her clothes were hanging in the closet already. She also noticed that two boxes of her small knickknacks were on the desk, ready to be opened and freed from the cardboard box. Diana stepped away from the door and made it to the bed and fell on the mattress and closed her eyes.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the door, Lance was standing and staring at the closed door in shock. Did she really just slapped me before closing the door on my face? Lance thought. He never had a lady do that before. His charm was legendary and always worked before. He blinked his eyes. "Who doesn't fall for my charms?" He asked out loud, turning from the door and discovering an amused Keith and Allura.
"My guess would be Diana," Keith responded, failing to hide his smile. At the same time, Allura was failing to keep her laughter in.
"Just wait until I tell the guys," Allura said between fits of laughter.
"Ha-ha," Lance replied. "She was tired and couldn't recognize the charm."
"She also stated that she doesn't know where you've been, Lance." Keith countered. "I don't think you have much of a chance right now. For what its worth, I think you may have met your match over there."
"Arrgh. Whatever." Lance replied while putting his hands in his pockets. "I'm never going to live this down, am I?"
"Nope. Consider it payback for all the teasing Allura and I had to endure before we became a couple."
"Karma?" Lance shook his head. Keith nodded his agreement before Lance walked off. Keith turned to Allura.
"Let's keep this moment between the two of us. It'll make dinner a little interesting with an inside joke."
"Ok, Keith." Allura agreed before opening her door. "Thank you for walking me to my room." Allura used American Sign Language to tell Keith that she loved him. He replied back that he loved her back. Until they finally admit to Coran and the rest of Arus about their relationship, they decided to communicate certain phases and messages in sign language when they knew the cameras were looking at them. After Allura closed her door, Keith turned to see Coran walking into the hallway.
"Is Diana in her room?" Coran asked.
"Yes. Lance just dropped her off at the door a few minutes ago. I'll see you at dinner." Keith responded as he started to leave.
"Thanks, Keith," Coran called out. He turned to see if Keith would confess to having a relationship with Allura but noticed that Keith just kept walking down the hallway to his room. "Another time, then." Coran mused as he entered his own room.
Two hours later….
Lance took one last look in the mirror in his bathroom before leaving his room. Since the dress code for dinner tonight was semi-formal, Lance put together a red button-up shirt, the matching red necktie, and black slacks. He was also wearing his favorite pair of dress shoes. He also decided to use his favorite cologne, Nasomatto Duro. The team decided to meet at the Rec Room before going downstairs for dinner. By the time Lance arrived in the Rec room, he was the last to arrive. He quickly noticed that everyone decided to wear black slacks but matching lion colors. Keith was in monochrome black shirt and tie combination. Hunk was wearing a yellow shirt and tie. Pidge was wearing a green button up shirt and green tie.
"We look great. We also look like a boy band group." Lance said as a greeting. The team rolled their eyes at him. "What? We do look like a boy band. We all are wearing black slacks and our respective lion color."
"I can't wait until dinner is over. This tie feels so uncomfortable." Pidge complained.
Meanwhile, in her room, Diana took one last look in her mirror before making her way to the hallway. Diana decided to wear the blue cap-sleeve maxi dress she usually wears for watching stage plays or operas. It was form-fitting but respectful for mixed generational crowds. Diana wore a small blue choker around her neck and also put on the matching earrings. Diana placed her hair in a low bun with two braids for decoration on either side of her head. She also used a light coat of mascara on her lashes to enhance her full look. Smiling her approval, she also dabbed a few drops of floral scented oil on her wrists, behind her ears, and on her neck. When she opened the door, she joined Coran and Allura in the hallway. Allura was wearing her signature pink dress while Coran opted to wear a white button-up shirt with black tie and black slacks. He also decided to add his typical coat as well.
"Good evening." She called out in greeting to her hallmates.
"Good evening. You look great, Diana!" Allura responded back. "Are you ready for dinner?" Diana nodded her answer and the three of them went down the hall to the Voltron Wing. When they arrived at the Rec Room, they noticed that the team was already together with all of them also wearing black slacks. Diana immediately saw Lance first, and her breath was taken away. Lance looked at Diana and was amazed. He didn't think that she could look more beautiful than she did on her arrival earlier in the day…but he was wrong. She was even more beautiful in what she was wearing tonight. Her blue dress was modestly made, but it fit her shape perfectly. The cap sleeves highlighted her toned arms, while the body of the dress followed her hourglass figure inch by inch. Looking up from her body, Lance noticed how the choker held her graceful neck and how the earrings complimented Diana's features as well. Her hair was pulled back into a low bun, with two braids on either side of her added dimension and creativity. Her skin was a dewy bronzed, and her lashes seem to be even longer than he remembered. He was speechless as he admired her look.
"Princess! You look lovely as ever." Lance complimented Allura before giving her a quick bow before returning his attention back on Diana. "And Diana, you look even more beautiful than before." Diana blushed slightly before responding to his compliment, taking in his look for tonight. His red shirt and tie brought out his handsome features even more than his everyday clothes. And even though she was across the room from him, she could smell and sense his smokey cologne from her spot. Wow, he really got it on tonight. Looks like he came out of a dream. She thought.
"Thank you, Lance. You look very debonair tonight, and I like how red brings out your features." Diana responded sincerely.
