Scott's Fiction
Love's Journey
Part 2
Together at Last

 

Love's Journey is a Voltron Fan Fiction by Scott. This Fiction is rated R18+ due to extreme violence, adult concepts and the odd sexual encounter. The story focuses on the relationships between ALL the Voltron characters but especially on the relationship between Captain Keith and Princess Allura as they struggle with their feelings for one another. The story is VERY soppy in places so if that ISN'T your thing, turn away now.

I don't own Voltron or any of the characters depicted in this story save for the Original characters I introduce. Those characters are mine and please ask me first if you intend on using them at all. Voltron and all other characters are the property of W.E.P. This is an amateur fiction and no profit is being made in anyway from this venture.

I would like to thank SGB for his fantastic collection of Voltron and Golion images, without which many of the pictures in this fiction would not exist. Finally, thanks must go to Moira, who is responsible for not only the AWESOME pictures that feature throughout this book, but for encouraging me to post this fiction too! Thanks again Moira, thanks for all your support and encouragement!

NB. Some screenshots that may feature in the story I have had on HDD for some time and can't remember where I found them! If they are yours please, drop me a line and I will credit you for them! Any way, I hope you enjoy Love's Journey!

Love's Journey
Part 2

Together at Last

Keith hurriedly ripped his dresser open and found his Galaxy Garrison dinner suit. It was a very regal looking white uniform with his Captains pipps on either shoulder. He brushed his hair and straightened himself up in front of the mirror before donning an old pair of parade shoes. His normal ‘Highshine’ shoes were ruined from his swim and the climb up the mountainside along with his dress shirt and trousers. As he left his room two maids walked past him, curtsying as he walked past. Keith smiled and bowed before continuing on his way to the stables. "Oh Kesseille, you can keep Lance! I want HIM!" One remarked as they attended to their dusting.

"Keith is nice but he's so......he's so prim and proper! Lance REALLY knows how to have fun, Cass!"

"Well I'll bet Keith does too! Look at how proudly he walks! Oh Keith, oh gallant Knight of Arus! I love you!" Casserla blushed holding her hand on her heart.

"Well you can love him all you like after your shift is over Casserla! I want that room in there spotless, I told both of you an hour ago to change the curtains in the Princesses room and they STILL haven't been changed!" Nanny's voice echoed out from behind them, making them both jump in fright.

"Yes Nanny, sorry we'll get right on it!" The two young maids replied as they quickly headed to Allura's room.

Keith patted the horse he had ridden to the castle earlier as he walked over to HIS horse, "Good evening Jasper! We’re going for a late night ride!" He grinned as he grabbed his saddle from the rack.

Jasper was a mighty white stallion, nearly eighteen hands high! He was a gift to Keith from Princess Allura not long after he had arrived on Arus. Jasper nodded his head and snuffed in delight as Keith rested the saddle blanket on him, He always enjoyed the hard rides Keith would give him and he REALLY enjoyed being spoilt on oats and corn afterwards! Keith tucked his sword by his side as he mounted him and with a gentle tap on the shoulder Jasper was off. Keith trusted him so well that he could just sit back and let him have his head. He crouched low as he encouraged Jasper to gallop and with a gentle kick the mighty stallion took the bolt, flying through the night.

Meanwhile Nanny was sitting at a table with Coran. "I can't believe it Nanny! Do you mean to tell me that.................Is THIS is what all this nonsense this past week has been about? Locking himself away and avoiding everybody?

"Yes, the Captain was trying to fight the feelings he had, can you believe it, he doesn't think he is worthy of Princess Allura!" Nanny replied with her hand on Coran's shoulder.

Coran cleared his throat with a cough, "Nanny I have long known that Keith CARED for her Highness but I must admit I didn't know he LOVED her! Nor did I know that she had any feelings for him, more than friendship anyway! She is just as friendly with Keith as she is with all the members of the Voltron Force!"

"Oh CORAN! Where have your eyes been? She adores him! She has for as long as I can remember!

"Why haven't you mentioned this to me before Nanny?"

"It never came up, why didn't YOU mention that Keith had feelings for the Princess?"

"Nanny it was something that I kept to myself, it was merely an observation!" Coran replied defensively.

Nanny sipped her tea, "Well Keith and Allura ARE in love, that much we know now".

"Yes, the next thing is what do we do about it? DO we support them? I mean just how far is Allura willing to go with this? She's only nineteen Nanny! Does she actually know what she is doing or this just first love infatuation? Does the Captain realise what it IS to be a Prince consort? Is he actually intending on marrying her at all? There is so much I think we need to know before we choose the appropriate course of action!"

Nanny nodded, "Yes but I think you will find that they are BOTH willing to go as far as they have to. Allura may be nineteen and if I hadn't been aware of her feelings regarding Keith I might have been inclined to think it was little more than infatuation myself but I KNOW Coran! As for the Captain I had a long talk with him, he is VERY much in love with her. I think we should let THEM tell us how it is going to be!"

"I suppose we have to don't we!" Coran replied with a smile. Is Nanny right? When I talk to the Captain have I infact been talking with our future KING? He thought to himself.

It was starting to rain when Keith trotted down the cobble stoned streets of Salern towards the Dance hall, he smiled and patted his horse as he heard the music in the distance. "Nearly there Jasper! You behave tonight! None of your silly antics while I am around the Princess thank you very much!"

His Princess was sitting with her head resting on her hands on the stairs as she listened to Romelle explain about just what it felt like to make love for the first time. There was little form of self awareness education on Arus and these little conversations Allura and Romelle would have were the only form of education the young Princess really had. Apart from the few contraband romance novels she kept hidden from Nanny that is.

"If it hurts why on Arus would anybody want to DO it?" Allura asked.

"Ally, it only hurts for a little while, after that it feels pretty good and each time it just keeps getting better and better!"

Allura looked to the horizon "I wonder if Keith has ever........you know!"

Before Romelle could answer a young woman came running up to them both, "Princess Allura, Princess Romelle, Your Highnesses, Captain Keith! He's back! He's back!"

Allura shot up to her feet and grabbing up her skirts in one hand she ran down the stairs. There he was! There was her Captain, riding slowly towards her.

