School Days
Part IX
This is My Gift
By KittyCaro
Disclaimer: Characters from the Adventures of Voltron and the New Adventures of Voltron are copyright 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1997 by WEP. Any and all new/original characters belong to the author.
Rating: PG-13 for adult themes, violence and bad language.
Author’s notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. Lynne and Shannon, please tell me what you think of the first interlude. Zejan, I hope you don't mind I included an artist called Zarina that signs her works with a Z. C&C are welcomed.
"Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence." H. L. Mencken
Originally Published 12/19/2000 - Revised 03/23/2015
Rating: PG-13 for adult themes, violence and bad language.
Author’s notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. Lynne and Shannon, please tell me what you think of the first interlude. Zejan, I hope you don't mind I included an artist called Zarina that signs her works with a Z. C&C are welcomed.
"Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence." H. L. Mencken
Originally Published 12/19/2000 - Revised 03/23/2015
Click on the following links to move along to that chapter.
Friday, November 28th, 2302
The skies in Arus were gray, and the winds were brisk as Lieutenant Commander Jonathan 'Hunk' Chandler and Annie Brøchner approached the magnificent Castle of Lions, walking arm in arm. Her hand was caught in his elbow, where his hard muscles bulged against one another. He felt solid and strong, like a man should feel. He looked so handsome in his yellow jacket with Yellow Lion embroidered on its right sleeve, and faded blue jeans.
Annie sighed deeply and instinctively snuggled closer to his warmth. Hunk gazed down at her and smiled appreciatively. She looked so beautiful in her purple hooded fleece coat and black leggings. A few locks of her shoulder-length blond hair brushed her lovely face.
They had been dating for almost four months. Their relationship had started out of mutual admiration for their work with children and, truth to be told their love for food. But now they couldn't live without each other.
"There's a storm coming," he told her, "you can feel it in the air."
She smiled. "Oh, I hope you're right. It hasn't snowed in more than five years," she said with glee. "I love playing in the snow."
"Maybe we could go to Lake Maane for some skiing," he suggested.
"I don't know how to ski," she grumbled. "I prefer to throw snowballs or flop on the white stuff and make snow angels."
He chuckled softly. "Me too," he said, kissing her right temple.
Just as they were about to cross the magnificent bridge leading to the castle, an elderly man pulled a cart overflowing with children in front of them. They waved at them and giggled.
"Goodbye Hunk! Goodbye Annie!"
Hunk wriggled his fingers in return, and crossed his eyes at them. The children shrieked with delight until the man told them to hush. Annie eyed the pilot of Yellow Lion tenderly and he leaned down until his mouth was close to her ear.
"I like children," he whispered. His breath was warm against her neck and he seemed to linger there a moment, the stubble of his beard scraping her. Annie remained still, caught up in the spell of his nearness.
"I'm sure when you were a little boy, all the kids follow you around," she told him admiringly.
His smiled faded. "I was too big," he said sadly, "and they were afraid of me, because sometimes I couldn't control my strength."
Her throat tightened as she imagined him a little boy, awkward in a too large body, playing by himself. She wanted to kiss that little boy's brow and soothe his ruffled dark hair. Annie slid her hand into his much larger one. She saw the surprise on his face as he lifted their clasped fingers.
She reached out and caressed his cheek. "You're very special to me, Jonathan," she said in a whispery tone.
His heart filled with warmth at her admission. "I like the way you say my name," he murmured low.
"Everybody calls you Hunk, and I must admit that you are one," she said, a hint of mischief on her voice, "but your given name is beautiful. It means ‘The Lord's gift' in Hebrew."
He smiled down at her as she looked up at him. She felt breathless. His was a strong face, and she had already come to love those dark brown eyes.
"Annie," he whispered wrapping his arms tightly around her, and his mouth found hers.
Her head was spinning. Her heart was pounding. Her belly knotted and unknotted itself in a repetitive rhythm. It was a glorious feeling.
Finally, he broke away, setting her down gently upon the stone steps.
"Let's go," she sighed, her cheeks blushing prettily. "The Princess is waiting for us."
He put his huge arm around her, giving her a small squeeze. "Your wish is my command, Milady," he replied reverently.
The skies in Arus were gray, and the winds were brisk as Lieutenant Commander Jonathan 'Hunk' Chandler and Annie Brøchner approached the magnificent Castle of Lions, walking arm in arm. Her hand was caught in his elbow, where his hard muscles bulged against one another. He felt solid and strong, like a man should feel. He looked so handsome in his yellow jacket with Yellow Lion embroidered on its right sleeve, and faded blue jeans.
Annie sighed deeply and instinctively snuggled closer to his warmth. Hunk gazed down at her and smiled appreciatively. She looked so beautiful in her purple hooded fleece coat and black leggings. A few locks of her shoulder-length blond hair brushed her lovely face.
They had been dating for almost four months. Their relationship had started out of mutual admiration for their work with children and, truth to be told their love for food. But now they couldn't live without each other.
"There's a storm coming," he told her, "you can feel it in the air."
She smiled. "Oh, I hope you're right. It hasn't snowed in more than five years," she said with glee. "I love playing in the snow."
"Maybe we could go to Lake Maane for some skiing," he suggested.
"I don't know how to ski," she grumbled. "I prefer to throw snowballs or flop on the white stuff and make snow angels."
He chuckled softly. "Me too," he said, kissing her right temple.
Just as they were about to cross the magnificent bridge leading to the castle, an elderly man pulled a cart overflowing with children in front of them. They waved at them and giggled.
"Goodbye Hunk! Goodbye Annie!"
Hunk wriggled his fingers in return, and crossed his eyes at them. The children shrieked with delight until the man told them to hush. Annie eyed the pilot of Yellow Lion tenderly and he leaned down until his mouth was close to her ear.
"I like children," he whispered. His breath was warm against her neck and he seemed to linger there a moment, the stubble of his beard scraping her. Annie remained still, caught up in the spell of his nearness.
"I'm sure when you were a little boy, all the kids follow you around," she told him admiringly.
His smiled faded. "I was too big," he said sadly, "and they were afraid of me, because sometimes I couldn't control my strength."
Her throat tightened as she imagined him a little boy, awkward in a too large body, playing by himself. She wanted to kiss that little boy's brow and soothe his ruffled dark hair. Annie slid her hand into his much larger one. She saw the surprise on his face as he lifted their clasped fingers.
