Pairings: Keith/Pidge (main) | Shiro/Allura (minor), Hunk/Lance (minor), one-sided Lotor/Allura

An AU in which:

- Shiro, Lance, Hunk, and Pidge have been working as the Paladins of Voltron for several years, with no sign of the Red Lion or her Paladin.

- Zarkon and Honerva were never corrupted by the rift (which simply never existed in this timeline) and Daibazaal's safety was never compromised.

- Voltron was created long ago and then the lions were lost to legend. It's said that one of Alfor's ancestors created the lions from a comet that came from another dimension. It's assumed that this is the reason for Allura's ability to sense them.

- The Kerberos Mission still happened, but it wasn't the Galra who captured Shiro, Matt, and Sam. While Shiro eventually found his way home (and was then rescued by a certain three inexperienced cadets), Sam and Matt Holt are still missing. From there they found the Blue Lion, who flew them all to Altea, where they learned of their destiny. They've been working alongside the Alteans since then and have formed the Voltron Coalition, which is simply made up of planets devoted to keeping the peace between all.

I'll Take Her Place

Chapter 1

Pidge knew she shouldn't be there – it felt wrong to listen in on her leader and the princess – but her insatiable curiosity had her riveted to her spot just outside the door where Shiro and Allura were talking. Though a sliver of a crack in the door, she could see the two standing very close.

"Allura, you don't have to do this," Shiro said.

"Father has been working towards this alliance with Emperor Zarkon for a very long time," Allura responded, her voice heavy with sorrow. "I must do this. It is my duty as the princess of Altea. If a wedding between our people is what will bring peace, then what choice do I have but to go through with this?"

Pidge covered her mouth with her hand to stifle her gasp, drawing back from the door in shock. She didn't need to hear any more to know who it was Allura would be marrying.

Prince Lotor was the only son of Emperor Zarkon and Empress Honerva, and the rumors she and the other paladins had heard over the years were unsavory at best. Without any proof, Shiro had ordered the three of them to remain silent, but cautious. They were meant to keep the peace, not stir up trouble.

If there was one thing Pidge was absolutely sure of, it was that Lotor wanted power. Few things would give him more power than by marrying Allura.

Being wed to Lotor would destroy the princess, she was sure of it.

There had to be something Pidge could do to help.

She walked away from the room, possibilities and scenarios racing through her mind. There were so many different factors to take into consideration before she could take action. She knew she could request an audience with King Alfor to discuss her concerns, but would being the Green Paladin be enough for Emperor Zarkon to take her seriously?

Pidge had to try.

The few seconds that stretched between knocking on King Alfor's office door and him giving permission to enter were some of the longest seconds Pidge had ever faced. Her nerves were a complete wreck. In the time that it took her to walk down the hall, her brain had switched from plausible ideas that could work and gone straight to worst-case scenarios.

"Breathe," she whispered to herself. Pidge pushed open the door and stepped inside, only to freeze upon finding the King of Altea was not alone.

Emperor Zarkon stood at Alfor's side, his presence as intimidating as ever, even without the heavy armor she usually saw him in. He didn't look angry by her intrusion, merely curious.

Pidge quickly bowed her head. "Apologies, your majesties."

Alfor quickly waved off her concerns. "You're welcome here any time, Lord Pidge. Is there anything we can help you with? It's unlike you to seek me out."

Pidge slowly breathed in and then out, trying to calm her rampaging nerves. She felt like Hunk must have during their first simulation flights together, but the devastated expression on Shiro's face when Allura told him she was going to marry Lotor drove her forward.

For the happiness of her leader and the princess, she would try.

"It's about Allura's betrothal to Prince Lotor."

A pained expression crossed Alfor's face, though he recovered and hid it quickly. "Ah, so she has made her decision."

Zarkon crossed his arms over his chest. "As we both suspected she would. For once I find myself at odds with that honorable Altean nature. Did she not listen to my concerns regarding the matter?"

"It is doubtful," Alfor said with a sad smile. "If she believes it will help keep the peace, my daughter will do whatever it takes, even at the sacrifice of her own heart." He turned tired blue eyes onto Pidge, who was watching them with mild confusion. "I will admit, part of me had hoped that she Lord Shiro had eloped at some point and was thus unable to wed Lotor."

The thought startled a small laugh from Pidge. They all knew that while it was something Allura would happily do, Shiro's moral code wouldn't allow it. He was a bit traditional in that way. Her laugh faded away as she considered what the two of them were telling her. "Wait, neither of you want this?"

"Our children are the first-born heirs to two very different planets. To unite Daibazaal and Altea under single rule would be the downfall of both civilizations," Zarkon calmly explained. "My Council has demanded stronger ties to the Voltron Coalition and it seems they have decided the best way to do so is through marriage. While not a paladin, Princess Allura has strong ties to Voltron. And now they have convinced my son that this is the best way to ensure their demands are met."

"What if there was another way?" Pidge asked, heart hammering loudly in her chest. She was certain the two could hear it with their heightened senses. "What if...? Would a paladin of Voltron be enough?"

Both Alfor and Zarkon appeared stunned by the idea.

"I suppose it could be an acceptable alternative," Zarkon said slowly. "However, the four of you are male and incapable of bearing a child. The Council will likely reject any offer one of you makes."

Alfor studied Pidge for a moment, brows furrowed in concern. "I've seen your official file, Pidge. Are you certain this is something you want to do?"

Pidge nodded and stiffly turned to address Emperor Zarkon. "Your Imperial Majesty, my name is Lady Katherine Holt, daughter of the missing Commander Samuel Holt and Doctor Colleen Holt, and I am the Green Paladin. If you find it acceptable, I would like to offer my hand in marriage to Prince Lotor, to secure the alliance between the Voltron Coalition and Daibazaal."

If Zarkon was shocked by the revelation of her true gender, he didn't show it. After a moment of consideration, he responded. "I accept your offer, but know that the final decision lies with my son. I'm afraid he will not easily be swayed." He uncrossed his arms and looked to Alfor. "The announcement is tomorrow. We do not have much time."

"Then we have a long night ahead of us, my friend," Alfor agreed. "I will handle things here, if you need to speak to the Council."

"Yes. Of course," Zarkon murmured, looking distracted. He soon left, but not without one final glance at Pidge, who stood shell-shocked under the weight of what she'd just done.

Whatever the morrow brought, Pidge knew things would never be the same.

Not for her.

Not for Allura.

Not for the other paladins.

She could only hope she would be strong enough to face it.

Chapter 2