He stopped beside her and reached his hand down to her. Lance, Hunk and Sven all came running out, "Keith is....WOAH! He HAS dressed up tonight!" Lance replied as they all stopped and watched Keith gently lift Allura up onto the saddle with him.

She had gasped as he locked his grip on her wrist and pulled her up, it wasn't exactly what she had expected but then she didn't seem to mind it much either! "Hello Keith!" She giggled as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I'm sorry my dear Princess, but I am afraid I had no choice, we have been apart for to long! Also I am afraid I must apologise for my next course of action as well!"

"Keith? Apologise for what?" She asked in a confused voice, cocking her head to the side.

She suddenly realised WHAT he was apologising for and she trembled in anticipation, Oh don't apologise, just do it! Please Keith, Please! Don't let us be interrupted this time! She thought as their lips drew towards each other. She wrapped her arms around him and let her feelings for him show. Their first kiss was a powerful expression of freed love and they both thought it was magic! She pressed her body to his and ran her hands up his shoulders and through his hair while he supported her in his powerful arms. Neither cared what anybody thought and they continued to let each other know just what their feelings were.

The crowd were silent, they were completely stunned by what they were witnessing. Prince Keringas was furious! Did she mean to tell HIM that she would rather marry this...this commoner! He came charging across the road, "That Pilot is her LOVE? He is no Prince! How dare he kiss her like that!" Romelle saw him coming and she accidentally on purpose put her foot out as he walked past with his nose in the clouds. He went flying over her foot and landed face down in a mud puddle, looking back up in shock.

She crouched down and helped him to his feet, "Oh pardon me, I'm terribly sorry, I didn't see you there, are you alright?"

"Arghhhhhh!" The vain Prince cried, wiping the mud off his face and running to his coach in embarrassment.

"Well done Romelle!" Sven grinned.

"Oh Sven I didn't do it on purpose! He simply should have watched where he was going!" She replied with a cheeky grin as she dusted her hands off.

The twin moons that had shone so brightly earlier were now obscured with deep black clouds and it was raining but nobody cared, least of all the Princess and her Captain. They were still lost in the moment, neither DARING to let go of the other. The crowds initial shock had passed and many young women were actually trying to figure out if their Princess was SUITABLE enough for a man like Captain Keith Taylor, whom they all adored!

Lance walked over to Romelle and Sven, "Guys I think Captain Ice cube may have just melted!"

"I think so too Lance! Thank heavens for that!" Romelle smiled as she gave him a hug.

Hunk and Pidge meanwhile gave each other a high five and Pidge whistled loudly!

Finally Keith and his Princess stopped for breath and he gazed into her eyes, "Princess Allura I love you!"

The Princess was choking on tears of joy and she lay her head on his shoulder. "Ohh I love you too Keith, more than I have EVER loved anyone!"

"Would you care to ride home with me Princess?" He asked with a smile.

"Of course I am riding home with you! Don't you dare put me down now!" She grinned. She sat behind him in the saddle, wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his cheek, "Lets go my love!"

As they slowly trotted through the streets the crowd of villagers parted down the middle and made a small road for them, kneeling as they rode past. "Princess why are they kneeling to you?" Keith whispered.

"Well Captain I can only say that they have NEVER kneeled to me before and therefore it is unlikely that it is ME that they are kneeling to. The last time I saw them kneel like THAT was when my father was alive. I think they may be trying to tell you something!"

Keith gasped, "They're kneeling to ME?" He couldn't believe it! He knew what he had to do but he was terrified to do it! Would Galaxy Garrison agree to let him stay here if he married Allura? Would Allura say yes if he asked? Did he have what it takes to be King? He continued to wonder as they slowly headed home. As they neared the Castle Of Lions, he lead his horse up a small hill over looking the castle itself, its lights beaming out in the distance, lighting up the falling rain. He dismounted and helped Allura down. "Keith whatever are we doing here?" She asked with a smile, completely confused as to what he was up to.

He led her to the top of the hill and as he knelt before her she realised EXACTLY what he was doing. Oh my.........., he's going to.........! She trembled as he took her hand. "Princess Allura, I love you! I may yet be forced to leave this planet that I have come to think of as home and what's worse, I may be forced to leave you! I know that I am no Prince and I have no real wealth to offer. All I can offer you is my unconditional love! I swear that I will love you for ever! No matter where in the universe I may find myself! For days I tortured myself, I told myself that it wouldn't be fair on you but, I have come to realise that what wasn't fair on you was to treat you the way I did and I apologise. Princess, I would rather be with you even for a month, a day, or a minute, than to have never been with you at all! I don't know what is to become of me and I swear I will fight with everything I have to stay on Arus and to stay by your side! I love you with all that I am and all that I have to give, I give to you freely! He gently kissed her hand and gazed up into her eyes, Allura Adrianna Deville...., will you marry me?"

Allura put her hand to her heart as she struggled to control her emotions, "MARRY You.....I.......Oh Captain......" She replied as she lifted him to his feet. "Captain your love is worth more to me than all the riches in the universe! To have your love is a dream come true for me! "Keith yes my love, I will marry you! Yes! Yes and did I say yes yet?"

He wrapped his arms around her and gently kissed her, wiping a tear from her eye. "Ally...Umm may I call you Ally? Romelle told me you like that name".

"My dear INTERFEARING cousin, Keith you can call me Ally if you like! Oh Nanny is going to have a heart attack when she sees my gown I think .......UH OH! Keith.....Nanny and Coran! What are we going to do?" Allura had forgotten all about them, there was no hiding it, they were GOING to find out about them, an entire village already knew about them!

"Ally, I know what I am going to do, I am going to walk in there and I am going to TELL Coran as soon as we get home! Nanny already knows how we feel!" Keith replied defiantly.

The Princess kissed his cheek and whispered, "Nanny KNOWS?"

"Princess She is the MAIN reason I am still here! She knows and she is happy for us both!" Keith replied wiping the rain from his eyes.

"Then I will tell Coran and I will be right by your side as I do!"

They stood side by side, hand in hand as they looked out over the lights of the Castle in the pouring rain. It was a huge turning point in their lives, for Allura it was a worrying time.......Would they actually ALLOW her to marry for love? Even if he WASN'T a Prince? For Keith it was a fairytale dream, Defeat the Tyrant and Marry the fair Princess! He still couldn't believe it! They both stood deep in thought for a good ten minutes, before he helped her back up into the saddle, "Lets go home my Princess!" Allura smiled as he climbed up in front of her and she wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. "I want this night to last for ever Keith.............. It's all I have wanted for so long!"