She reached out and caressed his cheek. "You're very special to me, Jonathan," she said in a whispery tone.
His heart filled with warmth at her admission. "I like the way you say my name," he murmured low.
"Everybody calls you Hunk, and I must admit that you are one," she said, a hint of mischief on her voice, "but your given name is beautiful. It means ‘The Lord's gift' in Hebrew."
He smiled down at her as she looked up at him. She felt breathless. His was a strong face, and she had already come to love those dark brown eyes.
"Annie," he whispered wrapping his arms tightly around her, and his mouth found hers.
Her head was spinning. Her heart was pounding. Her belly knotted and unknotted itself in a repetitive rhythm. It was a glorious feeling.
Finally, he broke away, setting her down gently upon the stone steps.
"Let's go," she sighed, her cheeks blushing prettily. "The Princess is waiting for us."
He put his huge arm around her, giving her a small squeeze. "Your wish is my command, Milady," he replied reverently.
[Allura was lying on bed, scribbling in her red diary]
November 28th, 2302
Dear Diary:
Aunt Orla came to visit us, and with our staff we gathered wonderful ideas for decorating and entertaining, including tree ornaments, mantles, and cooking the perfect Christmas dinner. She won't be able to spend Christmas Eve with us, because she's preparing a great feast for her people. So we decided to have a ball next week. I hope Lotor doesn't decide to attack us.
I remember exactly what Coran and I were doing this time last year; stockpiling bottled water, canned goods and blankets for our people hidden in the caves, for whatever Zarkon might bring. We had planned on spending Christmas and New Year's with them, but Yurak attacked and we ended up spending those important dates in the old Castle.
But not this year! Now that Voltron is back, we've freshened up the plantings outdoors with festive decorations. Old and new ornaments cover the twelve-foot tree that Sven and Hunk picked up from the nearby forest; it's an Arusian spruce, just like the Norway spruce, the tree of choice in Europe, with dark-green needles and pretty cinnamon-red branches. Hunk says that its fragrance fills the room like ‘something cooking.'
Unfortunately for Cheddar and family, its razor-sharp needles keep them away from the ornaments. The maids and I had to wear gloves to decorate it!
Garlands filled with multicolored lights embellish staircases and over doors. With the Castle looking so beautiful, and with friends and loved ones all around, I'm eagerly anticipating what 2303 will bring.
Keith's mom sent me dozens of magazines with holiday ideas and boxes filled with materials. I found an article about using Xmas trees as tabletops. It says that it can be a live or artificial, but that you must keep the decorations in scale with their small stature. You can use trimmings like collections, cookies, children's ornaments, and even bits of lace or colorful fabric.
Aunt Orla suggested a Scandinavian tree, with gingerbread cookies decorated with snowflakes, hearts, and the Dalahast horse.
"Create a tree with cookies, colors and motifs to indicate the country from which our ancestors hailed, so you can share family history and a good time with your friends," she said.
So I asked Johan, the Royal gardener, to get me small a white pine for this project. Its needles are feathery soft and fragrant. I decided to place it in the rec room. As I was giving the finishing touches to the tree tabletop, Hunk and Annie entered the room. They wanted to talk to me about a plan they have for the children of the orphanage.
"You see Princess," Hunk was saying, "Annie and I had been thinking about doing something special for Christmas."
"Yes, we want to prepare them a Christmas Eve supper and maybe they could recreate the Nativity scene," Annie added excitedly.
"That's a lovely idea, please count me in," I said. Their passion for volunteering was contagious.
"Do you have the costumes for the presentation?" Nanny asked.
"No yet, Nanny," Hunk replied shaking his head.
"Well, I'll take care of that," the portly woman said. "There's a trunk filled with costumes from a Christmas party Their Majesties had years ago. I'll ask the seamstress to make the necessary alterations."
"Coran," I began, "We'll need to talk to the local merchants, to buy gifts for the children, food, clothing and party supplies."
He nodded. "I'll ask them to come, Your Highness,"
"Don't worry about the food, Allura," Annie intervened, "My father and the other restaurant owners have agreed to supply everything will need. We could do all the cooking at the orphanage the day before the event."
"We'll need to plan the menu," I added.
At that precise moment, the rest of the Voltron Force entered the room. Hunk told them about their plans and they immediately offered to help.
Keith smiled. "One year we were in charge of organizing the Christmas party for the children of the Alliance officers, so we have a lot of ideas."
Sven nodded. "Maybe this time we could incorporate more customs from our countries."
"Excellent idea, Sven!" Hunk exclaimed.
"You know what the kids would enjoy," Keith said, "breaking up piñatas, it's a Mexican tradition for celebrations where children are involved."
Pidge grinned and rubbed his hands avidly. "Right, the piñatas are filled with peanuts in the shell, tangerines, sugar canes, and candy. The children chant while a kid is blindfolded and tries to break the piñata with a stick."
Lance nodded. "Those children need to know that there are people who care, we'll show them a great time."
Pidge stepped forward. "I volunteer to make the piñatas, I already know the theme- Voltron, Defender of the Universe. I'll make the five Lions and the traditional Christmas star."
"And who's going to play Santa Claus?" I asked curiously.
"Hunk, who else?" Lance laughed wickedly.
"I don't mind, really," the big guy said calmly glancing at him. "At least I don't look like the Grinch who stole Christmas."
Everyone erupted in roaring laughter. Even Coran and Nanny chuckled at Hunk's wittiness.
"That's a good one!" Pidge snickered, covering his mouth.
Lance frowned. "Don't push it, Santa's little helper," he snapped, pointing an accusing finger at him. "You're already wearing the green clothes, you only need the cap."
Pidge glared at him. "Grinch!"
"Elf!"
Keith cleared his throat. "Come on you guys, behave yourselves. There are ladies present, and when there are ladies, gentlemen must follow."
Nanny nodded appreciatively. "Well said, Commander."
Lance covered his mouth with a hand. "Teacher's pet," he coughed.
Annie and I just glanced at each other and began to giggle, and the guys groaned loudly. Apparently Keith was the only one paying attention during Nanny's etiquette lessons.
More later…
November 28th, 2302
Dear Diary:
Aunt Orla came to visit us, and with our staff we gathered wonderful ideas for decorating and entertaining, including tree ornaments, mantles, and cooking the perfect Christmas dinner. She won't be able to spend Christmas Eve with us, because she's preparing a great feast for her people. So we decided to have a ball next week. I hope Lotor doesn't decide to attack us.
