I do not own Voltron and make no claims...

I labeled this story as mature as I get a little sexually explict in it, if this offends you I suggest you don't read this one. This is part one, I'm still working on finishing the story. Reviews are always welcome, no flames please.

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Allura walks down the hallway toward castle control lost in thought. It's the middle of the night on Arus, but Princess Allura had been unable to sleep. On nights like this it was always better to get out of bed and do something until she was tired enough to sleep rather than to toss and turn in bed. Often times when she can't sleep she will wander to castle control to speak to whoever is on duty.

Tonight she enters castle control to hear voices, she looks up and Keith is on duty, but speaking to a man on the video prompter. She begins to back away quietly not wishing to interrupt Keith's conversation when the man on the prompter speaks, "Who's the good looking lady behind you brother?"

Keith turns around in the chair noticing Allura for the first time, "Is everything alright Princess?"

Allura moves forward, "Everything is fine, I didn't mean to interrupt Keith."

Keith looks her over, "Couldn't sleep again?"

Allura shakes her head as she hears a loud throat clearing sound from the man on the prompter. Keith smiles at her and signals Allura to move forward before turning back around, "Gerald, this is Princess Allura, the ruling monarch of Planet Arus." He turns and rolls his eyes, "Princess this is my brother Gerald."

Allura smiles at Keith's eye rolling before facing the prompter, "How do you do Gerald?"

Gerald smiles at her, "It's a pleasure Princess and it's nice to finally meet you after hearing soo much about you."

Allura looks at Keith from the corner of her eye to see his face has turned red and deciding to have some fun with him she raises her eyebrows and asks, "Exactly what have you heard?"

Gerald gives her a wicked smile and Keith interrupts, "Gerald is exaggerating Princess, pay him no mind…he loves to try to embarrass me."

Gerald laughs, "Keith is right about that, I can't resist getting my little brother in trouble…"

Keith grumbles, "Little brother…"

Allura laughs at both of them as suddenly she hears a squeal coming across the prompter and a little boy appears on the screen in front of Gerald, "Unca Keit!!"

Keith smiles up at the little boy who looks a lot like him, "Hello Johnny…"

Johnny bounces in his father's lap prompting Gerald to grab him, "Hold still you little jumping bean."

Keith laughs, "Are you being good for your father you little runt?"

Johnny nods enthusiastically, "When I see you Unca Keit?

Keith smiles, "It may be a while squirt." But Johnny ignores him to look over at Allura and pointing, "Who the pretty lady?"

Keith breaks out laughing before he can speak, "You are just like your father…" as he looks over to see Allura's cheeks have turned red.

Gerald also laughs, "Yes the apple didn't fall too far from the tree with this one. Although I have noticed he tends to act like his uncle quite often as well."

Keith rolls his eyes at his brother before they hear a female voice in the background, "Johnny, where did you run off to?"

Like a shot Johnny is off the screen and Keith laughs again, "So I see Anna is still the disciplinarian…"

This time Gerald is the one rolling his eyes before Keith asks, "So when do you leave for your vacation?"

Gerald grins, "In two days, our first vacation without the kids since they were born." In the background Anna's voice can be heard again, "Gerald, come take care of Bella before she crawls out of her crib…"

Gerald grimaces as Keith laughs, "I better run, the boss has spoken." He looks over to Allura, "It was very nice meeting you Princess."

Allura smiles at him as Keith says his farewells and the prompter goes black. Allura looks at Keith, "Your brother seems very nice."

Keith smiles at her, "Thanks, he does love getting me in trouble though."

Casting about for a topic Allura asks, "So how old is Johnny?"

Keith sighs, "That little devil is 4 and a half. My niece Isabella is 9 months old." He looks at her, "So what's the reason you couldn't sleep tonight?"

Allura looks away from him and shrugs, "Just the normal worries."

Keith continues to study her noticing the shadows under her eyes, "The normal nightmares as well?"

Allura meets his eyes shocked and Keith holds her gaze, "I know you have nightmares Princess, I've heard you once or twice when I've patrolled the halls. Does Coran or Nanny know about them?"

Allura looks away and shakes her head, "Please don't say anything to them Keith, they will just worry."

Keith's eyebrows go up, "Do you want to talk about them?"

Allura shakes her head again and Keith sighs, "If you change your mind I've been told I listen fairly well for a man."

Allura looks Keith in the eyes and smiles a small smile before looking up at the monitors, "So is everything quiet tonight?"

Letting her change the subject Keith turns around in the chair again and brings up the screens. "All quiet so far." He turns and looks at her again, "Are you alright Princess?"

Allura sighs, but won't look at him, "I'm fine Keith, just worried. We haven't heard anything from Planet Doom lately and I'm afraid of what they will try next."

Keith reaches out and takes her hand, squeezing it as he speaks softly, "It will be okay Allura."

Allura finally meets his eyes, "I know…as long as you and the others are here. I just dread the day Galaxy Garrison decides to transfer you."

Keith smiles at her, "The day that happens is the day you will no longer have any worries about Planet Doom."

Allura smiles at him as he takes his hand back, "I think I'm tired enough to sleep now. Good night Keith." She turns and walks away as Keith watches her go, "Good night Princess."

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Three days later Keith enters castle control, "Coran, I was told there is a message for me."

Coran turns around in his chair looking distressed, "Yes Commander, Admiral Graham is on the prompter for you."

Seeing Coran's face, Keith hesitantly walks up to the controls as Coran leaves the seat and moves away. Up on the video prompt is Admiral Graham, "Sir, you have a message for me?"

Admiral Graham looks down from the prompter, "I'm sorry to inform you Commander that there was an accident. The airplane your brother and sister-in-law were on crashed yesterday, there were no survivors."

Keith moves back to sit in the command chair, misses it and lands on the floor staring up at the prompter. Coran moves forward and helps Keith up into the chair before he manages to answer and it comes out as a mere whisper, "Are you sure?"

Admiral Graham sighs before shaking his head with regret, "I'm sorry Commander, I had it confirmed twice before I called and there is no doubt."

Keith stands up his voice bland with shock, "Thanks for informing me sir…" he turns and pulls away from Coran before he stumbles out of the room and takes off running down the hall.

Coran watches him go before sitting back down at the controls and ringing Lance's and Allura's comm units, "I need both of you to come to castle control quickly…"

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Sometime later Allura leaves castle control and heads down the hall to Keith's room and knocks on the door. She opens the door and walks into the dark room and whispers, "Keith?" She reaches over and presses a button on the control panel which turns on a lamp by Keith's desk. With the light provided she can see his form lying on his bed.

Allura moves over to his bed and sits beside him and touches his shoulder, "Keith?"

Keith finally turns over looking at Allura before turning away from her again. In that brief movement Allura saw the red eyes and anguished expression. She lightly rubs his arm, "Keith…let me help you…"

Keith pulls away from her moving to sit on the side of the bed away from Allura, his back to her. "You can't…" His shoulders shake as tears fall, "My brother is gone…I can't even go to the funeral…"

Allura moves around his bed to stand in front of him and pulls him against her resting her cheek on top of his head as his arms come around her waist while he cries. Once he calms down he pulls away from her and Allura steps back watching him, "Keith…I spoke with Admiral Graham, he wants to know what you want to do about your niece and nephew since you were named their guardian."

Keith closes his eyes turning away as he shakes his head, "I can't even think…"

Allura sits beside him and touches his chin turning his face toward her to look into his eyes, "Bring them here Keith…let us help you."

Keith shakes his head, "How can I take care of them Allura? I spend most of my time fighting…"

Allura leans forward and kisses his cheek and whispers, "Bring them here Keith…you don't have to do this alone."

Keith looks away and finally nods before lying back on his bed covering his eyes with his arm. She leans back and rests her hand on his chest, "I'll contact Admiral Graham Keith and make the arrangements…rest for now."

Keith nods again and Allura stands up exiting the room. She runs into Lance in the hallway and he raises his eyebrows at her after noticing whose room she was in. Allura motions Lance to follow her and speaks after they get away from the door, "He will be okay Lance…he agreed to have his niece and nephew brought here. Can you contact Galaxy Garrison and make the arrangements?"

Lance sighs, "Yes…I'll make sure they get on a secured transport as soon as possible."

Allura nods and continues down the hall, "Good, I will alert Coran and Nanny. Nanny will finally have children to watch over again."

Lance stops and grabs her arm, "You wouldn't be that mean to those kids would you?"

Allura smiles, "She isn't that bad Lance…"

Lance snorts, "Maybe to children…"

Allura laughs and walks away.

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Keith enters Castle control four days later to find Coran sitting at the controls. He approaches curious as it was Lance's turn to be on duty, "Coran…where's Lance?"

Coran turns around in his seat, "Good morning Commander, Princess Allura sent Lance, Pidge and Hunk out to escort your niece and nephew here. The transport ship refused to enter our airspace due to monitoring unknown ships on the radar. The princess didn't want to take any chances with their safety so sent out the lions. They should return in the next hour."

Keith looks around shocked, "Why wasn't I notified?"

Coran studies the young man; the grief and resulting exhaustion was still evident on his face, "Relax Commander. We meant no disrespect in not notifying you, we just thought you had enough to worry about right now."

Keith closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose to keep his emotions under control and then nods, "Please let me know when they enter Arus airspace Coran."

Coran answers as he turns back around, "Of course." while Keith turns around and exits the room.