"Me too Ally, we have to find out what is to become of us, time to face the music!" Keith replied defiantly.

Later as they climbed the stairs from the stables to the main floor the couple held their heads high, they were fully prepared for the reception they were certain they were going to recieve. The Princess's hair hung down in wet clumps and she had mud all up the back of her pretty gown and Keith's dress tunic from the spray of the horse’s feet. Her pretty shoes were ruined as well. Keith's dinner suit wasn't in much better shape! The knees were filthy on his trousers and the cuffs were full of mud! He was still covered in small scratches and gashes from him his heroic swim and climb up the cliff face earlier in the night and his hair was a dreadful mess. Allura straightened it up as best she could and they stood with an arm around each other's waist, behind the main door. They could hear Nanny and Coran talking in the next room and they turned to each other and nodded.

Nanny dropped her feather duster in horror and Coran spat his tea back into its cup as the door opened and The Captain and the Princess stood there. "Your Highness you are absolutely soaked, let’s get you to........." Nanny cried.

Allura held her palm up and interrupted her. "Soon Nanny, first the Captain and I have something to tell you!"

Nanny and Coran BOTH knew about them but both pretended to act surprised, "Princess we know all about what the Captain did tonight! Keith you have yet again left a grateful village in your debt! To swim the river Densur in flood time is madness, you bravely risked your life to save that boy and I want you to know how proud we are of you!" Coran replied.

"Coran, thank-you but that wasn't really what Princess Allura wanted to tell you both!" Keith answered.

Coran smiled, "Oh?" Come on Princess I want to see you do this so I know! He thought to himself.

Okay Ally, you can do it, you have to! The Princess told herself reassuringly as she tightened her grip on Keith's waist. "Nanny, Coran! I am pleased to inform you that Keith and I are in love!" She said in a determined voice.

"Well Coran what do you think? DO they love each other?" Nanny asked with a grin.

Keith turned Allura to face him, he gazed in her eyes and they slowly kissed, showing without any doubt how they felt. Allura wasn't nervous now, she didn't care what they thought! Nanny put a hand on her chest and Coran turned to her, "I see your point Nanny, I think Her Highness has found the future King of Arus!"

Allura rested her head on Keith's shoulder and he stroked her messy hair past her ear, "I love him Nanny and I want to marry him!"

Nanny and Coran both bent to one knee. Keith was stunned, he had no idea what to do and Allura whispered in his ear, "It's tradition my love, they are showing that they accept you as their future King!"

"W.....I........W.....What do I do?" Keith whispered nervously.

"A Prince consort would usually extend his hands, thank them and ask them to stand!"

"Oh, thanks for that....I owe you one Ally" He whispered before giving a cough and clearing his throat, "Nanny, Coran thank-you, please rise!"

His voice was Kingly and Allura was glowing with pride as Nanny and Coran stood before him. Coran shook Keith's hand and Nanny hugged her glowing young Princess. "Oh Allura, is this what you TRULY want? Are you sure?"

"Nanny it’s only what I have wanted for a year or more! Keith asked me to marry him tonight and I have accepted his proposal!" The Young Princess replied with a teary smile.

Nanny and Coran both looked at Keith as she told them, "Already? Oh Captain, congratulations! Congratulations to you both! When is the ceremony to be held?"

"Ceremony......Uhm......I......Ally? Ceremony? Does she mean the wedding?" Keith asked, he had no idea what Nanny was talking about.

Allura whispered in his ear again. "Keith, I have accepted your proposal, now it is tradition to hold a ceremony so that you may announce to everybody your intention to marry me and we will be a couple by law!"

“But that is what marriage is for....to officially announce……..wait… Umm is this an Arusian thing? I....?”

“Yes…oh you thought it was like Earth……it’s different here, the engagement is probably a bigger ceremony than the wedding itself…..though in our case, it’s a wedding AND a coronation so….probably we are an exception!”

"Oh….well when do you want to hold the ceremony?" He whispered back.

"No no no, when do YOU want to? I have no say in the matter, tradition dictates that as my suitor it is you who must announce the date of the ceremony! Of course the day after tomorrow would be a GOOD time!" She replied with a smile.

"Coran, Nanny, please arrange the ceremony for the day after tomorrow!" Keith replied.

Coran bowed and Nanny curtsied. "As you wish Your Highness".

"Coran I prefer to be called Captain rather than Your Highness, I will perform all the requirements I must as Allura's partner but I am a soldier first and foremost! If I MUST be called by any title I must ask that it be my military rank". Keith replied.

"Well it isn't proper procedure, but, if that is your wish I completely understand Captain!" Coran answered.

"Princess I must insist that you come and get out of these wet things and as for you Keith, I suggest you do the same and pack your things, you can't stay where you are now, you MUST move into the spare room in the main royal corridor". Nanny replied.

The Princess and her Captain parted with a kiss and as Nanny led HER away, Coran followed HIM to his room. He began to help Keith pack his things and they talked continuously about the various protocols Keith would have to learn in order to become King. He explained that he and Nanny may be able to help with his transfer too as it would greatly inconvenience the government of Arus if he was to leave! Keith hurried for a shower while Coran continued to help him pack. He kept a fairly plain room and there wasn't much to pack in all reality. Keith didn't understand why he even HAD to go, this room was fine!

Later as Coran opened the door to his new room though Keith didn't complain, it was stunning and luxurient. A huge king sized bed with four large posts and a white satin roof over it sat in the corner. The tops of the posts were solid gold and every where Keith looked he saw nothing but amazing luxury! The room was five times the size of his old one, it was adjoined by a large ensuite and a fairly well equipped kitchen. Two Maids stood to the side of the room as Keith entered and Coran introduced them. "Captain these two lovely ladies are Kesseile and Casserla, they will be your maids".

Keith was frozen with shock, trying not to stutter as he thanked each one in turn. The two young maids couldn't believe their luck at being assigned to Keith! No more mundane cleaning duties and dusting hallways, now they just had to see to the Captain's needs. Casserla in peticular had a MAJOR crush on him.