I remember exactly what Coran and I were doing this time last year; stockpiling bottled water, canned goods and blankets for our people hidden in the caves, for whatever Zarkon might bring. We had planned on spending Christmas and New Year's with them, but Yurak attacked and we ended up spending those important dates in the old Castle.
But not this year! Now that Voltron is back, we've freshened up the plantings outdoors with festive decorations. Old and new ornaments cover the twelve-foot tree that Sven and Hunk picked up from the nearby forest; it's an Arusian spruce, just like the Norway spruce, the tree of choice in Europe, with dark-green needles and pretty cinnamon-red branches. Hunk says that its fragrance fills the room like ‘something cooking.'
Unfortunately for Cheddar and family, its razor-sharp needles keep them away from the ornaments. The maids and I had to wear gloves to decorate it!
Garlands filled with multicolored lights embellish staircases and over doors. With the Castle looking so beautiful, and with friends and loved ones all around, I'm eagerly anticipating what 2303 will bring.
Keith's mom sent me dozens of magazines with holiday ideas and boxes filled with materials. I found an article about using Xmas trees as tabletops. It says that it can be a live or artificial, but that you must keep the decorations in scale with their small stature. You can use trimmings like collections, cookies, children's ornaments, and even bits of lace or colorful fabric.
Aunt Orla suggested a Scandinavian tree, with gingerbread cookies decorated with snowflakes, hearts, and the Dalahast horse.
"Create a tree with cookies, colors and motifs to indicate the country from which our ancestors hailed, so you can share family history and a good time with your friends," she said.
So I asked Johan, the Royal gardener, to get me small a white pine for this project. Its needles are feathery soft and fragrant. I decided to place it in the rec room. As I was giving the finishing touches to the tree tabletop, Hunk and Annie entered the room. They wanted to talk to me about a plan they have for the children of the orphanage.
"You see Princess," Hunk was saying, "Annie and I had been thinking about doing something special for Christmas."
"Yes, we want to prepare them a Christmas Eve supper and maybe they could recreate the Nativity scene," Annie added excitedly.
"That's a lovely idea, please count me in," I said. Their passion for volunteering was contagious.
"Do you have the costumes for the presentation?" Nanny asked.
"No yet, Nanny," Hunk replied shaking his head.
"Well, I'll take care of that," the portly woman said. "There's a trunk filled with costumes from a Christmas party Their Majesties had years ago. I'll ask the seamstress to make the necessary alterations."
"Coran," I began, "We'll need to talk to the local merchants, to buy gifts for the children, food, clothing and party supplies."
He nodded. "I'll ask them to come, Your Highness,"
"Don't worry about the food, Allura," Annie intervened, "My father and the other restaurant owners have agreed to supply everything will need. We could do all the cooking at the orphanage the day before the event."
"We'll need to plan the menu," I added.
At that precise moment, the rest of the Voltron Force entered the room. Hunk told them about their plans and they immediately offered to help.
Keith smiled. "One year we were in charge of organizing the Christmas party for the children of the Alliance officers, so we have a lot of ideas."
Sven nodded. "Maybe this time we could incorporate more customs from our countries."
"Excellent idea, Sven!" Hunk exclaimed.
"You know what the kids would enjoy," Keith said, "breaking up piñatas, it's a Mexican tradition for celebrations where children are involved."
Pidge grinned and rubbed his hands avidly. "Right, the piñatas are filled with peanuts in the shell, tangerines, sugar canes, and candy. The children chant while a kid is blindfolded and tries to break the piñata with a stick."
Lance nodded. "Those children need to know that there are people who care, we'll show them a great time."
Pidge stepped forward. "I volunteer to make the piñatas, I already know the theme- Voltron, Defender of the Universe. I'll make the five Lions and the traditional Christmas star."
"And who's going to play Santa Claus?" I asked curiously.
"Hunk, who else?" Lance laughed wickedly.
"I don't mind, really," the big guy said calmly glancing at him. "At least I don't look like the Grinch who stole Christmas."
Everyone erupted in roaring laughter. Even Coran and Nanny chuckled at Hunk's wittiness.
"That's a good one!" Pidge snickered, covering his mouth.
Lance frowned. "Don't push it, Santa's little helper," he snapped, pointing an accusing finger at him. "You're already wearing the green clothes, you only need the cap."
Pidge glared at him. "Grinch!"
"Elf!"
Keith cleared his throat. "Come on you guys, behave yourselves. There are ladies present, and when there are ladies, gentlemen must follow."
Nanny nodded appreciatively. "Well said, Commander."
Lance covered his mouth with a hand. "Teacher's pet," he coughed.
Annie and I just glanced at each other and began to giggle, and the guys groaned loudly. Apparently Keith was the only one paying attention during Nanny's etiquette lessons.
More later…
Friday, December 5th, 2302
A week later, the reply of Queen Orla to the Princess' invitation arrived. The Castle of Lions was bustling with activity. Nanny was barking orders at everyone, it was the first ball in almost six years and she wanted everything to be perfect. Even the Force had to comply with her wishes, and that wasn't easy.
Allura was nervous. It was her first time as hostess. She knew these people were attending not only out of friendship or respect, but also curiosity. She would be scrutinized, categorized and picked apart.
Clutching at all she had learned from her mother and Nanny, Allura stood with a smile in the entrance at eight o'clock to welcome her aunt and her entourage. She was pleased that the women of the Altairian court were dressed in festive colors like herself. She had chosen an exquisite creation from one of the boutiques in Lyon, a halter in cranberry red crushed velvet, with a satin shawl of the same hue, ankle-strap sandals and a pair of ruby earrings that had belonged to her mother.
The Voltron Force was in full dress uniform. The royal seamstress had recreated the uniform that Prince Aalfor used: dark blue with red accents and golden buttons. But this one had the crest of the Royal House of Arus embroidered on the left pocket of the jacket. They were handsome sentinels at their Princess' side.
For the next hour, the Princess bowed and smiled struggling to remember the faces and names of the guests. Fortunately, Orla was often at her side, her hand lightly on Allura's elbow in a show of silent approval.