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Keith stands near the landing pad as the transport shuttle lands and opens its door. A middle aged woman walks out holding Johnny's hand while carry Isabella. Johnny spots Keith and pulls away from the woman running to him.

Keith bends down and picks up his nephew hugging him tightly as Johnny clings to him. Johnny whispers in his ear his voice teary, "Unca Keit…I miss daddy."

Keith closes his eyes trying to keep in the tears, "I miss your daddy too squirt."

The woman carrying Isabella reaches Keith and Keith shifts Johnny to one side to take Isabella in his other arm. Bella studies her uncle before smiling at him and trying to grab his hair. Keith smiles at her and thanks the woman who turns around to return to the ship as the children's boxes are being unloaded.

Keith turns around and begins walking back to the castle to see Allura standing near the door. She moves forward and smiles at Keith. He stops in front of her and Johnny looks at her, "The pretty lady."

Allura smiles at him, "My name is Allura." She holds out her hand to shake his, but Johnny leans back into Keith and hides his face in his neck. Allura meets his eyes and Keith slightly shakes his head. Allura looks at the baby Keith is also carrying, "What an angel…" Isabella has Keith's black hair but sky blue eyes with a cherubic face. Bella reaches out to Allura trying to grab her pulling away from her uncle. Allura takes her from Keith before he drops her and hugs her close as the baby giggles.

Keith's smile doesn't quite reach his eyes, "Apparently she likes you."

Allura smiles back at him while trying to pull her hair out of Bella's fingers, "Lance and the others are going to escort the ship back out and will return after that."

Keith nods and Allura continues, "Do you want some help getting them settled?"

Keith hugs Johnny close to him and sighs, "Sure, it will be easier if I don't have to carry both of them and I don't think Johnny is ready to let go of me yet."

Allura nods and carries Bella following Keith into the castle.

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Late that night Allura wakes up trying not to scream from her latest nightmare. Shaking she gets out of bed and dresses in her jump suit pulling her hair back in a pony tail before leaving her room and walking down the hall. Suddenly remembering it is Coran's night to be on duty at castle control she turns around and walks the other way not wanting to answer the questions Coran would have for her late night wandering.

She wanders the corridors and ends up in the wing where the force sleeps. She pauses as she hears crying coming from the room next to Keith's where the children were placed. She opens the door to find Keith pacing the room in his pajamas with a crying Isabella while Johnny sits in front of him crying as well.

She enters the room as Keith turns around to look at the door. "Need some help?"

Keith at about wit's end nods as Johnny gets up from the floor and grabs Keith's leg still crying. Allura smiles at the look on Keith's face as she approaches, "Let me try calming Bella."

Keith hands her the crying baby before picking up Johnny and Allura picks up the bottle where Keith left it before sitting down in the rocking chair cuddling Bella close to her chest. She starts rocking while humming to the baby as Keith lies down on Johnny's bed with him. As Bella calms down Allura gives her the bottle and snuggles her in to go to sleep still humming.

Keith watches Allura from Johnny's bed amazed at how Bella responded to her. He had been trying to get her to quit crying for the last half hour and was ready to cry himself when she walked into the room. He catches her eye smiling at her, whispering, "What are you humming?"

Allura smiles back, "It's an old Arusian lullaby my mother always hummed to me when I was upset or sick. It always made me feel better…" she looks back down into Bella's sleeping face and kisses her forehead before looking back up, "How's Johnny?"

Keith pulls back from Johnny and looks into his nephew's face, "Sleeping thank God."

She watches him, studying his face, "How are you?"

Keith sighs, "I'll be fine Princess…just not sure what kind of father I'm going to make. I couldn't even get a baby to quit crying."

Allura smiles at him, "Well, having two children crying at the same time would be enough to make anyone go crazy." She slowly rises from the chair moving to Bella's crib laying her down in it then covering her with a blanket before facing him again, "I learned the trick a while ago from Nanny. If you can remain calm, you usually can calm down the child. They sense when you are upset and react to it."

Keith slowly gets up away from Johnny stopping briefly as Johnny sighs in his sleep before managing to get out of the bed. He moves over to Allura, "No wonder I couldn't get her to quit crying…I was ready to start crying myself."

Allura laughs quietly at him, "I could see that when I entered the room."

Keith sighs, "I was fine until Johnny woke up crying five minutes after Bella did." He watches her, "So what were you doing out of bed? Don't tell me you could hear the crying from your room."

Its Allura's turn to sigh, "Couldn't sleep again…"

Keith studies her eyes before he whispers, "Was that all?"

Allura watches his eyes for a moment and then looks away, "I'm fine Keith." She looks back as he tries to hide a yawn and she smiles, "I think you better go to bed before they wake up again." She walks toward the door as he follows her out, "Good night Princess and thanks."

She watches him walk away, "Good night Keith."

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As the next two weeks pass by Keith falls into a pattern with the children and his responsibility to the force and Arus. Johnny and Isabella have crept their way into the hearts of everyone in the castle. Keith was shocked to walk into castle control one afternoon to find Johnny on Coran's lap as Coran explained how the controls worked. Even Nanny was unable to stay stern with Johnny smiling up at her. Lance fell over backward off a chair when Nanny laughed at Johnny spilling a cup of juice all over Keith's lap one morning. Princess Allura could often be found in the children's room playing with Isabella and reading books to Johnny.

Lance knocks on Keith's bedroom door one afternoon and enters it to find Keith sitting at his desk trying to work on a report as Bella sits on his lap grabbing at everything she can get her hands on. Lance laughs as she finally grabs the paper Keith is writing on and pulls it away as Keith yells, "BELLA!"

Lance moves over to them, "Come here sweetheart to Uncle Lance…" and takes Bella off of Keith's lap as Keith tries to put his papers back together. Bouncing her on his hip and getting her to giggle he looks at Keith, "So how are the reports coming along?"

Keith gives him a dirty look, "It would go better if my niece didn't try to help me."

Lance laughs, "Well hurry up and finish. Princess has decided to have a picnic out by the lake since it is nice out today and wants you and the kids to join."

Keith sighs while rubbing tired eyes with his fingers, "A picnic…"

Lance studies him, "Come on Keith…it will be fun and we could all use a little relaxation."

Keith finally nods, "If you will take Bella I can finish within the hour."

Lance nods and looks down at Bella, "It's you and me babe." tickling her making her giggle again as he walks out the door with her.

An hour later Keith joins the others at the front of the castle as Johnny runs up to him, "Unca Keit, we go picnicking." Keith smiles at him as Johnny takes his hand and pulls him over to Princess Allura's location.

Johnny pulls on Allura's pants as she finishes her conversation with Pidge and turns to look at him, "Aunt Lura, Unca Keit ready." Allura smiles at him before looking up at Keith, "Thanks for joining us."

Keith nods at her as Hunk calls out, "Well let's go!"

Everyone gets into the carriage that takes them to the picnic spot between the lake and forest and has fun during the picnic eating the wonderful food Nanny packed while enjoying the fair weather. After lunch Allura sits holding Bella while watching the boys play soccer with Johnny.

After Bella falls asleep Allura lays the child down on the blanket in the shade and being tired of sitting Allura gets up and wanders around the tree line. Seeing her walk away Johnny quits the game and runs over to her, "Lura, I come too?"

Allura smiles at him and takes his hand waving at Keith as they walk away. They walk a ways and Allura looks around, "I didn't realize we have walked so far away, let's go back." As Allura turns around she feels an arm snake around her waist pulling her back, "I have you now my princess…"

Allura screams, "Lotor!" and tries to pull away as Lotor puts his hand on her mouth while trying to pull her into the woods. He howls in pain as Johnny kicks him in the shins, "Let go my Lura!"

Distracted by the child Allura manages to stomp on Lotor's foot and elbow him at the same time managing to free herself, "Johnny run! Go get Keith!" Johnny takes off running yelling Keith's name as Allura turns back to Lotor and punches him in the jaw knocking him backward before turning to run away.

Lotor turns around and yells, "No you don't!" as he pulls a small knife out of his belt throwing it at Johnny. Allura who is only a few feet away from Lotor turns as Lotor throws the knife and screams "NO!" as she moves in front of the knife and it becomes imbedded in her chest as she collapses onto the ground.

Keith's yell of "ALLURA NO!" can be heard as he runs toward them as Lotor turns and runs into the woods when Keith fires several shots at him from his laser gun. Lance runs forward and picks up a screaming Johnny as Keith reaches Allura and pulls her up in his arms, "Allura!"

Allura looks up into Keith's face, whispering his name before looking back at the knife sticking out of her chest and reaching for the handle. Keith grabs her hand, "No, leave it!" and picks her up and starts running for the carriage. Hunk finishes pulling a horse free and takes Allura from Keith as Keith mounts the horse before taking Allura back in his arms and racing for the castle.

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Coran and Nanny are seated as Keith paces in the waiting room of MedTech. The door to MedTech opens as the rest of the force walks in, Johnny crying in Lance's arms. Bella lays in Pidge's arms still asleep as he walks across the room and takes a seat.

Lance approaches Keith who stops pacing as Johnny crying reaches for him, "Lura…" Keith sighs, "She will be okay Johnny…" holds him tight to his chest and closes his eyes, "She has to be…"

Several hours later the Dr. Gorma comes out of the room and addresses the group, "The knife wound caused hemopneumothorax…" pauses, "Princess Allura has a collapsed lung with both air and blood in the cavity. We repaired the wound that was letting blood into the cavity and have inserted a chest tube to remove the blood and air. Once the area is clear the lung should expand again; thankfully the other lung did not collapse. She will recover in time."