Coran selected three books from the bookshelf in the side of the room and gave them to Keith, "These will help you to understand the protocols and the ceremonies you will have to perform as King. I will leave you to rest now!"

Keith shook his hand and bid him goodnight as he headed to the showers. As he walked into the lavish ensuite he found that Casserla had actually prepared him a bath and he blushed as he thanked her. "Umm a bath, well umm thanks!"

"Oh no problem at all Sir, if you need anything you just tell us and we'll get it for you!" The young woman replied with a grin.

Bath's? Opulence? Butlers and Maids? I don't know if I am ever going to get used to this? Keith thought as he sat down in the bath. He lay back and relaxed as the foaming bubbles covered him. The last time he could remember having a bath was when he was a child!

He grabbed one of the books that he had brought with him and began to read it in the bath, "The traditions of Arusian Royalty" Hmm this is going to be HARD! He thought as he began. He was still reading the book later on that night and trying to mimic the drawings that showed the correct way to bow. There was a knock at the bedroom door and Casserla asked, "Captain Sir, the Princess wishes to see you, shall I show her in?"

"Yes, yes! Always! She doesn't EVER need permission okay Casserla!" He responded as he quickly straightened himself up.

"Yes Captain as you wish!" The young maid nodded as she headed to the door.

Allura walked in wearing her dressing gown and sat on Keith's bed, a smile coming to her face as she saw the books her Captain was reading. She remembered reading them herself as a young girl. Keith flashed her a smile and stood up in his pajamas, bowing majestically in front of her, just as he had been reading. She put her hand to her mouth and giggled, he had it mostly right! She straightened his arm and showed him the correct posture. "Like that, and don't bow as low as you are, you should never bow lower than any one else, you are the King, they must always bow lower than you!"

Keith lay down on the bed next to his Princess, continuing his reading. Allura gently lifted his arm and he made space for her beside him. She crawled into his bed, wriggling around until she was comfortable and snuggled up against him. He put his arm over her and stroked her hair gently as he read, unaware that he was putting her to sleep.

Nanny went looking for the Princess a couple of hours later when she realised she wasn't in her own chambers! She KNEW where she would find her and as Casserla showed her into Keith's bedroom she smiled. The Princess was asleep in Keith's arms and he was asleep himself, a book on Arusian Court customs lying face down on Allura's back. Nanny put her hand to her cheek and frowned as she realised what she had to do. I am really going to hate this! Time to be the evil ogre yet again! She thought as she walked over and lifted the book off Allura. She gently woke them both and lifted the blankets, "Come on Princess, you can't stay here!"

Allura rolled over to face her, "Nanny no, please! We are to be married soon, please let me stay here, even if it is just for tonight! Please!"

"Baby girl WHY do you put me in these situations? I don't want to part you from Keith and you make me feel terrible putting me on the spot like this! If I let you sleep with Keith tonight then you would want to sleep with him the next and the next! The moment you snuggle up against him for the first time and wake up next to him in the morning you WON'T ever want to stop. Please Allura, don't make this hard on me, I have......................."

Allura interrupted her and pleaded her case "Nanny I am BEGGING you! Please! I won't even kiss him! I promise!"

Nanny remembered herself at a similar age, she remembered herself saying almost exactly the same words to her mother when she was engaged. She remembered her Mother telling HER almost exactly the same thing she was telling Allura now and she remembered how she had vowed that if ever she had a daughter she wouldn't stop her from being with her love. The horror she had gone through when her fiance had been killed before they ever got the chance to sleep in each other’s arms surfaced again as if it were yesterday and grabbed at her poor heart. Nanny often thought about it and she figured that it was why she had never found anybody else afterwards. Keith is a soldier, if he is killed before they marry like my Carindo was I will NEVER forgive myself! Ohhhhhh King Alfor please forgive me for what I am about to do! Nanny thought as she sat down on the bed with her hand on her heart.

"NANNY? Nanny jeez!" Keith sprang out of bed as he could see she was in pain.

Nanny held her palm up to him, "I...Its alright Keith, I am okay! Its just a memory! Keith I want to give you both what you seek but.........."

"Nanny I know you can't! You have a job to do and you're doing it! I won't hold it against you!" Keith replied putting his hand on her shoulder.

Nanny turned to Allura, "Princess I want you to know that if it was ANYBODY but Keith!"

"Nanny? What do you mean if it was..................."

Keith and Allura both watched Nanny leave and close the door behind her without saying a word, "Umm did......I........Does this mean we........." Keith stuttered in disbelief.

Allura was just as surprised and she couldn't figure the puzzle out either. "I think she's going to let us!"

"I guess? I certainly wasn't expecting that?" Keith replied scratching his head.

"Me neither I must admit, I had to try though Keith, I don't want this night to end and I don't want to be anywhere but beside you!"

"I certainly didn't want you to go either that's for sure!"

"Well it’s cold up here! Are you going to let me under?" She asked tugging at the Blanket Keith was wrapped in.

"Oh......yeah, sorry I guess I'm not used to this" He replied sheepishly as he lifted the blanket out from underneath him.

Allura snuggled up to her Captain and pulled the blanket over the top of them both. The pair were just starting to drift off to sleep when Nanny came back, "Umm Ally, Nanny is back". Keith whispered.

Allura closed her eyes, she knew what that meant, Nanny must have changed her mind! She buried her head into Keith's chest and lay motionless, waiting for the order she knew was coming. "Is she awake Keith?" Nanny asked.

"I'm not sure?" He answered as he looked down at the girl snuggled up in his arms.

"I'm awake Nanny, I suppose you have come back to tell me I have to go now?" Allura responded in a disappointed voice.

"Well not unless you want to, I just wanted you to know that I brought you an outfit for tomorrow and your bathroom things". Nanny replied as she sat on the bed next the couple and ran a hand through the Princesses hair.

"Nanny what made you change your mind?" The curious Princess asked.

"Well scandal aside, I don't want to see you two miss out on the chance to sleep in each other's arms. Keith could be killed tomorrow or the next day and so could you! I don't feel completely sure about it but I have made my decision and I stand by it!" She turned to Keith, "As for you Ruffian! You keep your trousers ON, there's a cold shower in there if you feel you should need it!"

Keith went bright red "Ummm Nanny I............of course I.......I mean I wouldn't even think of............"