After the guests had been given a tour of the Castle, courtesy of Coran, they concentrated in the ballroom. A string quartet was playing Christmas favorites. As hostess, Allura was asked to dance numerous times and had to listen to idle chatter, while Coran attended her aunt with courtly charm. When the first half of the dance program ended, the guests enjoyed the finest wines and delicious hors d'oeuvres.
Orla looked on as Allura circulated among the guests. The young male members of the court were very attentive with her. They were impressed by her accomplishments at such young age and some of them were blatantly wooing her.
"My niece looks so lovely and sure of herself."
Coran nodded. "Yes, her parents would be proud of her."
"Your Highness," Nanny said turning to the Queen, while a maid approached them with a tray of crackers with leverpostje (pork liver paté) "Allura has been receiving letters and gifts from many princes from the nearby planets, asking for her hand in marriage. But she politely declines, saying that she wants to earn her degree first."
"Just like her mother," the Queen noted wistfully. "I remember that Alfor had just graduated and wanted to get married, but Alexandra still had one year more to go and wanted to concentrate solely on earning her degree. She finally convinced him to wait for her."
Coran nodded. "Yes, he used that year to prepare himself for the transition of power. That's when King Henrik, assigned me to be Alfor's advisor. Even though we were of the same age."
"You had previous experience because of your work for the Alliance," Orla said.
"It came on handy with all the plans Alfor had for this kingdom and his allies. Some of those plans were almost impossible to accomplish, but he didn't give up. He could be quite stubborn at times."
"A trait inherited by my dear niece," she laughed softly.
He nodded. "Yes, but that stubbornness gave us Voltron."
"And those wonderful young men brought our mighty robot back to protect us," Orla said.
"Margaret and I were happy with her going back to school, because that meant she would be leaving her post as pilot of Blue Lion willingly. She will graduate this coming June, and then she can begin looking for a prince consort, who can help her rule Arus," Coran concluded.
"Oh yes!" Nanny sighed happily. "I can just imagine my baby getting married to a handsome prince."
Pidge widened his eyes in amazement and almost choked on a piece of cheese. "D-did you hear that?" he whispered to his comrades, "They're saying the Princess has to get married."
"Don't they realize that we're living in the 24th century?" Lance asked, trying to hide his anger. "They can't force her to get married."
"Maybe not them," Sven noted. "But her people could. Although very advanced technologically speaking, the Arusians still have the archaic notion that by getting married and having an heir, the Princess will prove to be a strong and capable ruler."
"Nonsense!" Hunk whispered loudly. "Her Majesty Queen Orla is single and she's considered a great ruler by the people of Altair."
"What about her feelings?" Pidge asked worriedly. "Aren't they important?"
"Unfortunately not," Sven replied sadly. "She has to abide to the wishes of her people, even if it means entering a loveless marriage."
"The life of a royal isn't easy," Hunk noted, "don't you agree, Keith?"
Keith nodded slowly. "Yes, they have to follow certain rules, just like us in the military." He looked away, uncomfortable with the topic. He excused himself and stood apart from his friends; and from that separate stand was able to observe the celebration.
He switched his attention to the Princess, who was surrounded by those pompous lords and dukes of Altair. Where were they when Allura and her aunt needed help? Hiding their asses on some far away planet of course! He was sure they had never been in actual battle like him and his friends. But now that Arus is returning to its old splendor, those weasels are courting her.
He sighed. Who could blame them?
Allura was lovely. Lovely and every inch the lady a woman of her station should be. She was every man's dream of a wife: tasteful, refined, and yet simmering with an innate sensuality that all the manners in the world couldn't contain. She was the kind of woman a man would show off on his arm with tremendous pride.
Was he the right man for her?
Maybe she realized that they didn't belong together and didn't have the nerve to say it, for fear of hurting him.
His gaze cut to Lance, who was staring at Allura. Is that what he is dreaming of when his eyes touch fondly upon her?
Jealousy burned like a brand in Keith's heart.
He needed to get out… now.
"Keith?"
The sound of Allura's voice and the gentle touch of her hand on his arm startled Keith from his ruminations.
"What's wrong?" she asked. He could see the confusion in her eyes. He wanted to speak up, but it wasn't the right place or right time to do so.
"Princess, I… need to go for a walk outside."
She blinked. "Outside? But it's so cold."
"I know," he said, his voice unusually gruff. "That's what I need right now." He turned and headed for the door. He pressed the button on the control panel and strode out into the hallway, without a backward glance.
Allura stood watching as Keith walked away. When the door closed, she remained perfectly still. Shock rippled through her, leaving her rigid. She had done it again. She had driven him away. The realization brought a wave of pain that nearly buckled her knees.
At that moment, a maid entered the room and announced that dinner was served.
To her dismay, Allura saw a smiling Lance approaching. After that scene in the Karaoke lounge, she had avoided him every way she could. What else could go wrong? She asked herself despairingly.
"May I escort you to the dining room, Princess?"
She glanced up in surprise, staring at the elbow Sven offered as if she had never been extended such courtesy before. He was looking at her with such tenderness that it made her heart skip a beat.
Although Sven enjoyed her company, his gallantry was also meant to thwart Lance's romantic intentions.
The young Frenchman drew up short and narrowed his eyes; he bowed as if there were no hard feelings. But the glitter in his stare said there were plenty.
Allura smiled warmly at Sven, thanking him silently for his intervention. She placed her fingertips upon his sleeve so he could lead her into the dining room first. The Royal Advisor brought up the rear as guests were seated, Queen Orla at one end, Princess Allura at the other. As her escort, Sven wordlessly assumed a position at her left side, and Coran sat at her right. Keith joined them a few minutes later and sat next to Sven.
Red, silver and touches of gold were used in the table settings. Gold embroidered red napkins folded like accordions were inserted in each red glass goblet. A matching table runner complemented the napkins. Centerpieces with bright red poinsettias and golden leaves with white lights tucked into the branches created a stunning display.
The Royal cook had prepared a wonderful menu: butternut squash bisque, maple-glazed ham, fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered Brussels sprouts and creamed beans and onions. After the maids had served them the main dish, Allura was relieved when Sven offered her a glass of red wine. She needed the fortifier with Lance so close at hand and Keith with that stern look.
Raising the first glass, Coran bowed to her, the rest following suit.
"To the Princess, for giving us the opportunity to take part on this joyous occasion," he said, looking directly at her.
"To the Princess," they replied in unison.
"Thank you, but we wouldn't be here if it weren't for the brave Voltron Force," she noted, deeply touched.