Coran says a little prayer before standing, "We are going to need someone to cover Blue lion while she recovers."

Keith hands a sleeping Johnny to Hunk and stands, "I'll contact Sven on Planet Pollux, I'm sure he wouldn't have a problem filling in for the time being."

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Two weeks later Romelle watches Allura as she moves slowly around her bedroom, "Are you sure you are okay Allura?"

Allura walks stiffly from the desk to sit beside Romelle on the bed, "I'm fine…a little stiff and sore yet, but I'll survive."

Romelle leans over and gives her a one armed hug by wrapping her arm around Allura's back, "Never scare me like that again…"

Allura gives her a small smile, "Believe me I'll try…it wasn't exactly a picnic for me either."

Romelle smiles at her, "I don't know who was more frantic, Coran, myself or Keith."

Allura looks at Romelle confused, "Keith?"

Romelle raises her eyebrows at her, "Surely you know that he sat by your bedside for several hours every day and most nights after it happened, until he knew you would recover."

Allura slowly shakes her head at Romelle confused, "Why would he do that?"

Romelle watches her curiously, "I suppose he felt responsible for what happened to you since you would never have been injured had you not jumped in front of that knife to save Johnny."

Seeing the look of disappointment on Allura's face she looks at her inquisitively, "Allura, what did you hope to hear?"

Allura shakes her head at Romelle and turns away slightly as Romelle continues to probe, "Do you care for Keith?"

Allura's eyes snap back to Romelle before her cheeks turn red and she looks away and Romelle continues, "Does he know you care?"

Allura shakes her head no still refusing to look at Romelle. Romelle grabs Allura's chin and slowly turns Allura's face toward her, "Why haven't you said anything to him?"

Allura's eyes search Romelle's before she looks down and answers, "Because I don't know if he has any feelings for me."

Romelle rubs her shoulder, "And you will never know if you don't say anything to him. Look at Sven and I and all the time we wasted because neither of us wanted to be the one to make the first move." Allura briefly looks at her before she looks away again and Romelle continues, "It took almost being killed by that Robeast before we would admit it…Allura if you have a chance at love you must take it."

Allura studies Romelle's earnest face, "How?"

Romelle smiles at her, "Go speak with Keith and ask him how he feels. It is the only way you will ever know."

Allura looks away, "What if he doesn't feel the same way?"

Romelle pulls her into a hug, "Then at least you will know and can move on." She pulls back from Allura and continues, "Isn't not knowing worse? Watching him every day and trying to figure out if he wants more than friendship but won't say anything…trying to discern the meaning behind his words or actions…" Allura looks away and Romelle grabs her chin again and turns her face toward her, "I know what you are going through Allura. I went through the same thing with Sven; the agony of not knowing if he loved me as much as I loved him was torture."

Allura finally nods and slowly stands up, "Ok…I'll go speak with him." Romelle stands and hugs her, "Good luck…"

Allura tentatively smiles at her before she slowly leaves the room.

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Keith smiles in greeting at Allura as she enters the room, he moves across the room laying Isabella down in her crib whispering, "I'm glad to see you up and about but if you wanted to feed her you missed it Princess…"

She pauses by the door, a hesitant look on her face as she looks everywhere around the room but at Keith. Noticing this Keith finishes covering Isabella and moves to face her, "Princess, what's wrong?"

She finally faces him, her cheeks red, "I wanted to talk to you…"

Keith's eyebrows go up noticing her red cheeks and the way she wouldn't look him in the eye, "Okay…let's go down to your office…"

Allura shakes her head at him, "No…I'll lose my nerve…" she finally looks into his eyes, "For some time now I've realized that I have feelings for you Keith and I need to know if you could ever feel more for me than friendship."

Keith's cheeks turn red as he breaks eye contact with Allura and turns away from her moving to distance himself from her before turning back to face her, "Look Allura..." and then stops as he sees the earnest look on her face which bothers him and makes him angry.

Keith rubs his jaw studying her and begins again his face carefully neutral, his eyes suddenly as cold as his tone, "Allura, it has nothing to do with you personally…but I am not interested in being involved with anyone at anytime. My life revolves around Galaxy Garrison and now these children." He then walks around her and leaves the room.

Allura stands there shocked as tears run down her cheeks, all her hopes and dreams going down in flames around her. She slowly moves to stand in front of Isabella's crib watching the precious baby sleeping, "At least you will know his love…" Stuffing her fist in her mouth to stop herself from sobbing out loud she quickly leaves the room. Moving as fast down the hall as her body will allow her, her sight blurred with tears she bumps into Sven who grabs her to keep her from falling, "Princess…."

Allura briefly looks up at Sven who is shocked by the look of agony on her face as Allura pulls away from him before finishing the few steps to get to her room.

Sven quickly walks to his bedroom hoping to find Romelle. Entering the room he spies Romelle sitting at the desk writing. She turns and smiles at him before seeing his face and stands quickly, "What's wrong?"

Sven steps forward, "I just ran into Allura in the hallway and she was crying…I think you need to go to her."

Romelle looks upset, "Oh no…it must not have gone well." She turns to leave the room but Sven grabs her, "What do you mean it must not have gone well?"

Romelle tries to pull away from him, "I'll explain later, she needs me…" Sven keeps a hold of her arm and gives her a stern look, "Tell me now…"

Romelle sighs, "She is in love with Keith Sven…she went to ask Keith if he feels the same way. He must have turned her down, please let me go to her now."

Sven looks incredulous at Romelle, "Why would she go ask him that?"

Romelle looks into Sven's face upset by his reaction, "Because we talked about it and how not knowing if someone you love loves you is painful. She wanted to know Sven."

Sven rubs his jaw while watching her, "Dammit…that's the worst advice you could have given her when it comes to Keith…"

Romelle looks shocked, "What do you mean? You know what we both went through not knowing…"

Sven sighs as he touches her cheek, "Well with Keith everything is different…" he shakes his head, "Forget I said anything, go to her." Romelle quickly leaves the room to go to Allura as Sven leaves the room to find Keith.

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Sven finds Keith in the gym working on punching bags and walks slowly over to him, "Working out some frustrations?"

Keith stops and looks at Sven, "Just a few, what's up?"

Sven raises his eyebrows, "I just passed Princess Allura in the hallway Keith…she was crying and didn't even see me…I had to grab her to keep her from falling over as she ran into me. Do you know why she would be crying Keith?"

Keith looks away from Sven his tone turns icy, "No, I have no idea why Princess Allura would be crying." He turns and goes back to hitting his punching bag.

Sven grabs Keith by the shoulder pulling him back around furious, "Bullshit Keith…otherwise you would be showing me concern about the reason she is crying."

Keith pulls away from Sven and shoves him back, "Stay out of it Sven…it doesn't concern you."

Sven moves back in, "Like hell it doesn't…Allura is now my cousin by marriage, part of my family, so if you are going to hurt her you better believe I am going to make it my business."

Keith shakes his head at him breathing heavily, "She asked me if I had feelings for her beyond friendship, I told her no and that I never would. End of story."

Sven looks at Keith like he was an idiot, "I don't suppose you were even remotely kind about it, like any other woman stupid enough to show you any feelings I'm sure you just blasted her before walking away."

Keith turns red in the face as he gets angry, "I didn't ask her to blurt out her feelings to me Sven. I have never done anything to give Allura any illusions that I liked her beyond friendship."

Sven gets seriously angry, "Knowing the kind of sheltered life she has led and her lack of experience with men you couldn't have softened the blow? Did you have to step on her heart and throw her feelings back into her face before stomping out of the room?"

Keith looks pissed, "I suppose she cried to Romelle and Romelle came crying to you…"

Sven grabs Keith by the lapels of his shirt and shoves him against the wall, "Romelle only told me that they had a discussion of Allura's feelings and she went to you. From that I knew what happened, I know how you act toward women Keith, I've seen you in action before…remember you asshole…"

Keith shoves Sven away from him and starts to walk away. Sven shakes his head and asks quietly, "Do you think Mary would have wanted you to spend your life alone? Would she have approved of the way you behave to women who dare show any interest in you?"

Keith stops and turns back to Sven, clenching and unclenching his fists his face pale with rage, "Do not bring her up to me Sven…if our friendship means anything to you, you will never bring up her name to me again." He turns and leaves the gym as Sven sadly watches him go.

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As the next two days go by everyone can tell there is a strain in the relationship between Keith and Allura. He treats her with indifference, speaking to her like he would an acquaintance instead of a long time friend. Allura responds in kind, ignoring him whenever possible and avoiding areas where she will likely run into him which includes the children's room.

While sitting in the rec room one afternoon speaking with Romelle she smiles as Johnny comes tearing into the room and then groans as he jumps on her, his hand hitting her in the chest. Romelle looks at her with concern, "Allura are you okay?"

Allura holds her hand up to stop Romelle as Johnny studies her face as she tries to smile at him, "Lura…I mist you!" He then hugs her around the neck as Keith enters the room carrying Isabella looking around, "Johnny did you run in here?" then spots his nephew on Allura's lap and the look of pain on her face.

Imagining what happened he approaches slowly concern showing on his face, "Did he hurt you?"