"Then there's no reason to worry then!" Nanny interrupted.

Allura looked up at Keith and poked her tongue out at him, "So there!"

"That goes double for you MISS! You keep your legs together and your nightgown on! Furthermore if I see you poke your tongue out again you WILL sleep in your own room, you know I HATE that!" Nanny scolded.

Keith looked down and teased his Princess "Hah Hah!"

Allura pouted at Keith before looking across to Nanny, "I'm sorry Nanny I was just teasing".

Nanny shook her head, "Well behave yourself! LOOK AFTER the poor Captain don't go teasing him! Now go to sleep Baby! Keith, I am trusting you!"

"Understood Nanny, you have my word!" Keith replied as Allura snuggled up to him.

"Goodnight you two!" Nanny grinned as she left. Oh I really have gone soft, I would NEVER have allowed her to do this a month ago! If it were anyone but Keith this wouldn't be happening! I hope I am doing the RIGHT thing! If she wants to keep this up she MUST have her injection, just to be safe! Nanny decided as she walked away.

That night the couple slept soundly in each others arms, both of them happy and content. For the Princess it had been a rollercoaster ride of two long years! Two long years of trying her hardest not to let her true feelings show! Two long years of wondering! Now there she was, nestled in his arms and sleeping soundly. For Keith it was a dream come true also, he had imagined himself far from Arus by this time! He had been expecting to be on Pollux or maybe Earth, but certainly not in Allura's loving arms with the blessing of Nanny and Coran!

Sure he CARED for the young Princess, she was his very dear friend and confidente. However recently he had finally figured it ALL out, she was also his true love! SHE was the woman he had been dreaming of for so long! He had watched from a distance as Lance, Hunk and Pidge had found time for date after date and wondered why he didn't?

It wasn't like Keith had never been asked on a date! In fact he was asked on more dates than anybody on the team but he always managed to find an excuse as to why he had to politely refuse! Lance had named him Captain Unattainable and while Keith would laugh at the joke, it hurt to think that perhaps there was an element of truth in those words. Now those concerns were gone, now he had found love, he held his Princess in his arms and they were finally together.

He woke later in the early morning hours as he always did and smiled broadly as he realised that he WASN'T dreaming and that the Princess WAS asleep in his arms. He slowly rose and attempted to cook breakfast in bed for her, some bacon and eggs should be easy enough, he thought as he opened the refridgerator door. Unfortunately Keith was a dreadful cook and within ten minutes, nice bacon and fresh eggs became charcoaled crunchy pork strips and burnt rubber blobs. The smoke from the stove set off the smoke alarms and Allura jumped out of bed in fright as they went off. Keith quickly hit the reset button as she ran into the kitchen area in her nightgown, spluttering on the smoke and waving a hand in front of her face as she walked through the haze. "Keith what's burning? What on Arus are you doing?"

"Oh uh.......well you see I.........I'm sorry Ally! I was trying to cook some breakfast! Sorry about the alarm, I guess there's too much smoke!" He replied with an embarrassed frown.

The Princess realised what he was trying to do and she put her arm around his shoulder, "Oh....Keith, you were trying to cook breakfast for us weren't you?"

Keith blushed and looked away, "Ahh yeah, it didn't really turn out though!"

"Y...yes I think we should start again, this time I'll help you!" She grinned and shook her head as she turned the stove down. She explained to him that having the frypan spitting at him was a not an ideal way to cook bacon and eggs.

She cooked them both a lovely breakfast and as she finished Keith put his arms around her waist and gently rocked side to side, "I'm sorry Ally!"

She leaned back into him and replied calmy, "My love you have nothing to be sorry for, just promise me that IF we are going to cook, you will at least wait until I can help you!"

"Okay, no more cooking without you!"

They enjoyed their breakfast together and not long after they had set the dishes in the automatic washer Nanny walked in. Keith was having his shower while Allura was fastidiously tidying up the bedroom as her Governess sat next to her on the bed and asked, "How did you sleep Princess?"

Allura sat beside her and gave her a hug, "Oh Nanny I slept well, thank you so much for letting me stay with Keith!"

"Baby girl I didn't have the heart to part you both, you looked so happy! I suppose you are going to want this to be a regular thing?"

"Ummm....well......Yes! You are going to let me aren't you?" Allura replied nervously.

Keith walked out of the bathroom in one of his red jumpsuits and he walked over and placed a hand on Nanny's shoulder. "Thank you very much for allowing Allura to stay last night!"

"Well as I just asked her, do you wish this to be a permanent thing?"

"Yeah, if you would let us I'd love nothing more than to fall asleep in Ally's arms every night!" Keith replied.

Nanny nodded and continued, "Well Coran has agreed that it is my decision and although he isn't entirely pleased with the arrangement he accepts my decision. I will allow it to continue but there is a condition and it isn't a very pleasant one I am afraid".

Keith sat next to his Princess and put his arm around her, "Well what is it?"

"The only way I will allow you to continue to sleep together is if you BOTH agree to have a Hedrazine injection! I am not suggesting that you would or wouldn't do anything, its just a precaution!" Nanny replied.

"That's it?" They both chimed in unison!

Nanny raised an eyebrow, "That's all I ask! Its not very pleasant but its best to be sure! Just in case anything SHOULD happen!" Nanny smiled patting the Princess on the thigh.

Allura went bright red and buryied her face into Keith's shoulder. "I don't think Nanny trusts us my Prince!"

Keith laughed and ruffed up her hair, "Well I don't think I'd trust ME too much longer either!"

Allura shot up and looked at him, "You don't trust yourself? You mean you have thought about............I mean......"

"Oh.....you DIDN'T think about it? Oh brother! Now I feel REALLY bad!" Keith replied looking away.

The Princess pulled him into a hug, "Keith! No no, I mean of course I THOUGHT about it! I mean its, well you know.............. Its not that I don't WANT to! Really it isn't! I really DO want to! No! No........ I mean I want to but............I mean I am.................Ohhhhhh!"

Keith looked back at her and laughed, "You’re as nervous about it as I am right? No doubt you want to wait until we are a couple by law as well!"

A muffled reply came from his Princess, who had buried her face in his chest! "Uh huh".

"Well if you like I can give you both the injection now!" Nanny remarked.

"Well I am okay with that, how about you Ally?" Keith asked.