The rest of the evening went without incident, when the dinner dishes were cleared, the guests sat back and prepared for the grand finale. And they weren't disappointed; they presented them with double chocolate orange torte and batches of holiday cookies, that included: brandied fruit bars, eggnog kringla (a variation of the traditional Scandinavian cake-like cookie), apricot thumbprints, walnut brandy cones and pale pink stars; all accompanied with crème de menthe coffee.
After Queen Orla tasted the satin-glazed torte and the soothing coffee, she asked to speak to the cook to congratulate him for the wonderful food.
Sven leaned closer to the Princess and whispered into her ear, "The celebration is proving to be a complete success."
"You're right."
"Even Hunk and Pidge are behaving themselves. They are chewing their food with their mouths closed," he joked.
She stifled a giggle. "Nanny can't complain anymore about their table manners. They have passed the test with flying colors."
But before she could engage him in inclusive conversation, she caught a blur of movement darting on the table. Cheddar and its family had somehow evaded Nanny, and they were making a beeline for the cookies.
~Oh no!~ Allura thought. She was halfway out of her seat, gesturing frantically at Pidge, when Nanny burst into the dining room.
"There you are, you little thieves!" She cried, broom on hand, too intent upon chasing them away.
"Argh! Mice!" The ladies in waiting shrieked. Some of them climbed to their chairs, while others fainted.
"Get those rats!" a young impudent lord uttered reaching for his sword.
"They're not rats!" Lance exclaimed.
"Calm down," Allura begged. "They're harmless."
"They're our friends," Hunk offered.
"There are filthy animals!" an old woman cried.
"That's not true, they shower everyday," Pidge stated matter-of-factly, trying to catch them.
"Let's help him!" Keith said to Sven.
"Right!"
Cheddar and company disappeared beneath the table. Unfortunately, they tangled in the scalloped lace hem of the linen cloth, dragging it under with them.
And all the place settings, wine glasses, and silverware followed, avalanching into the laps of all those on that side of the table.
A week later, the reply of Queen Orla to the Princess' invitation arrived. The Castle of Lions was bustling with activity. Nanny was barking orders at everyone, it was the first ball in almost six years and she wanted everything to be perfect. Even the Force had to comply with her wishes, and that wasn't easy.
Allura was nervous. It was her first time as hostess. She knew these people were attending not only out of friendship or respect, but also curiosity. She would be scrutinized, categorized and picked apart.
Clutching at all she had learned from her mother and Nanny, Allura stood with a smile in the entrance at eight o'clock to welcome her aunt and her entourage. She was pleased that the women of the Altairian court were dressed in festive colors like herself. She had chosen an exquisite creation from one of the boutiques in Lyon, a halter in cranberry red crushed velvet, with a satin shawl of the same hue, ankle-strap sandals and a pair of ruby earrings that had belonged to her mother.
The Voltron Force was in full dress uniform. The royal seamstress had recreated the uniform that Prince Aalfor used: dark blue with red accents and golden buttons. But this one had the crest of the Royal House of Arus embroidered on the left pocket of the jacket. They were handsome sentinels at their Princess' side.
For the next hour, the Princess bowed and smiled struggling to remember the faces and names of the guests. Fortunately, Orla was often at her side, her hand lightly on Allura's elbow in a show of silent approval.
After the guests had been given a tour of the Castle, courtesy of Coran, they concentrated in the ballroom. A string quartet was playing Christmas favorites. As hostess, Allura was asked to dance numerous times and had to listen to idle chatter, while Coran attended her aunt with courtly charm. When the first half of the dance program ended, the guests enjoyed the finest wines and delicious hors d'oeuvres.
Orla looked on as Allura circulated among the guests. The young male members of the court were very attentive with her. They were impressed by her accomplishments at such young age and some of them were blatantly wooing her.
"My niece looks so lovely and sure of herself."
Coran nodded. "Yes, her parents would be proud of her."
"Your Highness," Nanny said turning to the Queen, while a maid approached them with a tray of crackers with leverpostje (pork liver paté) "Allura has been receiving letters and gifts from many princes from the nearby planets, asking for her hand in marriage. But she politely declines, saying that she wants to earn her degree first."
"Just like her mother," the Queen noted wistfully. "I remember that Alfor had just graduated and wanted to get married, but Alexandra still had one year more to go and wanted to concentrate solely on earning her degree. She finally convinced him to wait for her."
Coran nodded. "Yes, he used that year to prepare himself for the transition of power. That's when King Henrik, assigned me to be Alfor's advisor. Even though we were of the same age."
"You had previous experience because of your work for the Alliance," Orla said.
"It came on handy with all the plans Alfor had for this kingdom and his allies. Some of those plans were almost impossible to accomplish, but he didn't give up. He could be quite stubborn at times."
"A trait inherited by my dear niece," she laughed softly.
He nodded. "Yes, but that stubbornness gave us Voltron."
"And those wonderful young men brought our mighty robot back to protect us," Orla said.
"Margaret and I were happy with her going back to school, because that meant she would be leaving her post as pilot of Blue Lion willingly. She will graduate this coming June, and then she can begin looking for a prince consort, who can help her rule Arus," Coran concluded.
"Oh yes!" Nanny sighed happily. "I can just imagine my baby getting married to a handsome prince."
Pidge widened his eyes in amazement and almost choked on a piece of cheese. "D-did you hear that?" he whispered to his comrades, "They're saying the Princess has to get married."
"Don't they realize that we're living in the 24th century?" Lance asked, trying to hide his anger. "They can't force her to get married."
"Maybe not them," Sven noted. "But her people could. Although very advanced technologically speaking, the Arusians still have the archaic notion that by getting married and having an heir, the Princess will prove to be a strong and capable ruler."
"Nonsense!" Hunk whispered loudly. "Her Majesty Queen Orla is single and she's considered a great ruler by the people of Altair."
"What about her feelings?" Pidge asked worriedly. "Aren't they important?"
"Unfortunately not," Sven replied sadly. "She has to abide to the wishes of her people, even if it means entering a loveless marriage."
"The life of a royal isn't easy," Hunk noted, "don't you agree, Keith?"
Keith nodded slowly. "Yes, they have to follow certain rules, just like us in the military." He looked away, uncomfortable with the topic. He excused himself and stood apart from his friends; and from that separate stand was able to observe the celebration.