Allura looks up at Keith and he can see the pain in her eyes as she tries to shake her head no, he sighs, "You're lying…"

Allura's angry eyes meet Keith's, "I'm fine…" as Johnny turns to his uncle, "Keit…look I found Aunty Lura." Keith looks away from Allura to his nephew, "And you jumped on her didn't you young man…I thought we discussed you not doing that?"

Johnny's bottom lip quivers as he looks from his uncle to Allura unsure of how much trouble he is in. Allura sighs, "It's okay Johnny…but next time come sit by me instead of jumping on me okay?" she hugs him again before he slides off her lap back on the floor and she raises her eyes to Keith in a challenge.

Keith raises his eyebrows at her but doesn't take the bait, "Sorry Princess…he knows better than to jump on anybody."

Isabella spots Allura and makes noises to her, smiling while trying to reach for her. Allura can't help it; she smiles at her before taking her hand, "Hi sweetie…"

Romelle laughs, "My…she is trying to get at you…" as Keith struggles to keep a hold of the squirming child.

Allura smiles back at Romelle, "I haven't seen her since I got out of the hospital…" her eyes suddenly jump to Keith's who looks away from her, a small frown on his face. He finally looks back at her, "Do you want to hold her?"

Allura's eyes turn a bit watery as she pushes her feelings away and finally looks away, "I can't handle her yet."

Keith pulls the baby back up so that Isabella is more firmly in his arms, his cheeks red, "Sorry…I forgot."

Romelle looks from one to the other before she gets up, "Excuse me, I need to go find Sven." Allura glares at her back as she exits the room.

Keith watches the door close and turns to Allura, "I'm sorry Allura…"

Allura looks up shocked, and he continues, "I shouldn't have treated you that way the other day, but that doesn't mean I want anything other than friendship between us."

Allura turns her face away and watches Johnny who found one of Pidge's games and was looking at it.

He watches her as he continues, "You saved Johnny's life and I will always owe you for that…you didn't deserve my poor reaction."

Allura doesn't look at him as she tries to keep her voice from quavering, "Don't worry about it Keith…"

Keith continues to watch her for a moment and then sighs, "Feel free to visit the kids any time Princess, I know you have been avoiding them because of me and they miss you." With that he calls Johnny to him and exits the room with the kids leaving Allura to look after him with tears running down her cheek.

_____________________________________________

Late that night Johnny cries as Keith pats his back holding him. "Want Lura…" Johnny manages to stutter out while crying. Keith continues to rub his back, "She is sleeping Johnny…please calm down, I know you don't feel well but you need to stop crying." This makes Johnny just cry even harder and Keith takes a deep breath while trying to keep himself calm. Johnny has been crying for the past 30 minutes since he woke up and got sick all over his bed. Keith had brought him back to his room and got him cleaned up and changed but he couldn't calm Johnny.

Looking at the clock and seeing it was two in the morning and not being able to take it anymore Keith sighs, "Ok, let's go see if we can find Allura…"

Still holding Johnny he exits his room and walks down the hall to Allura's bedroom and knocks on the door. After a few minutes a very sleepy looking Allura opens the door to find Keith in his night clothes holding Johnny, "Keith…what's wrong?" At this Johnny makes a sobbing sound and turns toward her away from Keith, "Lura…" Keith has all he can do not to drop the child as he grabs onto Allura's shoulder.

Unable to hold up his weight Allura sinks to the floor on her knees pulling Johnny against her as Keith sets him down. As Johnny sobs into her neck she looks back up at Keith, "What happened?"

Keith sighs and bends down patting Johnny's back as Allura hugs him, "He got sick and I couldn't calm him down…" his eyes meet hers, "he wanted you…"

Allura looks away and sighs, she pulls Johnny back from her a bit and puts her palm on his forehead as he sucks air in. She looks back at Keith, "He has a fever…" Keith nods at her, "I gave him some medicine for it, but the fever hasn't broken and his continuing crying is only making it worse."

She looks back into Johnny's face as tears continue to fall down his cheeks, "Sweetheart…please stop crying, it's okay…" she uses her fingers to wipe his cheeks and he hugs her putting his face back into her neck slowly calming down.

She looks back at Keith, "He can stay with me tonight…" Keith stands up and sighs, "You shouldn't have to take care him Princess…he's my responsibility."

Allura gives him a small smile, "Children rarely care about those things." She pulls away from Johnny, stands and takes his hand trying to lead him into her room at which Johnny looks back at Keith and holds his hand up to him. Keith raises his eyebrows at him, "What Johnny?" Johnny leans forward and grabs Keith's hand trying to pull him into the room as well and Keith pulls back.

Johnny starts crying again as Allura looks back at Keith. She leans back down to Johnny, "Honey…what's wrong?" Keith moves to stand next to them and Johnny grabs Allura around the neck and Keith around his leg, his head between both of them.

Keith shakes his head, "Apparently he wants both of us at the same time…" Keith bends down and pries Johnny's hand off his leg so he can kneel next to them and Johnny then grabs Keith around the neck as well trying to pull the three of them together.

Keith grabs the hand and pulls it in front of him, "Johnny…stop…" which causes Johnny to start sobbing in earnest again and Allura glares at Keith, "That was helpful…"

Keith looks back at her irritated, lack of sleep causing him to fire up, "What do you suggest then Princess?"

Allura sighs and drops her eyes back to Johnny, "Help me get him up on the bed; we can lie on either side of him."

Keith raises his eyebrows at her, "Probably not a good idea…"

Allura's eyes snap back up at him, "Keith…just till he falls asleep, then you can leave."

Keith sighs at her snappish tone; this isn't helping either of them… "Fine…"

Keith picks up Johnny, prying him away from Allura and lays him down in the middle of the bed before lying down beside him on one side, his back to Keith's chest. Allura moves to the other side of the bed and lies beside Johnny facing him. Johnny puts his arm around her neck again, wrapping his fingers into her hair as he slowly begins to calm down.

Allura lies there, enjoying the feeling of the child in her arms, almost wishing he was hers. She kisses his forehead and then raises her eyes, catching Keith watching her. She lays there quietly staring into his dark eyes, wishing for things that would never be as Keith turns his face away from her and looks down at his nephew.

Keith waits for fifteen minutes and decides he needs to get out of there before he falls asleep; being in Allura's bed is beyond foolish. He turns slowly away from the pair only to hear Johnny's teary voice, "Unca Keit…" He sighs knowing if he tries to go the crying will begin anew and turns back onto his side near Johnny, "It's okay…go to sleep…" He feels Johnny grabbing back at his hand pulling it forward so he can hold onto it, which puts it so the back of his hand is touching Allura's stomach. He raises his eyes to meet Allura's, noting the look of desire that has entered them. He shifts his head to a more comfortable position and closes his eyes trying to ignore the whole ridicules situation and falls asleep, exhaustion finally catching up with him.

Allura continues to watch Keith, why can't he care for me…she finally tilts her head down so her chin rests on the top of Johnny's head a tear escaping out of the corner of her eye before she too falls asleep.

_________________________________________________

Nanny walks down the hall carrying a tray of tea for Princess Allura. She had already checked on Isabella who had woken in a happy mood and had turned her over to one of the other maids after noticing Johnny hadn't been in the room. Nanny sighs, he must be sleeping with his uncle again…she sniffs not entirely approving of it. In her mind children belonged in their own bed, not sleeping with an adult. But she had no say over these children or how the Commander chose to take care of them.

She approaches the door to Allura's room and balances the tray with one arm while punching in the code to open the door. Upon entry she does a double take at the bed before dropping the tray on the floor with a crash, "PRINCESS!!! WHAT IS THE COMMANDER DOING IN YOUR BED?" she screams at the top of her lungs.

Keith and Allura sit up, snapped out of their deep sleep by Nanny's voice as she continues to yell at them. Johnny wakes as well and hearing the yelling he starts crying again. Keith pulls Johnny away from Allura into his lap before shouting at Nanny, "KNOCK IT OFF!!"

By this point a small crowd has gathered in the hall starting with guards who responded to the area when they heard the yelling to maids who had been passing in the hall. Coran also drawn by the yelling glances through the still open door into the room and seeing the situation quickly dismisses everyone before entering the room himself shutting the door behind him.

Coran looks from Nanny who is red in the face and looking outraged by Keith's yelling back at her to seeing Allura climbing out of the bed while Keith holding a sobbing Johnny to his chest tries to calm him. "Princess Allura, what is going on?"

Allura puts on her bathrobe then looks back at Keith to check on Johnny before turning back to Coran, "Keith came to me in the middle of the night Coran because Johnny was sick and he couldn't get him to calm down…" as she finishes that statement the sound of retching can be heard behind her. She looks back and sees Keith looking up to the ceiling with a disgusted look on his face as going down his shirt and onto her bed is a lake of puke.

Nanny swiftly moves forward, her outrage at least briefly forgotten at the sight of the sick child; she takes Johnny from Keith and swiftly moves him into the princess' private bathroom the door closing behind her.

Allura trying to hide her smile at the look she saw on Keith's face turns back to Coran who is also trying not to smile before facing Allura again looking at her sternly, "Be that as it may, you and certainly the Commander, knows it is highly improper…" stopping as Keith, thoroughly disgusted at this point, pulls his shirt off and gets out of the bed before walking past Coran and out the door without saying a word.

_______________________________________________

Later that afternoon Keith knocks on Coran's door and enters when bidden, "Commander please have a seat."