"Okay!" A weak voice replied.

After Nanny had finished and left them both alone Keith lifted his Princess up and sat her on his lap, gently rubbing her throbbing shoulder. "Those were some painful injections!"

Allura wiped a tear from her eye, "Yes, that REALLY hurt Keith!"

He pulled her into a hug and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, gently lying back on the bed with him as they continued their embrace. They were still rolling around on the bed together when Kesseile knocked on Keith's door ten minutes later. Oooooh NOT AGAIN! Allura grumbled to herself. "Your Highness, There is a Galaxy Garrison official waiting to meet you at the Landing Pad!"

"Okay Kesseile, I'll be right out!" Allura replied with a frown.

She pouted and folded her arms, "Just when things were getting interesting too!"

"I'll say! Oh well, we have tonight!" Keith grinned.

"No, we aren't allowed to sleep together tonight, tradition remember!" Allura replied.

Keith nodded, "Ahh yes, I forgot!"

Casserla came in and handed him a new Dress Uniform to replace the one he had ruined the night before in the river. He headed into the bathroom to change and as he walked out a few minutes later he took down his Katana and attached it to his belt. Then he fitted his pistol and holster to the other side before Allura stood and straightened up his medals. She headed into the bathroom for a quick shower and later as she walked arm in arm with her Captain out of the room, she asked him, "Are you okay my love? You seem nervous!"

"I AM a little nervous Ally, I've never been in public with you as your partner! I'm just not sure how to behave! I mean do we hold hands or do we.........I don't know!" He answered with a confused frown.

"There's nothing to be nervous about, okay, we can hold hands, DON'T put your arm around me or anything like that in front of the crowd! It's not considered appropriate yet and when we stand on the platform over the landing pad together only hold my hand! If you wish to kiss me, only kiss me on the cheek. See easy!" She answered.

Keith nodded, "Okay, got it!"

When they reached the platform and looked out there were people everywhere. Galaxy garrison soldiers were streaming in followed by countless officers and Admirals as it was afterall, a huge event! Princess Allura engaged to marry Captain Keith, that was SURE to draw a crowd!

The Galaxy Garrison high command had decided to leave the Voltron Force on Arus on permanent assignment as for some strange reason, Coran refused to allow ANYONE else to learn how to fly the Lions! It had baffled The Marshall but he and his close associate General Bradley Taylor had both agreed that it was the best course of action under the circumstances, Arus HAD to remain protected! Keith and Allura had NO idea of this yet though as they stood on the platform.

There was an enormous crowd of villagers and Galaxy Garrison personel gathered and they cheered as Allura waved to them! Keith was terribly nervous as he held her hand and tried to look the part. "See, nothing to be nervous about!" Allura whispered.

"If you say so........." Keith answered.

"Don't tell me the Brave Captain is afraid of large audiences?" Allura grinned.

"He is......He's absolutely terrified! He thinks he is going to do something wrong or walk the wrong way or something like that………"

"Keith, you won't slip up, you're doing well!"

Allura suddenly felt Keith's grip tighten and he looked VERY uncomfortable, "Keith…… You’re sqeezing my……… What's wrong?"

"He's here, what is........ My Father is here Princess". Keith replied with a scowl.

General Taylor approached the couple, flanked by guards. Allura could see the resemblance, Keith had his Father's eyes and they both seemed to have the same smile as well. "Son, how are you?" The General asked as he bowed before him.

"I’m alright, Dad what are you doing here?"

His Father frowned, "Does a man need a reason to see his Son?"

"Well given that I haven't seen you in hmm lets see, given that I haven't seen you since Jack's funeral, yeah, I think you do?"

Allura was surprised by Keith's reaction to the General, "Keith if he is your Father aren't you happy to see him?"

"Not at all! I'm suspicious of his motives as well!" The Captain answered.

Allura cast Keith a cold stare that made him swallow, "Keith! You're being very rude to him, he is a guest of this castle and I expect a little better behaviour from you than this!"

"Sorry Ally, welcome Dad". Keith muttered.

The General turned to the young Princess, "Princess Allura, my YOU have grown! How are you Your Majesty?"

Allura smiled and curtsied as he bowed before asking, "I..I have grown? Have we met before General?"

The General nodded, "A VERY long time ago Your Highness, you were but a small girl giggling on her Father's knee back then!"

"And you're Keith's Father?" She asked.

"Yeah he's my boy!" He chuckled as he looked proudly towards Keith.

Keith looked away in disgust, he wanted nothing to do with this man, some Father, he hadn't seen him in eleven years and now he was supposed to play happy families? Not a chance as far as Keith was concerned.

As the Princess beckoned them inside Nanny and Coran saw the General and smiled. Nanny ran over and hugged him, "Brad! It has been such a long time! Oh how are you?"

"Little Nanny? My the years HAVE been kind!" The General replied as he hugged her.

"Bradley Taylor! It’s such a pleasure to see you again!" Coran replied as they shook hands and patted each other on the shoulder!

"Okay What IS going on here? Dad, how is it everybody here seems to know who you are? I'm a little confused!" Keith replied scratching his head.

"Oh Keith, your Father was a very close friend of King Alfor and Queen Adrianna! We haven't seen him in a long time now!" Nanny replied.

"You knew the KING and QUEEN?" Keith gasped.

"So did you once my boy!" He laughed.

"What? I......Dad what are you talking about?"

Keith and Allura looked at each other in amazement, neither could believe what they had just heard. "I must confess I'm a little confused too!" Allura added.

The General smiled, "I beleive I can clear this mess up easily! Would you like to see a home movie with me Princess? You too Boy! Nanny you and Coran are welcome to join us too if you wish!"

"Dad I am not BOY, I hate it when you call me that!" Keith snapped.

"Okay, I'm sorry Son...." The General replied.

"Dad my name is Keith! Can you just call me Keith for crying out loud!"

Nanny, Coran, The General and Princess Allura all looked to Keith and couldn't understand where this hostility towards his Father was coming from, Keith had never behaved like THIS towards anyone before, he was always so polite.

"Keith......." Allura remarked.

"Princess you don't know what I know, this is my business okay!" He snapped as he turned to walk off.

The Princess grabbed his arm before he could, "Keith it's my business too, you are embarrassing me! I don't care what quarrels you have with your Father but I DO ask that behave in a decent manner, you are behaving like an errant child!"