He switched his attention to the Princess, who was surrounded by those pompous lords and dukes of Altair. Where were they when Allura and her aunt needed help? Hiding their asses on some far away planet of course! He was sure they had never been in actual battle like him and his friends. But now that Arus is returning to its old splendor, those weasels are courting her.
He sighed. Who could blame them?
Allura was lovely. Lovely and every inch the lady a woman of her station should be. She was every man's dream of a wife: tasteful, refined, and yet simmering with an innate sensuality that all the manners in the world couldn't contain. She was the kind of woman a man would show off on his arm with tremendous pride.
Was he the right man for her?
Maybe she realized that they didn't belong together and didn't have the nerve to say it, for fear of hurting him.
His gaze cut to Lance, who was staring at Allura. Is that what he is dreaming of when his eyes touch fondly upon her?
Jealousy burned like a brand in Keith's heart.
He needed to get out… now.
"Keith?"
The sound of Allura's voice and the gentle touch of her hand on his arm startled Keith from his ruminations.
"What's wrong?" she asked. He could see the confusion in her eyes. He wanted to speak up, but it wasn't the right place or right time to do so.
"Princess, I… need to go for a walk outside."
She blinked. "Outside? But it's so cold."
"I know," he said, his voice unusually gruff. "That's what I need right now." He turned and headed for the door. He pressed the button on the control panel and strode out into the hallway, without a backward glance.
Allura stood watching as Keith walked away. When the door closed, she remained perfectly still. Shock rippled through her, leaving her rigid. She had done it again. She had driven him away. The realization brought a wave of pain that nearly buckled her knees.
At that moment, a maid entered the room and announced that dinner was served.
To her dismay, Allura saw a smiling Lance approaching. After that scene in the Karaoke lounge, she had avoided him every way she could. What else could go wrong? She asked herself despairingly.
"May I escort you to the dining room, Princess?"
She glanced up in surprise, staring at the elbow Sven offered as if she had never been extended such courtesy before. He was looking at her with such tenderness that it made her heart skip a beat.
Although Sven enjoyed her company, his gallantry was also meant to thwart Lance's romantic intentions.
The young Frenchman drew up short and narrowed his eyes; he bowed as if there were no hard feelings. But the glitter in his stare said there were plenty.
Allura smiled warmly at Sven, thanking him silently for his intervention. She placed her fingertips upon his sleeve so he could lead her into the dining room first. The Royal Advisor brought up the rear as guests were seated, Queen Orla at one end, Princess Allura at the other. As her escort, Sven wordlessly assumed a position at her left side, and Coran sat at her right. Keith joined them a few minutes later and sat next to Sven.
Red, silver and touches of gold were used in the table settings. Gold embroidered red napkins folded like accordions were inserted in each red glass goblet. A matching table runner complemented the napkins. Centerpieces with bright red poinsettias and golden leaves with white lights tucked into the branches created a stunning display.
The Royal cook had prepared a wonderful menu: butternut squash bisque, maple-glazed ham, fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered Brussels sprouts and creamed beans and onions. After the maids had served them the main dish, Allura was relieved when Sven offered her a glass of red wine. She needed the fortifier with Lance so close at hand and Keith with that stern look.
Raising the first glass, Coran bowed to her, the rest following suit.
"To the Princess, for giving us the opportunity to take part on this joyous occasion," he said, looking directly at her.
"To the Princess," they replied in unison.
"Thank you, but we wouldn't be here if it weren't for the brave Voltron Force," she noted, deeply touched.
The rest of the evening went without incident, when the dinner dishes were cleared, the guests sat back and prepared for the grand finale. And they weren't disappointed; they presented them with double chocolate orange torte and batches of holiday cookies, that included: brandied fruit bars, eggnog kringla (a variation of the traditional Scandinavian cake-like cookie), apricot thumbprints, walnut brandy cones and pale pink stars; all accompanied with crème de menthe coffee.
After Queen Orla tasted the satin-glazed torte and the soothing coffee, she asked to speak to the cook to congratulate him for the wonderful food.
Sven leaned closer to the Princess and whispered into her ear, "The celebration is proving to be a complete success."
"You're right."
"Even Hunk and Pidge are behaving themselves. They are chewing their food with their mouths closed," he joked.
She stifled a giggle. "Nanny can't complain anymore about their table manners. They have passed the test with flying colors."
But before she could engage him in inclusive conversation, she caught a blur of movement darting on the table. Cheddar and its family had somehow evaded Nanny, and they were making a beeline for the cookies.
~Oh no!~ Allura thought. She was halfway out of her seat, gesturing frantically at Pidge, when Nanny burst into the dining room.
"There you are, you little thieves!" She cried, broom on hand, too intent upon chasing them away.
"Argh! Mice!" The ladies in waiting shrieked. Some of them climbed to their chairs, while others fainted.
"Get those rats!" a young impudent lord uttered reaching for his sword.
"They're not rats!" Lance exclaimed.
"Calm down," Allura begged. "They're harmless."
"They're our friends," Hunk offered.
"There are filthy animals!" an old woman cried.
"That's not true, they shower everyday," Pidge stated matter-of-factly, trying to catch them.
"Let's help him!" Keith said to Sven.
"Right!"
Cheddar and company disappeared beneath the table. Unfortunately, they tangled in the scalloped lace hem of the linen cloth, dragging it under with them.
And all the place settings, wine glasses, and silverware followed, avalanching into the laps of all those on that side of the table.
What a mess!
When the last apology was made, and the victims of the space mice had retired to their quarters, Allura left a furious Nanny and staff to clean the disaster in the dining room. She wandered to her bedroom, having just closed the door when she heard Pidge's voice mixing with Hunk's thunderous laughter. After they moved along the hall together, a sense of failure and isolation crept in through her downed defenses.
She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror- a foolish Princess in wine-stained velvet, caught between a jealous commander and a singing lieutenant. Her features lined with anxiety and despair. Even the mice were against her, she thought in the brink of tears. She immediately took off her dress and put on her old reliable pink jumpsuit and grabbing a blue fleece cloak, stormed out of her room.
Sven had almost missed her. Her shadow skimmed along the dark tracery of the leafless rose bushes- a figure with a most provocative walk. There was such solitude in her lonely travels, but respecting her private thoughts and her need to work through them, he sat on the rail, allowing her the peaceful embrace of the night and himself the pleasure of simply watching over her.