Keith does as requested and looks at Coran waiting for him to start. Coran sits back in his chair and sighs while studying Keith, "You disappoint me Commander…"

Keith shakes his head, "Coran I never meant to fall asleep in there, I'm sure you know from Princess Allura that Johnny was screaming if either one of us tried to move away from him. I only meant to stay until he fell asleep and then I was going to leave."

Coran holds his hand up, "It doesn't matter Commander, you were found in the bed of the Princess of Arus, the fact that a child was laying between you and that nothing untoward happened doesn't matter. Allura's reputation is ruined."

Keith makes no comment; he narrows his eyes studying Coran waiting for him to continue. Coran sits forward in his chair, "You need to correct this issue Commander before the story leaves this castle and starts circulating amongst the people."

Keith stands up and asks in a low voice, "What do you mean correct this?"

Coran stands as well, "I think you know what I mean Commander…the only way to restore her reputation is to marry her."

Keith growls out, "Never Coran…"

Coran moves around his desk and gets nose to nose with Keith his face red, rage filling him, "You have no idea what kind of situation you have put her in…as Princess of Arus her reputation must be above reproach or the people will turn on her."

Keith pushes Coran away from him before answering his voice low and dangerous, "I will not marry Coran; Allura or anyone else and I don't give a damn what you or anyone else says or thinks." he turns and stalks out of the room.

________________________________________

Keith walks quickly down the hall heading toward the gym needing to punch something even if it is a workout bag. He enters the gym in full rage and before him stands Lance and Allura laughing over something. Unable to stop himself he walks over and grabs Allura's arm dragging her to the side as he ignores Lance objecting to his handling of the princess.

"Did you put Coran up to that?" he shouts into her face.

Allura looks at Keith outraged and pulls her arm away from him, "What are you talking about?"

Keith gets into her face raging, "Coran just informed me he expects me to marry you to restore your so called reputation after Nanny screamed down the castle this morning and I want to know if you put Coran up to it?"

Allura looks hurt and shocked, "No I didn't…"

Keith pushes her away from him, "Why don't I believe you…."

Lance moves over and shoves Keith, "What the hell do you think you are doing Keith?"

Keith takes a swing at Lance who ducks it while grabbing Keith from behind, "Keith calm down…"

Keith breaks Lance's hold and turns breathing heavily while looking at Lance before turning back to Allura glaring at her, "I told Coran and I'm telling you right now, I will never marry you Allura so get over your childish romantic notions about anything ever happening between you and me." He then turns and storms out of the room leaving Lance shocked as Allura slowly sinks to the floor tears running down her face.

_________________________________________

Keith storms to castle control and commands Pidge, "Raise the tube, I need to go out…"

Pidge looks back to ask where Keith is going, but seeing the look on his face he wisely turns around and hits the button raising the launch bay as Keith disappears down the tube for Black lion. Half an hour later Sven, Lance and Hunk enter the room with Lance asking, "Where's Keith?"

Pidge turns in the command chair, "He's out flying on his own. What's going on?"

Hunk fills in Pidge on the events of the day as Lance paces the room. Pidge is thunderstruck, "He actually yelled at Princess?"

Lance growled, "Yes…and that son of a bitch hurt her badly…"

Sven looks at the monitor to the location Keith is currently flying, "Come on guys, I think we need to go find our Captain and explain our displeasure with him."

All four race for the tubes and blast off heading for Keith's location.

Meanwhile in Black lion Keith is flying past a village and heading into the mountain areas when he notices the other four lions encircling him. He gets on the commlink, "What do you four think you are doing?"

Lance appears on the comm, "Land Keith…we would like to have a word with you."

Keith glares at him, "What could you possibly want to talk to me about that can't wait until I return to the castle?"

Sven appears on the comm next, "Land now Keith or we will force you down and Hunk really doesn't want to have to spend time fixing the damage we will do to the lions."

Swearing Keith dives for the ground landing in a small valley and jumps out of Black landing on the ground in front as the other four exit their lions. He waits in front of Black as they approach him, "What the hell is going on?"

In response Lance walks up to Keith and punches him in the jaw. Keith grabs the leg of the lion to keep on his feet and whirls around to punch him back only to be grabbed by Hunk and Sven and slammed against the leg of his lion.

Keith looks around shocked at the faces of his team mates and friends, blood trickling down his chin from his split lip, "What the hell is going on?"

Pidge starts, "We wish to register our displeasure with the way you treated Princess today."

Keith glares at them and growls, "It's none of your damn business…" Keith tries to push against Hunk and Sven only to have Hunk shove him hard against the lion again.

Hunk gets in his face, "It is when you hurt her and she has done nothing to deserve it." He looks at him with disgust and stands back.

Keith narrows his eyes, "So what's this then…you four are going to fight her battles for her?"

Sven releases him, "If that is what it takes to beat some sense into you, yes. On our own we would never be able to beat you but the four of us together should be able to kick your ass."

Keith looks around dumbfounded; his friends have never spoken to him like this before.

Lance moves forward, "She had nothing to do with Coran's demands Keith. I spoke to Coran afterward; he was acting of his own accord."

Keith's eyes grow wide with guilt as he sags against the lion's leg, "Shit…"

Lance lowers himself beside him a calm fury in his voice, "If you ever speak to her like that again Keith I will personally find a way to beat you senseless."

Pidge speaks up, "And he won't be doing it alone…"

With that the four of them turn away, return to their lions and fly away leaving Keith sitting in the clearing on his own.

_____________________________________________

Keith returns to the castle later, as he exits the tube he notices Pidge back at the controls, but Pidge doesn't acknowledge him. He sighs, it's what I deserve I guess…he walks down the hall and heads for his room. He takes a shower and changes, decides to skip dinner and heads for the kids' room.

As he walks in the door he finds Allura sitting on the floor with Isabella laughing at her, "Bella, you are so silly…" as Bella grabs Allura's hair and tries to pull it. Allura looks over to the door to see who entered and the smile leaves her face. She turns away from Keith, hugs Bella and then gets up off the floor turning back to Keith although not looking at him and walking toward the door.

He reaches out to her and whispers, "Allura…I'm sorry…"

Allura pulls away from him before her angry eyes meet his, "Don't Keith…I don't want to hear it…just stay away from me." and she storms out of the room.

_______________________________________

The next day follows a similar pattern, nobody speaking to Keith unless necessary as he moves about his day. He passed Romelle and Allura in the hallway, Allura wouldn't even look at him, Romelle glared at him. He was in his room working on paper work for Galaxy Garrison when his communicator rang, "Keith here…" Coran's voice fills the room, "Commander, I request your presence in the control room please." He sighs as he stands up, "I'm on my way, Keith out."

He enters the control room and hears Allura arguing with Coran, "We don't need him with us Coran…" and stops as she sees him. Coran moves toward Keith, "The princess is visiting the local village today and I request you go with her for protection."

Keith nods as he looks away from Coran and to Allura's flushed face, "It would be my pleasure."

Coran nods, "Good, you will accompany the princesses as well as Sven and Lance."

Allura leaves the room not looking at either man.

Keith looks back to Coran, "Why so many of us, are you expecting trouble?"

Coran looks at Keith closely, "I've heard that the rumors have reached the villages and I want to make sure nothing happens to Princess Allura."

Keith's face tightens in anger but he says nothing as he nods at Coran and turns leaving the room to follow Allura.

The ride in the carriage to the village is uncomfortable for Keith, Allura ignores him completely and the others followed suit with Sven and Lance talking amongst themselves leaving Keith out of the conversation.

They reach the village and the women climb out of the carriage moving to the center of town as the guys begin to bring down the baskets of items the princess intends to hand out to the people. Keith watches the villagers, normally when the royal carriage arrives a group of people descend on it to greet the princess and gain her attention. Today everyone looks away and many leave the area entirely. Not liking the looks of it Keith grabs Sven's arm forcing him to stop, "Sven, look at the way the people are moving away…"

Lance hearing what Keith said turns and starts watching the villagers and the angry looks the people are casting in Allura's direction, he looks back at Keith, "What's going on?"

Instead of answering Keith moves forward quickly to Allura and Romelle's location as Allura bends down to greet a child and the mother swiftly moves in front of her and picks up the little boy, "Stay away from my son…"

Allura looks up shocked by the venom in the woman's voice as the local village elder approaches Allura, "Princess Allura, you are not welcome here."

Allura looks around shocked and confused as another man approaches her, "How dare you come here…your poor father must be turning in his grave by the way his daughter has turned into a harlot…"

The crowd grows and many angry voices start calling out names to Allura. Keith catches up with her as a young man throws a tomato at Allura hitting her in the face while calling her a whore. Keith grabs Allura and pushes her behind him while pulling his laser gun out pointing it at the advancing crowd, "BACK OFF NOW!" before firing several blasts into the air which scares some of the crowd into turning and running. However more of the more determined men advance on them. He looks behind him as Sven and Lance catch up, "Sven, Lance! Get Allura and Romelle out of here!"

Sven grabs Romelle's hand and turns and runs, Lance grabs Allura's hand, but she refuses to move, "I don't understand, what's going on?" Keith blasts the dirt in front of the men scaring them before he holsters his weapon and turns picking Allura up in his arms and runs, "Make for the carriage!"

Lance gets to the carriage first, jumps in and turns taking Allura from Keith as the crowd starts to catch up to them grabbing at Keith's shoulder. He turns and kicks out knocking a few of the men closest down before turning around, "GO! GET HER BACK TO THE CASTLE!" Keith watches the carriage take off and turns back to the crowd pulling out his laser gun again as suddenly he hears the roar of the lions. Green and Yellow lions land in front of the crowd which causes the remaining villagers to run away.