Keith was taken back by her response and he bowed his head in apology, "Sorry Ally, Dad, I'm sorry, let’s get this movie over and done with!"

What has gotten into him? I wish my Father was still alive, he doesn't know how lucky he is to have one and THIS is how he treats him? Allura thought as they moved towards the stairs to the guest quarters.

Keith put his arm around Allura but quickly let it fall before it touched her as he wasn't sure whether it was okay yet. She grabbed it and pulled it around her, "Its okay Keith, we're inside now!"

She let Nanny, Coran and the General walk ahead before asking Keith quietly, "Why do you dislike your Father?"

"I don't dis....well okay I...............There is a lot more to this story Ally and it's something I DON'T want to talk about. I behaved terribly and I apologise for that, I'm sorry for embarrassing you".

"Keith it's okay, please don't shut me out, tell me!" She replied.

"Later okay Ally, it's not important now, it’s a long tale!"

They entered the General's room and sat around the large viewscreen as he unpacked a movie disc from his suitcase. He inserted it into the computer and sat on the couch next to Nanny and Coran.

"Okay Keith, who do you think you are holding there?" The General asked as a picture of a young boy holding a newborn baby wrapped in pink blanket appeared. Allura and Keith both froze as the image of Keith's mother answered the question for them. Nanny and Coran just smiled! They BOTH remembered that day! "Brad you have this on movie disc??" Nanny gasped.

"Yeah, I still have a FEW things left from my younger years......" The General frowned as the film began.

"Support little Allura's head Keith, like this.....That's a good boy, make her feel nice and snug, isn't she beautiful!"

"She's wery tiny mummy!"

"That's because she is only new to the world dear, she's only three days old".

"Can I play with her mummy?"

Keith's mother gave a giggle, "Oh no dear she's too little to play yet, she's just a baby!"

The General's voice echoed out from behind the camera, "Alfor look, she's stopped crying!"

"Why so she has Brad! I think your son must have a magic touch!" The proud King chuckled.

"Rebecca, does young Keith want a job? Maybe I will be able to get some sleep at night!" The very pretty young Queen asked with a smile as she looked to Keith's mother.

"Hiring my little boy already? I think we should at least let him get through school first Adrianna!"

"What do you want to be when you grow up Keith?" The Queen asked the young boy.

"I wanna be a solda wike Daddy!"

"Oh I am sure you will make a fine soldier Keith!"

"I wanna fwy too!"

"Really, a soldier and a pilot! Wow you'll have to work really hard in school!" The Queen replied.

"Rebecca where's little Jack today?"

"He's at a school camp for a week, enjoying the sights of Earth's moon!"

"I wish we had things like that here on Arus! The farthest I ever got to go with my school was the edge of the forest at the back of it for a biology lesson in eleventh year.

"That was a fun lesson too!" King Alfor remarked.

"That will be enough out of you! I still haven't forgiven you for that!" Adrianna blushed.

"What ever did he do?" Keith's mother asked.

"Go on, tell her what you did to me you meany!"

"I just introduced her to a frog! There's nothing wrong with that is is there?" The King chuckled.

"You put it down my the back of my DRESS! It was slimy and horrible!"

"I got it out for you!" The King grinned.

"Yes and you got in so much trouble for it when Teacher Haiinem saw you with your hand down the back of my blouse! I felt so sorry for you, that cane must have really hurt!"

"They CANED the King?" Keith's mother gasped.

"Oh yes! He was only a Prince then though. They gave him twelve stripes across his backside! I cried and cried when I got home after that, I blamed MYSELF for it!"

"It was my own silly fault! Not yours! My father wasn't impressed when I got home either, I got six more across the hand!" Alfor grinned.

"Well I am glad I didn't go to school on Arus!" Keith's father replied from behind the camera!

"Oh it wasn't so bad!" The King replied.

"Excuse me, Colonel Bradley, Lady Rebecca, Your royal Highnesses, lunch is ready to be served!" A pretty young lass replied in a VERY familiar voice.

Keith turned to Nanny in shock! "Nanny is that you?"

"Yes Captain! See there's Coran too! Over in the distance there, you can just see him helping with lunch!"

"Woah you both look so..... young!"

"Well it was nineteen years ago Keith! Keep watching while I get us all something to drink!"

"What about you young Keith? Are you hungry?"

"Umm no tank you Miss Nanny! I wanna pway on da swings again! Will you push me?"

"Keith, no more swings until after you've had lunch! Come on up here please!" His mother replied sternly.

King Alfor picked the boy up and swung him up on to his shoulders. "Oh Rebecca! He's not hungry, let me give him a swing! He's only young once!"

Keith's mother scolded the King, "Alfor you are such a pain sometimes! You spoil him ROTTEN!"

"Come on Young Keith! It's time you had a swing!"

"May I mummy? Please?" Keith pleaded with her.

"Oh......alright, you behave yourself for King Alfor! What do you say?"

"Thank you King Alfor for pushing me on the swings!"

"Good boy!" His mother replied.

"Thats okay young man, I used to like the swings too when I was your age!" The King replied.

Keith was gobsmacked and a tear ran down his face as he saw his mother, old memories began to flood back and his heart burned. He found it hard to believe that he had met Allura before as well! Then there was the friendship between his parents and Allura's parents! He was a little overwhelmed! "Dad, why haven't you mentioned this before? I don't remember any of this!"

"I have my reasons Keith! You were only six years old then, its along time ago so it's no wonder you don't remember. Do you remember the time you got your hand stuck in the rocks at the beach that time?"

"Ohhh barely......... I think!"

"Do you remember a man holding you and talking to you while I removed the rocks from your hand?"

"Y...yeah sort of, who was he?"

"That was your Princesses Father!"

"King Alfor? This seems so weird!" Keith answered shaking his head.

Allura meanwhile watched her Mother and Father intently with tears trickling down her cheeks, she had seen very little imagery of her Mother and to see the chemistry they both shared was overwhelming enough in itself without the fact that Keith had held her as a baby complicating matters! "General, thank you so much, I only have the one picture of my mother!" Allura replied as she wiped her eyes in front of him.

"May I give you a hug Princess?" The General asked.