Whatever preyed upon her mind, and he had a fairly good idea of what that was, she kept to the moonlighting for over an hour before approaching the castle.
"Princess."
His voice startled her into drawing up short. For a while, she remained safely in the shadows, and then finally came to the stairs.
"Please don't say that I should have locked Cheddar and his family on my bedroom, or I'll be forced to hit you, and I really don't need the extra burden tonight."
"Don't worry; I don't want to be responsible for any more of your burdens."
She stared up at him. In the weak light, in her dark blue cloak, he was looking once again at the girl that had captured his heart months ago. And as tears made silvery traces down stubbornly held features, that endearing contrast made him lose his heart all over again.
She stiffened at the soft sound of his laughter.
"You find this disaster funny," she choked out.
"It's not that," he chuckled. "I was just remembering the look on Coran's face when the orange torte landed on his lap. I'm almost sure I heard him swear."
Allura drew a pained breath. He could see her shoulders tremble. Feeling poorly about taking amusement from her distress, he was about to apologize when she said in a strangled voice, "Or Hunk covered in buttered Brussels sprouts."
His grin flashed bright and they shared a moment of quiet laughter at the ridiculousness of the situation.
Slowly, she came out of the garden and he stepped aside, expecting her to pass. Instead, she stopped beside him, still chuckling helplessly even as more tears glimmered upon her cheeks.
Unable to stop himself, Sven brushed one trail away with the leisurely swipe of his thumb.
"Don't cry, Princess. You'll be the talk of the Altairian court tomorrow. Isn't that a hostess' fondest wish?"
"A topic of envy, yes, of sport, no."
"No one will make sport of you," he promised, following that claim with, "At least not in my presence."
"Thank you."
He nodded. "Now be a good princess and go inside, before you catch a cold."
"You sound just like Nanny."
He widened his eyes. "Dear God! Don't say that. I have a reputation to protect," he gasped feigning outrage.
She giggled softly. "Good night, Sven."
"Good night, Princess."
Then he saw her walk away and waited a few minutes before returning to the castle.
When the last apology was made, and the victims of the space mice had retired to their quarters, Allura left a furious Nanny and staff to clean the disaster in the dining room. She wandered to her bedroom, having just closed the door when she heard Pidge's voice mixing with Hunk's thunderous laughter. After they moved along the hall together, a sense of failure and isolation crept in through her downed defenses.
She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror- a foolish Princess in wine-stained velvet, caught between a jealous commander and a singing lieutenant. Her features lined with anxiety and despair. Even the mice were against her, she thought in the brink of tears. She immediately took off her dress and put on her old reliable pink jumpsuit and grabbing a blue fleece cloak, stormed out of her room.
Sven had almost missed her. Her shadow skimmed along the dark tracery of the leafless rose bushes- a figure with a most provocative walk. There was such solitude in her lonely travels, but respecting her private thoughts and her need to work through them, he sat on the rail, allowing her the peaceful embrace of the night and himself the pleasure of simply watching over her.
Whatever preyed upon her mind, and he had a fairly good idea of what that was, she kept to the moonlighting for over an hour before approaching the castle.
"Princess."
His voice startled her into drawing up short. For a while, she remained safely in the shadows, and then finally came to the stairs.
"Please don't say that I should have locked Cheddar and his family on my bedroom, or I'll be forced to hit you, and I really don't need the extra burden tonight."
"Don't worry; I don't want to be responsible for any more of your burdens."
She stared up at him. In the weak light, in her dark blue cloak, he was looking once again at the girl that had captured his heart months ago. And as tears made silvery traces down stubbornly held features, that endearing contrast made him lose his heart all over again.
She stiffened at the soft sound of his laughter.
"You find this disaster funny," she choked out.
"It's not that," he chuckled. "I was just remembering the look on Coran's face when the orange torte landed on his lap. I'm almost sure I heard him swear."
Allura drew a pained breath. He could see her shoulders tremble. Feeling poorly about taking amusement from her distress, he was about to apologize when she said in a strangled voice, "Or Hunk covered in buttered Brussels sprouts."
His grin flashed bright and they shared a moment of quiet laughter at the ridiculousness of the situation.
Slowly, she came out of the garden and he stepped aside, expecting her to pass. Instead, she stopped beside him, still chuckling helplessly even as more tears glimmered upon her cheeks.
Unable to stop himself, Sven brushed one trail away with the leisurely swipe of his thumb.
"Don't cry, Princess. You'll be the talk of the Altairian court tomorrow. Isn't that a hostess' fondest wish?"
"A topic of envy, yes, of sport, no."
"No one will make sport of you," he promised, following that claim with, "At least not in my presence."
"Thank you."
He nodded. "Now be a good princess and go inside, before you catch a cold."
"You sound just like Nanny."
He widened his eyes. "Dear God! Don't say that. I have a reputation to protect," he gasped feigning outrage.
She giggled softly. "Good night, Sven."
"Good night, Princess."
Then he saw her walk away and waited a few minutes before returning to the castle.
The rest of the Voltron Force was sitting on the rec room, enjoying a nice cup of coffee with a touch of Kahlúa and a batch of holiday cookies one of the maids had managed to save. They were talking about the space mice's latest stunt.
Hunk tied the sash of his yellow robe around his waist and then slumped on the couch. "Damn!" he exclaimed, "Nanny is gonna have hard time removing the stains from my uniform. And I only used it once."
Lance was sprawled out on the couch. "And what about Coran?" he chuckled, "He looked so funny all covered in cake."
"He was so busy calming those silly ladies in waiting that he didn't make a scene," Hunk noted.
"Poor Princess," Pidge sighed. "She was so afraid her aunt was going to side with Nanny about killing the mice. But the Queen seemed quite amused by the situation and even defended Cheddar and company from the fat one."
"Don't talk about Nanny like that," Hunk said hotly. "She's a nice lady."
Lance laughed ruefully. "Because you're always complementing her food; as for me, I think she gave me about a hundred whacks with that ruler of hers during those wretched etiquette lessons. My hands are still sore."
"Yes," Sven began, "but you asked for it."
"Geez," Lance snorted. "Another knight in shining armor defending Nanny."
"The women in this family are extraordinary. I wished I could have met Queen Alexandra. Annie told me that she was a great woman," Hunk said reaching for another mouth-watering apricot thumbprint.