"Thank you, Diana," Lance replied as he started to walk towards Diana.
He's coming this way! I'm not ready for anything right now—especially with him. Diana thought as Nanny announced that dinner was prepared over the intercom. Keith offered his arm to Allura to escort her to dinner. Coran offered his arm to Diana, saving her from whatever reaction her body would have to Lance's body being so close to her right now. Lance's face showed a moment of disappointment before his poker face took over and he followed everyone to the stairs to dinner.
When everyone made it to the dining room, Nanny greeted each person and complimented them on their clothing choices for the meal. Keith guided Allura to the head of the table and pulled the chair for her to sit. Once settled, Keith pushed the chair in before taking his seat on Allura's right side. Coran guided Diana to her place at his left. He pulled the chair for her, and when Diana was settled, he pushed her seat back in. He took his seat as the host to Allura's hostess. Pidge pulled the chair at Allura's left side for Nanny to sit. After she was settled, Pidge pushed her chair back in. Pidge's seat was in between Nanny's and Diana's chairs. Lance's chair was to Coran's right and across from Diana. Between Lance and Keith was Hunk's place.
At Nanny's signal, the maids and valets entered the room and placed a plate of Chozzerai salad in front of everyone. Saying a quiet grace, Diana took her salad fork and took a piece of her salad. Looking around the table as she ate a forkful of lettuce and dressing. Everyone seemed to enjoy the first course of their meal tonight. Lance was looking at Diana as she bit her salad and noticed the impeccable manner she ate her salad. However, the table was a little too silent for his taste, so he decided to start up a conversation. "Diana, you have an impeccable way of eating."
Hunk and Diana both kicked Lance under the table discretely as Coran responded to the comment. "She should. Not only is she an Arusian noblewoman by birth, but she did also spend several summers here in Arus in the castle."
"Thank you for the compliment. I have to say, Lance, that your table manners are outstanding for a rogue." Diana replied back before taking another bite of the salad. The sound of quiet laughter from Keith and Allura filled both Lance's and Diana's ears. The rest of the table stared at the couple who stopped their laugh and apologized for disturbing the conversation at the other end of the table from them. The table went silent again as Nanny noticed that the salad plates were empty and motioned the staff to change plates. As the salad plates disappeared, a plate of warm food sat in front of everybody. Arusian trout with rice and mixed vegetables took their place.
"This dinner is just an informal way of welcoming Diana back to Arus. In a few weeks, I would like to hold a ball in her honor." Nanny started. "Also, this ball could also be her debut ball since Diana didn't have that opportunity on Earth."
"That's a splendid idea, Nanny," Coran replied before anyone else could say anything. "This ball could also double as a debut ball for Allura and Romelle since neither of them had their debut as well." Diana started to silently panic as the conversation turned to having a ball. Diana could see Lance forming plans in his head.
"Thank you for the ball, Nanny. But this dinner is formal enough for me." Diana replied. "No need to have a formal in my honor."
"We must have a ball! We haven't had a ball for quite awhile. We'll invite several princes and nobles from Arus and the surrounding planets." Nanny continued. "At the same time, we can have Sven escort Romelle and Commander here can escort the Princess."
"That's a great plan, Nanny," Allura replied after finishing another bite of the fish. "Oh, Diana, please say yes! It'll be a chance for the three of us girls have quality time together."
Diana sighed. She really didn't want to jump into another formal so soon after the last one. Although she was attending formals now, she preferred to keep it to one per season. "Ok. We can have the ball—but let's make it our debut ball instead of my honor. I haven't accomplished anything on Arus yet." Diana replied before Keith and Allura softly laughed again. They apologized and focused back on their plates.
Diana placed another bite of the mixed vegetables in her mouth when Lance spoke again. "Who will have the honor of escorting the beautiful Diana?"
"That's a great question, Lance." Coran and Nanny replied at the same time. "There are so many outstanding young men around us."
"Why, Lance, I didn't know you cared for me so much," Diana replied before she could stop the words from her mouth. At that same moment, Keith whispered in Allura's ear about the exchange at the other side of the table. Allura nodded her agreement with Keith, before gaining Nanny's attention.
"I actually find you fascinating, Diana," Lance replied, nearly causing Diana to choke on a piece of fish. In an attempt to cover the embarrassment, Diana took a few sips from her cup. When she placed the cup down, she went back to finishing her plate as the excitement of the ball took over the dinner conversation. Before long, Nanny motioned to the staff once again to change plates for dessert. To finish the meal, there was a slice of the Arusian version of tiramisu. As Diana took her third bite when Coran and Nanny stated together who would escort Diana to the ball.
"Lance will escort Diana to the ball. He's an outstanding young man, and he also offered his life to protect Arus. No better choice." Diana's and Lance's eyes met across the table. Diana's eyes showed her shock while Lance's eyes showed his pleasure in the announcement. Diana placed her fork down before wiping her mouth with a cloth napkin.
"Do you approve?" Coran asked Diana. She paused for a few brief moments before answering.
"Yes, I approve," Diana replied before she finished the rest of her dessert. After dinner was finished, Diana bade everyone tonight. She was still a little tired from the shuttle trip, and she also had an early morning so she could spend the most time available in the Davi-Smythe lands.