Keith holsters his laser gun and jumps up to the cockpit of Green lion. Pidge turns in his seat, "We got Sven's distress call, Keith what happened down there?"

Keith shakes his head, "Later, just follow the carriage and make sure it returns safely to the castle."

The lions fly overhead and follow the carriage until it enters the castle; Keith gets out of Green at the front of the castle as Pidge takes off to return the lion to its lair. He runs into the castle as the other four exit the carriage stopping in front of Allura, "Are you okay?"

Before she can answer Coran appears in front, "Princess Allura, did they hurt you?" Allura faces him, "I'm fine, but I don't understand what happened. Why did the villagers attack me Coran?"

Instead of answering her Coran turns to Keith livid, "I warned you about this Commander…"

Keith's face turns red with anger as Allura steps in between them facing Coran, "Coran, I demand an answer, what is going on?"

Coran looks into Allura's determined features, "I'm sorry Princess Allura, the rumors of the Commander being found in your bed have reached the villages and they are assuming the worst and as such treated you as a disgraced woman."

Allura's eyes grow wide with shock, "But nothing happened…"

Coran looks at her sadly, "It doesn't matter Princess, they expect your behavior to be above reproach and a man being found in your bed that is not your husband makes you a whore in their eyes."

Keith pulls Allura behind him to stand in front of Coran livid, "Don't you dare use that word in front of her…"

Coran returns the gaze with an angry one of his own, "She better get used to hearing that word…I expect by tomorrow morning we will have a mob in front of the castle demanding Allura to step down as Princess of Arus and that word will be screamed by one and all."

Romelle steps forward, "Coran, surely there must be a way to fix this."

Coran looks at her briefly before returning his gaze to Keith, "Only the Commander can fix this and he has refused."

Allura steps in front again, "Coran, there must be some other way to solve this…"

Coran returns her gaze, "I'm sorry Princess Allura, but unless you marry Commander Keith the people will continue to turn against you and demand your resignation." He moves to stand in front of Keith again his voice thick with fury, "Congratulations, you have done what Planet Doom could not by toppling the last ruling monarch of Planet Arus." before he turns and leaves the room.

Allura turns to face Keith who stands beside the carriage his fists clenching and unclenching. Sven grabs Romelle's hand and pulls her away from them. Lance looks from one to the other and then turns and walks away as well.

Allura approaches Keith, "Keith…" he looks at her and she is shocked by the fury in his gaze, "I do not expect you to marry me Keith, you made yourself perfectly clear about that."

Keith turns away from her and punches the carriage creating a hole in the side. He stands there with his hands on the side of the carriage, head down and breathing deeply trying to calm down. Allura watches him for a moment before turning to walk away but stops when she feels him take her hand.

Allura looks into his eyes which are calmer, "Allura, come with me, we need to talk."

Keith pulls her outside and sits beside the lake shore; Allura sits beside him waiting for him to begin. Keith glances at her before facing the lake again, "I've never spoken about this with anyone…Lance and Sven know about it as they were with me at the time but both know never to bring up the subject."

He stops and sits there quietly again looking at the lake as Allura studies his profile, "Keith what is it?"

Keith looks back at her briefly and then away, "I was married before…" he pauses his body shaking slightly as Keith struggles to control his emotions, "Mary was my wife for a short period of time. I met her at the academy and fell head over heels in love with her. We married before graduation and I managed to get her pregnant on our wedding night." He stops again and watches the water, "She died in a car accident when she was 7 months pregnant. My son was taken out of her at the crash site, but he only survived 2 days before joining her." He pauses trying to breathe and whispers, "The pain was unbearable so I swore I would never marry again…"

Allura watches him, crying silently she reaches out to touch his shoulder, "Keith…" Keith lets her touch him but he continues to struggle with his emotions, "You need to understand Allura why I refused you…" he looks back at her and sees the tears running down her cheeks for his pain. He pulls her against him, hugging her to his chest his chin resting on top of her head closing his eyes as tears finally run down his cheeks into her hair.

Allura lies in his arms this way for a while before finally pulling back and touches his face, "I understand Keith…" she moves to get up and leave as he grabs her hand, "Marry me Allura…"

Allura sits back down beside him, "Keith…no…"

Keith tightens his grip on her hand, "Allura…this has been a very hard decision for me. I won't allow you to lose your throne because of me. I will make no false promises of love but I will take care of you." He lets go of her hand and cups her cheek, "Marry me Allura…"

Allura studies his dark eyes seeing the depth of his emotions and finally nods. He pulls her to him and kisses her forehead before standing and pulling her up to her feet. He touches her cheek again, "I suppose you had better go tell Coran to get the wedding news out quickly before anything else happens."

She smiles at him and then moves away to return to the castle. Keith turns back to the lakes and loses himself in memories of the past while saying goodbye to his first wife.

_______________________________________

Keith walks into Coran's office listening as Coran and Allura discuss wedding plans, "The wedding will be tomorrow afternoon, but I don't know about using the church in the local village Princess…"

Keith interrupts, "Keep everything at the castle Coran."

Allura looks at Keith confused, "But why? My parents were married in that church Keith."

Keith smiles at her, "It isn't that I don't want to use the church Allura, I'm worried about security. We don't know how the crowds will react; not to mention when word spreads to Planet Doom I'm sure we will be hearing from Lotor. I will not risk your safety and we need to be able to reach the lions quickly if something happens."

Coran stands and faces Allura, "I agree with Keith, we need to keep the ceremony small as well as the coronation." Both Keith and Allura look at Coran at a loss for words, "I take it you forgot you will be crowned Queen upon your marriage?" Allura nods and Coran faces Keith, "You will also be crowned King."

Keith watches Coran for a moment before commenting, "Fine, but I will not rule Arus; that is still Allura's responsibility. My title will be in name only." Coran nods, "That is for you and Allura to decide. I must go notify Galaxy Garrison of the changes in your rank here Commander." Coran turns and leaves the room.

Keith turns shocked to Allura, "I didn't even think about contacting Admiral Graham…" Allura smiles at him, "Well a lot has been going on."

Moments later Romelle races into the room and grabs Allura, "Is it true? I overheard Coran speaking to Lance and Sven…"

Keith smiles at the two women, "That is my ticket to leave…"

Keith walks out of the office as the ladies talk and runs into Sven and Lance in the hallway. Keith looks at them with raised eyebrows as Sven moves forward and hugs Keith, "Welcome to the family cousin."

Keith grimaces, "I forgot about that part…"

Lance laughs, "Since you will be related to Sven does that mean I get to be the best man?"

Keith shakes his head at the two of them as they argue about it and continues to walk down the hall as they follow.

_______________________________________________

The wedding takes place the next afternoon in the castle's throne room in the presence of Coran, Nanny, the Voltron force, village elders from several villages and some of the remaining members of the old ruling Council of Arus. Johnny sits next to Pidge smiling at his uncle and soon to be aunt.

Keith smiles into Allura's face as she repeats the wedding vows to love and honor him through all their days. She was beautiful in a cream colored off the shoulder full length dress and veil that Nanny had worked on after first finding them in bed together. Keith is in his military dress clothes as is Lance, his best man. Lance and Sven had finally flipped a coin for the position after Keith refused to choose.

Keith sighs as the bishops asks him to repeat his vows, he looks deeply into Allura's eyes as he repeats the words that bind him forever to Allura as her husband.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride."

Keith smiles at her as he leans forward and places a short chaste kiss on Allura's lips to the general applause of the small crowd. They then move forward and take their places on the thrones as the bishop performs the coronation ceremony.

Both promise to live their lives for the betterment of Arus and her people before the crowns are placed on their heads and the bishop proclaims them King and Queen. Keith leads Allura down the steps, through the crowd and out the door of the throne room before reaching up and taking the crown off his head.

Allura laughs at him as she reaches up and tries to remove her crown as well, however it gets stuck in her hair, "Keith help me…"

Keith smiles as he reaches up and untangles her hair from the crown before commenting, "I can't believe how heavy these things are." Allura returns the smile, "They are terrible aren't they."

Coran approaches them, "You two had better get to the ballroom for the reception." Both nod as they hand the crowns to Coran and walk away. Coran watches them walk away together as Keith takes Allura's hand and she smiles up at him, they will be fine together in time…

He turns and starts to direct the guests toward the ballroom.

The reception is a small dinner affair after which an orchestra begins to play music for the guests. Keith leads Allura out to the floor for their first dance and Allura smiles at him, "You know…I didn't even know you could dance…"

Keith laughs at her, "While my father taught me martial arts, my mother insisted I learn how to be a gentleman so I got the best of both worlds." He spins her around a few times before pulling her close to him and dipping her back as they hear the crowd laugh. He pulls her back up and spins her around the floor some more. When the dance ends each of the members of the Voltron force take turns asking Allura to dance.

As Keith sits down for a moment Sven appears beside him, "Enjoying yourself Majesty?"

Keith raises his eyebrows at Sven his tone droll, "Are you trying to start a fight by calling me that?"

Sven laughs, "I've been asked to pass along a message. Coran was supposed to speak to you about it earlier, but I think he was too embarrassed."

Keith looks at Sven apprehensively, "Do I even want to know?"

Sven studies him and then loses the smile, "I am to remind you that the marriage needs to be consummated tonight Keith as tradition states the marriage is not valid without it."