Allura didn't even let him finish she gently cuddled up to him and he put his arm around her and sat her on his lap. "Maybe these would interest you then?" He asked as he showed her a series of photographs.

Here look at this photo Princess, Who do you think my best man is?" The General replied with a grin as he handed her a wedding photo.

"Father was your best man???". Allura couldn't believe it, the surprises just kept coming!

"He was Princess! He was perhaps one of the best friends I ever had and when he was killed I was devastated. I tried to get to Arus but Galaxy Garrison wouldn't allow it, I was tied up with the war in the Carnclanx galaxy where our defeats were mounting. I was considered to be too essential to the war effort, I couldn't go to his funeral, and by the time I could have gone to Arus it was too late. I did manage to convince the Garrison that the war on Arus was going badly and I remebered Alfor telling me of Voltron and the Castle of Lions. So I persuaded them to send a hand picked team to bring Voltron back, I knew there was one man I could count on to lead the charge. I also knew of two well trained combat veterans that would be perfect team mates for him".

"Sven, Lance and me! Do you mean to tell me that YOU kept us together after the Orion!" Keith gasped.

Well with the loss of the Orion I saw no need for you to be split up and sent all over the damn galaxy. The Garrison is good at that! They station you together with a group of other youngsters and slowly over time, that group gets smaller as your friends die beside you. Finally there are maybe a handful of you left, you have bled together, faced death together, seen victory and devastating defeat together! You have struggled to survive togather, forming a very close bond. When you FINALLY win the day you are experienced combat veterans and so they split you all up and scatter you all over the galaxy to lead more young men and women in battle! Within a month you're all dead! I've seen far too many good officers lost this way and I wasn't about to let my youngest son join their ranks. I recomended you three for the mission to Arus. The panel chose Hunk and Pidge from the exploration ship Galilleo soon afterwards and the Voltron Force was born".

"I had no idea! I never knew, I thought it was just luck, the three of us did!. Dad why didn't you tell me?"

"I saw no need for you to know, you had a job to do and you didn't need sentimentality clouding your judgement! We weren't exactly on the best of terms after Becky's death either! We haven't spoken since, until now!"

"Keith? You haven't spoken to your Father in years?" Allura asked, quite unable to comprehend somebody not wanting to speak with their Father! She wished her Father was still alive to guide her!

"Well yeah, we had a falling out, things happened and...................."

"Not anymore, give your Father a hug Keith, put whatever happened in the past and move on! Before he is gone from you and you can't!" Allura insisted.

Keith understood where she was coming from he didn't like his Father one little bit though and it was for HER sake that he agreed, albeit, a false apology, Keith would NEVER forgive him in his heart! He and the General stood before each other and tried to figure out just how best to hug, "Umm should we...."

"Well Keith maybe we should just......"

"Oh for heaven's sake!" Nanny replied as she pushed Keith into his Father's arms.

Father and Son tried to forget their differences, the General regretted that he had not been there to save his wife! He couldn't be there! He was fighting below decks when their outpost had been attacked. This failure would plague him for the rest of his life and he would NEVER let it rest. He also regretted that his only surviving Son HATED him, he knew why Keith felt the way he did and THAT was perhaps the most painful thing of all!

His dear wife and Keith's mother, Rebecca, had fought bravely when the Carnclaxians attacked, she valiantly defended her children and even though critically injured, she stood guard over them as she watched the last of the marauders retreat! She finally fell afterwards, Keith could remember the sound of her Katana clanging to the ground, dripping in sticky red blood. It was his first experience with death and loss, he had been too young to understand why she wouldn't wake up. He remembered tugging at her side, pleading with her to get up. It was that image that often haunted his dreams............That bloodstained sword crashing to his mothers feet as she fell and lay dying in their quarters. Her death had been Keith's inspiration to learn Japanese sword and Kendo, he learned to fight as his mother had, he wanted to be certain that he would be the defender his mother had been, that if the time ever came where his family was threatened again, he could protect them! HE would succeed where his FATHER had failed!

The General raised his two boys as best he could, he tried his level best to be there for them but his heart thought only of vengeance and his commission was always getting in the way as well. His eldest boy, Jack had run away to war as soon as he was seventeen and his death soon after had torn the General apart. First his wife and then his eldest Son! War had taken from him just about everything he held dear and now, all that was left of his life was Keith! The boy who hated him! Indirectly the General HAD watched over Keith however, he had kept him from the extremeties of the front lines until Keith's ship was attacked and destroyed a few weeks before the Arus mission. Keith had actually been raised by the Academy, though he always claimed he spent more time with Sven's parents then the Academy lecturers.

The General had sent Keith and his two closest friends to Arus, along with two young men chosen by the Garrison from the exploration and science vessel Gallileo. Through him Sven's parents had been able to keep tabs on their boy too and the General was always passing on what information he had to them. He always wondered why Lance's parents hadn't tried a similar thing? He knew the Armstrongs well enough, they were a strict catholic family who seemed to care very much for their other children? Why did they never ask about Lance and change the subject whenever the General spoke of him? It was a puzzle he never did solve. Lance was also being raised by the Academy and that was where he, Keith and Sven had met each other.

For such an emotional moment there was little shown from either Keith or his Father, both kept their emotions in perfect check and as they sat back down nothing more was said until the General cleared his throat and addressed the group. "Moving on to business! It wasn't easy Coran, but the Marshall owed me that many favours that he had no choice but to agree with us and grant the Voltron Force a permanent assignment on Arus!"

Keith's eyes widened in shock, "Dad!!! You mean...................I don't have to go?"

"Here's to the NEW king of Arus!" He laughed clinking his glass to Keith's.

"Oh KEITH! You don't have to leave! We can be together! We can BE together!" Allura cried as she excitedly embraced him.

Keith brushed her fringe back and as their eyes met the two lovers drew close and tenderly kissed each other. Nanny put a hand to her heart as she watched them both, her Princess had her wish!

Keith held Allura close and tight in his arms as she ran her hands through his hair and over his shoulders. As they came up for breath, Allura looked up to her Captain and rested her head against his chest, happy that the very last hurdle had been overcome, her love was staying on planet Arus, with her.

"Dad I'm sorry, I owe you an apology for my behaviour I.........."

"Forget it Keith........What's done is done!" His Father interrupted.

The End Of Part 2.

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