Keith's cheeks turn red as he looks at Sven's equally red cheeks, "No wonder Coran chickened out…"

Sven laughs, "He also wanted me to warn you that the marriage sheets will be viewed tomorrow by the village elders and council members as proof of Allura's innocence at the time of the marriage, it will finish off the reputation problems for good."

Keith closes his eyes as he drops his head down, "I haven't even given this area any thought Sven…it isn't like this is a love match."

Sven pats his shoulder, "She loves you whether you feel that way yourself or not…I know you're rusty at this but don't tell me you can't seduce your own wife…"

Keith glares at Sven as he chuckles and gets up to leave but not without making one more wisecrack, "Could be worse Keith…she could look like Nanny." Keith gives a laughing Sven a little shove as he moves away to go dance with Romelle.

____________________________________________________________

Allura smiles at Romelle, Nanny and a couple of wives from the council members as they guide Allura to her and now Keith's bedroom. The wives leave and Nanny and Romelle stay helping Allura remove her jewelry intending to help her undress as the door opens and Keith enters addressing Nanny and Romelle, "Please leave us."

Nanny opens her mouth to argue but Romelle grabs her arm and drags her out of the room. Keith approaches Allura and places a light kiss on top of her head as she watches his reflection in the mirror of her dressing table. "Keith, what's going on?"

Allura turns toward Keith as he moves away and removes his jacket and places it on the back of a nearby chair before sitting down and facing Allura as he removes his boots and socks. "Did Romelle or anyone say anything to you about what needs to happen tonight Allura?"

Allura cheeks redden as she turns away from him, she whispers, "Yes…"

Keith removes his shirt and undershirt leaving on only his pants as he approaches Allura from behind and touches her shoulder, "I had hoped we would have time to get more used to each other first Allura…"

She refuses to meet his eyes in the mirror and he sighs, "I'll be gentle with you Allura…"

Keith walks away and moves about the room turning off all the lights but the lamp beside the bed. He then moves to the side of the bed and pulls the blankets and cover sheet down to the foot end before he returns to stand behind her. Keith starts removing the pins from her hair; he takes down the bun and then undoes her customary braids before he bends over picking up the hair brush and brushes out Allura's hair. Allura sighs, enjoying the feeling of Keith's hands in her hair and just begins to relax when he stops and sets down the brush before pulling her up to her feet and her away from her dressing table.

He stands her in front of him and kisses her gently using his tongue to tease her lips open before using it to stroke the interior of her mouth. He stops when he hears her soft moan and turns her around so he can see her reflection in the mirror. He moves her hair over her left shoulder exposing her back then unbuttons the top button and then slowly unzips the dress down to her hips exposing the skin on her back. As the top comes loose Allura raises her arm up to hold it in place.

Keith steps closer so her back is lightly touching his chest and pulls her hand away while his lips find the skin on her neck and kisses it. Allura's breath catches in her throat as Keith lets go of her hand and slowly pushes the dress down off her arms and then off her hips to land in a pile at her feet.

Keith steps back briefly to undo the ties on the hoop skirts before pushing them off her hips as well to join the dress on the floor. Moving forward again he kisses her neck watching her reaction in the mirror as he moves his left hand to stroke the soft skin of her belly before moving his right hand up to cup her breast. She jumps a bit in his arms and he murmurs "Relax" in her ear before moving his lips to her cheek as Allura turns her face to meet his seeking lips with her own. Keith deepens the kiss while playing with Allura's nipple enjoying the feeling of the little nub hardening under his fingers. He moves his other hand down into Allura's underwear and touches the soft curls then sliding a finger into her. Allura pulls away from the kiss with a moan her eyes wide with shock and desire. Keith smiles at her and bends down picking her up and moves across the room to lay her down in the middle of the bed.

He sits beside her and undoes the straps to her stockings slowly rolling them down her legs, stroking her legs as he goes. He unties her garter belt dropping it on the floor before sliding Allura's underwear off of her. He stands up and quickly sheds his pants and underwear before lying down on top of Allura.

Allura looks up into his face, feeling his body on top of hers as nervousness hits her, "Keith…"

He smiles at her and bends down kissing her again as he explores her body with his hands and mouth, soon she is moaning again and Keith positions himself between her legs, "Wrap your legs around my hips Allura…"

She does as he commands her hands running along the muscles of his back as he kisses her again before whispering, "This will hurt initially…the pain won't last long though." Sapphire eyes meet dark brown as Keith thrusts deep into her and she stiffens before crying out in pain.

He pauses trying not to move as he leans forward and kisses her, "Relax your body Allura…the pain will fade." He kisses the cheek where a single tear is running trying not to notice the pain in his back where her fingernails have dug in. "Easy Allura…"

Allura moans as the pain finally begins to fade and she starts to enjoy the feeling of him deep inside of her, she shifts her hips a bit which drives him deeper and moans, "Keith…"

Unable to hold still any longer Keith begins to thrust kissing Allura as she continues to moan into his mouth. Keith moves his mouth to the side of her throat as she begins to raise her hips meeting his thrusts before she stiffens and screams her release into his ear. Keith thrusts twice more before he groans out his satisfaction as well; the weight of his body falling on top of Allura entirely.

Moments later Keith moves off of Allura, reaching down to grab the blankets before laying back and pulling Allura to his chest. He reaches over and turns off the lamp and then he settles back before he kisses her forehead, "Go to sleep Allura." Allura sighs in contentment before drifting off to sleep.

_____________________________________________________

Allura awakens the next morning to Romelle's voice, "Allura…you need to wake up…" She buries her face in her pillow and tries to ignore her. She feels the pillow being taken away before it hits the back of her head and she finally turns over and opens her eyes.

Romelle laughs at her, "Did he exhaust you that much last night?"

Allura's eyes widen as she remembers Keith's lovemaking the night before and turns red as she sits up and pulls the sheets up to cover her nude body. She looks around the room, "Where is Keith?"

Romelle smiles at her, "He is up and checking security for the greeting of the people this morning. In fact the only one still in bed is you." She gets up and picks up the tray from the floor before setting it next to Allura, "You missed breakfast as well."

Suddenly famished Allura takes a piece of toast from the tray and starts eating, "What time is it?"

Romelle checks the clock, "9:30, the greeting is at 10:30 so you need to get moving cousin so we can get you dressed in time."

Allura finishes her toast and takes the glass of juice looking across the room lost in thought. Romelle smiles at her, "So how was last night?"

Allura turns red again as her eyes meet Romelle's, "He was very gentle with me Romelle…I never thought it could be anything like that."

Romelle smiles at her, "I know what you mean; Sven makes me feel like a cherished angel every time he touches me."

Allura returns the smile before drinking her juice and then gets out of bed heading for the bathroom. Romelle moves the tray to the table as the door opens and Nanny enters.

Romelle looks over to see Nanny has her arms full of sheets, "Nanny let me help you with that while she bathes."

They move the blankets off the bed and Nanny stops at the sight of the blood on the sheets and sniffles. Romelle looks over at her, "Nanny…what's wrong?"

Nanny wipes her eyes, "She is no longer my baby…"

Romelle smiles, "I hate to inform you of this Nanny, but she hasn't been a baby in a long time."

Nanny shakes her head at Romelle and between them they get the linens changed before Allura comes back out of the bathroom in her robe. Nanny takes the soiled linen and exits the room as Romelle helps Allura change clothes and style her hair.

They just finishing when there is a knock at the door and Coran enters when bidden, "Good morning your Majesty. Are you ready to greet your people?"

Allura smiles and nods taking Coran's arm as he leads her out of the room and down the hall toward the balcony. Just before the entrance they meet Keith who looks his wife over before smiling, "Good morning Allura."

Allura smiles back and looks around, "Where is everyone else?" as she notices the only people with them are Sven, Romelle and Coran.

Keith takes her arm before answering, "Monitoring from castle control in case we need them. Come, let's greet your people." He leads her out onto the balcony to the general applause of the crowd below. Both stand and wave to the crowd below glad to hear Allura's name said with praise as Keith glances up to the sky in front of him.

He watches a moment before fully seeing the air craft flying right at them, "GET DOWN!" he yells grabbing Allura and pulling her down to the floor of the balcony, covering her body with his as a missile hits the castle right above them.

Keith shakes the debris from his head and looks up to see Sven pulling Romelle and then Coran back into the castle as another missile hits the wall next to them. Keith feels the balcony shift as it pulls away from the castle wall and gets up to pull Allura up as the floor crumbles around them. Keith hears Allura scream as she starts to fall; he grabs her wrist as the floor falls away and then grabs an exposed beam with his other hand both of them suspended in the air high above the ground, "Hold on Allura!"

Allura's terrified eyes look down at the ground below and then up to see Keith hanging on to her; she cries "Keith…I'm slipping…" as she feels her wrist sliding out of his hand. Keith looks up to see Lotor's aircraft coming at them just as Green lion flies in front of him cutting him off.

Allura screams, "KEITH!" he looks down to see her hand slowly slipping away from him as she screams and falls just as Red lion comes up from below so she lands in its open mouth. Keith lets go of the beam and falls next to Allura to hear Lance's voice, "Are you two okay?"

Keith looks Allura over quickly, "Yes, get us to the ground so I can get to my lion."

Lance lands in front of the castle and Keith grabs Allura's hand and runs into the castle. They run for castle control and only then does Keith let go of her hand as he runs for the tube for Black lion.

Once in Black Keith takes off, "What's going on?"

Sven answers, "Robeast 10 o'clock Keith."

Keith looks over and sure enough a Robeast with huge claws is taking swings at the lions as they try to get it away from the castle. Keith looks around and spots Lotor's ship streaking toward him.
A cold fury sweeps through Keith, "I'll be there soon." and he takes off toward Lotor ignoring the yells of his men.

Keith fires several missiles at Lotor that miss him before he meets Lotor's ship and uses his lion's claws to rip out the bottom of the ship. He watches as Lotor's ship catches fire and heads crashing toward the ground before he turns back to join the other lions.

He watches as the Robeast fires missiles that hit Red lion knocking Lance out of the sky. Keith fires proton missiles that hit the beast in the head as the other lions join him in formation.

Sven yells at him, "What the hell do you think you were doing?"

Keith doesn't respond, "Let's form Voltron and take care of this thing."

They form Voltron and Keith yells, "Form blazing sword."

They fly at the Robeast avoiding the claws managing to cut off one arm before turning around and running the beast through its middle with the sword. The Robeast explodes and Keith moves Voltron toward the crash site of Lotor's ship.

They disengage and return to lions landing in front of the crashed craft. Keith runs out with his laser gun in his hand and checks the cockpit to find it empty. Swearing he turns around to find his men in front of him.

Lance starts yelling first, "What the hell Keith!! You take off to go after Lotor leaving us to fight that Robeast?"

Keith doesn't answer him immediately and turns looking back at the burning craft, "The son of a bitch tried to kill my wife…" he turns back and all of them step back at the fury visible in Keith's face, "I want him dead…" his voice low and dangerous.

Sven steps forward, "Keith…"

Keith pushes through them and returns to Black lion and heads off toward the castle.

He exits the launch tube to find Allura waiting in front of him, Romelle beside her. He moves forward and pulls Allura into his arms crushing her to his chest only letting her go when he hears her cry out in pain.

Keith keeps his hands on her arms looking her up and down, "Where are you hurt?" Allura looks up into his eyes, "My shoulder hurts."

He touches her shoulder and she cries out again, "Let's get you to MedTech." He picks her up in his arms and carries her out of the room as the others exit the launch area.

Sven looks around as Romelle runs up to him, "Where's Keith?"

Coran answers, "He carried Allura to MedTech, her shoulder is wounded. What happened up there?"

Lance answers, "He completely lost it Coran and went after Lotor. The slimy bastard managed to get away though."

Coran looks around shocked, "He tried to kill Lotor?"

Hunk answers, "Too bad he failed…"

________________________________

Keith enters MedTech with Allura and yells for Dr. Gorma. The doctor comes out of his office, "Bring her in here." He moves toward the examination room and Keith sets Allura down on the table, "Majesty please leave us so I can examine her."

Keith stays beside Allura watching her, "No."

Allura studies Keith's face, noticing the coolness of his eyes and the paleness of his skin, the barely contained rage, before looking at the doctor, "It's okay Dr. Gorma, I want him here."

Dr. Gorma shakes his head but examines Allura, "It's nothing too bad Majesty, but your shoulder is dislocated and needs to be pushed back into place. I'm sorry but this is going to hurt."

Keith takes her other hand as the doctor grabs Allura's arm and ignores her scream as he twists it till the shoulder pops back in. He places a sling around her placing the arm in it.

"Don't use that arm for a couple of days my Queen." He shakes his head at Keith who is still standing next to his wife before he exits the room.

Keith moves in front of her studying her as Allura reaches up with her good arm and touches his face, "Are you alright?"

Some of the coolness leaves his eyes as Keith shudders before pulling her to him again, "I thought it was going to happen again…" He continues to hold her as Allura whispers to him, "I'm okay Keith…"

The doors to the room open and everyone enters with Pidge stepping forward, "Is she alright?"

Keith finally lets go of her and steps back to face his friends and Allura answers, "Yes, thanks to all of you. Did anyone else get hurt?"

Coran moves forward and answers, "Thankfully no, the people all quickly ran into the castle and we can repair the damage the missiles did."

Keith pushes through the crowd and exits the room; Sven and Lance turn and walk out following him. Coran watches them leave, "Is Keith okay?"

Allura nods as she answers, "He will be Coran…he just needs to calm down."

________________________________________

Sven and Lance follow Keith to the gym where Keith walks up to the punching bags and starts hitting them with everything he has. Sven steps closer, "Keith…are you alright?"

Keith stops and holds onto the bag, "No…I'm not." then he begins hitting the bag again.

Sven looks at Lance with raised eyebrows as Lance steps forward, "Keith…she's fine."

Keith turns around full of rage, "He tried to kill her Lance…that son of a bitch tried to kill my wife. We knew Lotor would attack when he heard but I never thought he would try to kill her."

Sven replies, "Knee jerk response Keith…"

Keith turns around and punches the bag hard enough that it flies off its holder and hits the wall. He moves over to the wall and sits down with his back to it his whole body shaking as he tries to calm down. Sven and Lance walk over and sit down in front of him. Keith looks up his eyes flashing, "I'm not going to bury another wife…"

Lance shakes his head, "You won't Keith…we will all protect her."

Keith looks at Sven, "You and Romelle can't stay here forever; I'm going to contact Admiral Graham for a replacement pilot. I'm keeping Allura grounded."

Sven grimaces, "She will fight you on that Keith…"

Keith sighs rubbing his eyes, "I will discuss it with her; I'll make her understand…"

__________________________________________

Later that afternoon Keith exits castle control after getting off the call with Admiral Graham. The new pilot would be sent out within the week and Sven would stay long enough to get him trained. Coran supported the idea but like Sven thought that Allura was going to fight him on it.

Keith walks down the hall and enters the children's room; he hasn't seen them since early this morning and wants to make sure everything is okay. Upon entering the room he spots Allura and Romelle on the floor playing with the kids. Johnny is sitting beside Allura as she reads him a book and Romelle is playing with Bella.

Allura looks up as he enters and smiles at him, "How are you feeling?"

Before he can answer Johnny gets up running to him, "Unca Keit!!" Keith picks up Johnny and hugs him before looking into his face, "Unca Keit, Aunt Lura reading a book." Keith looks over at her, "I can see that…" Johnny squirms till Keith sets him back down and he runs to sit beside Allura again.

Allura doesn't start reading again but continues to study Keith, an inquisitive look in her eyes. Keith looks at Johnny, "Johnny, do you mind if I borrow your aunt for a few minutes? I need to talk to her."

Johnny looks disappointed as Allura leans over and gives him a one armed hug, "Honey I'll be back later to finish the book."

Johnny nods and Keith moves over to her to help her stand and escorts her out of the room. He holds her hand and takes her to his old bedroom and letting go of her hand as he sits down on the bed facing her. Allura watches him anxious, "Keith, what's wrong?"

Keith holds out his hand to her and as she takes it he pulls her onto his lap snuggling his face into her chest closing his eyes and inhaling her scent. Allura wraps her fingers into his hair and kisses the top of his head.

Keith finally pulls back and looks up into her face, "Allura…I have never been as afraid as I was this morning watching you fall." He shudders as his arms tighten on her waist, "I never imagined that Lotor would try to kill you Allura and I never want to be that scared again."

Allura reaches up with her good arm and touches his cheek, "I'm fine Keith."

Keith shakes his head, "I'm not…" he pulls her close again, "Allura I don't know if he will try again and you know he will target Blue lion if he thinks you are flying it. I can't take that chance Allura…I've called Galaxy Garrison to ask for a new pilot."

Allura studies his face shocked, "You're replacing me?"

Keith looks into her eyes pleading, "Please Allura…you have to understand…"

Allura closes her eyes and gets off his lap turning her back to him, "Keith I do understand, you're scared I will die like Mary did."

Keith stands, walks up behind her and wraps his arms around her resting his chin on her shoulder, "Please Allura…I can't go through that again."

Allura pulls away from him and turns to face him, "What's next Keith? Are you going to keep me locked up in the castle? Am I to become a prisoner in my own home?"

Keith looks down away from her, "Allura…"

Allura grabs Keith's chin and forces him to look at her, "I'm not a china doll that will break with the least little push Keith. For this marriage to work you will have to allow me to live and breathe." Keith turns away from her and she touches his arm, "I'll agree to give up Blue lion Keith as long as you give me something in return."

Keith turns back toward her and his eyes full of wariness, "What?"

Allura moves her hand to touch his cheek, "I want a child Keith…one of our own."

Keith's cheeks turn red, "Allura…in time…"

Allura shakes her head, "No Keith, not in time…now. Being around our niece and nephew has made me realize how badly I want a baby of my own. It's the only reason I would give up flying." She whispers, "Please Keith…give me a baby…" as she moves close to him and steps up on her tip toes to kiss him.

Unable to resist Keith wraps his arms around her and kisses her deeply, his tongue sweeping into her mouth. He pulls her tightly against him until she pulls back with a little cry of pain. Keith steps back, "Dammit, Allura I'm sorry..."

Allura looks back at him chagrined as she holds her injured shoulder, "My fault too…"

Keith smiles at her and touches her cheek before he leans forward and lightly kisses her on the lips. He pulls back again, "When you are well Allura…"

She smiles at him and then turns and leaves the room. Keith sighs as he sits back down on the bed and puts his head between his hands as both relief and anxiety assail him.