Did you see the way Keith was gawking at the Princess? Pidge asked, throwing another stick of wood to the fireplace, making the flame sprang up again. "I don't know why he doesn't admit that he's smitten with her, like the rest of us."
After taking a quick sip of his coffee, Hunk replied, "I think that our Chief should forget that she looks like his ex-girlfriend, and make a move on her. What do you think?"
Sven nodded in agreement. "Yes, she might be a blonde and have blue eyes like Cecilia, but that's where the similarities end. Princess Allura is more beautiful, inside and out. If I were Keith, I would court her."
"And why don't you?" Pidge asked tentatively. "If Keith doesn't want to, I think you have a really good chance."
Sven leaned forward and placed his mug on the coffee table. "Do you really think so?" he asked amused, giving a sidelong glance at Lance.
Pidge sat on the floor. "Well, yeah!" And he proceeded to list the reasons why. "You share the same ancestry. You taught her how to fly Blue Lion and self defense; when you were hurt, she spent night and day by your bedside; you know a lot about Arusian history and customs and most importantly- Nanny likes you."
Lance now lazed back in the couch and regarded Sven through half-lidded eyes. "She likes him because he relieved the Princess from flying Blue," he said in a dismissive tone.
"That maybe so, but I think that Sven and the Princess would make a spiffy couple," Pidge concluded.
Hunk turned to Sven. "Besides, you and Keith are the only ones without a girlfriend, and if Keith is too scared of her, well then, go for it!"
"You better forget about her," Lance stated matter-of-factly, "She will be my Princess, you can count on that."
"She won't be your anything."
The four men turned back and saw Keith standing in the threshold, wearing a thundering frown, which distorted the fine lines on his face.
"You're joking, aren't you?" Lance asked, wide-eyed.
"I'm not kidding," he stated. "Leave the Princess alone."
Lance gave him a puzzled look. "I don't know why you're acting like we are rivals or something, as if you're interested in her."
"I'm interested in her-" he bit his tongue, "safety."
The young lieutenant regarded him shrewdly from across the room. "What are you trying to say, that I'm not?"
~Come on, Keith, tell him that you're in love with her!~ Sven urged silently.
Keith's face flushed with temper. "She's not like the girls you like to amuse yourself with, Lance Beaumont!"
He was taken aback by his outburst. "Whoa! Take it easy! You're my commander and I'll follow your orders regarding Voltron and protecting Arus, but as far as my personal life, you can't tell me what to do."
"Oh oh," Pidge whispered to Hunk, "This is getting serious."
"You could say that again," he whispered back. "I thought Lance was dating Christian."
"I have a news flash for you, Big Guy, Sophie told me that her sister and Mr. Grinch broke up a few days ago."
"That explains why he's being in that sour mood..."
Keith and Lance held each other's glares with the intensity of lions guarding territory.
Keith was the first to break free. "Stay away from her or I'll-"
Lance smirked at him. "You will what? Send me back to Terra?"
~The prospect of a new pilot for Red Lion suddenly sounds so tempting,~ he thought warily.
He was about to reply when his communicator went off. He took out the device from his pocket. "Keith here," he answered in a tight voice.
"Commander," Coran said, "could you please come to the control room? It's rather important."
"I'll be right there, Keith out." He started toward the door, then called back over his shoulder, "We're not finished, Lance." And with that he left the room.
"Well, everything was going fine until he heard us talking about his breakup with Cecilia and he covered up his embarrassment by getting mad at Lance," Hunk observed.
"Oh, that's deep," Pidge snorted.
Sven rose from the couch. "Go to sleep, you two," he said, "It's past midnight and we're going on patrol at 0600 hours."
Hunk groaned loudly. "You're right. Let's go Pidge," he said, leaving his empty cup on the tray. "Good night, my friends."
"Good night."
When they left, Sven stepped forward and glanced at his teammate. "Lance- what's going on between you and the Princess?"
"A beautiful friendship, so far," he replied. "But I'm going to change that."
Sven frowned. "But Keith ordered you to stay away from her."
Lance placed his cup on the coffee table. "I don't know what his problem is, he only sees her as the leader of Arus, an unattainable figure. But come on! It's not her fault that she kinda looks like Cecilia. If he doesn't want to make a move on her, why should he stop me?"
"You heard what Nanny and Coran said-"
"Sven- don't give me that shit that I'm not worthy of the Princess because I'm just a space explorer. We know that she doesn't care about those things. Besides, there's nothing in Arusian law which prohibits the sovereign from dating or marrying a commoner."
~He's been doing his homework for a change,~ Sven thought surprised.
"Lance… leave her alone."
He arched an eyebrow. "Why? Are you interested in her too?"
Sven lifted his chin. "What if I am?" he asked with a spark of challenge.
Lance narrowed his eyes. "Well, let's see who can win her first. Wanna bet?"
Sven folded his arms across his chest. "There's no need, you will lose anyway."
Lance studied him for a few moments. Then one side of his mouth rose in a wry smile. "On ne sait jamais." (One can never tell)
He walked to the door and palmed down the room lights down. "Bonne nuit, mon ami," he said, without glancing back.
Sven sighed. "Good night."
Alone with his thoughts, Sven sat on the couch in front of the roaring fire, and taking his coffee, cradled the blue mug between his big hands. He sipped the hot brew. The storm outside the castle was a fierce one, and he was sure a great blanket of snow would cover their surroundings tomorrow morning.
Too bad he couldn't go skiing to Lake Maane with the rest of the gang, he thought ruefully, for his leg still bother him a bit. Doctor Gorma had mentioned the possibility of sending him to planet Ebb so that Dr. Andersen would take a look. But with the holidays coming, he was sure that visit would take place until January, so there was no need to worry about it right now.
He concentrated upon his cup, looking into the dancing flames, and debated on whether he should tell the Princess about his own feelings. Would knowing that he was entranced by her beauty and kindness like his French friend, clear the path toward her heart? Was it fair to deny himself the privilege of feeling those tender emotions for her?
He sighed deeply. No, but he couldn't do that to Keith, who had avoided serious involvement for years, obviously waiting for that special someone. And the Princess was the logical choice.
So far, Keith and the Princess had managed to keep their relationship a secret from the rest. But the way they look at each other when they believe nobody is looking, the fierce way she protected him from Lotor's vicious attack and the anguish that overwhelmed Keith when she was kidnapped, convinced Sven that they were meant for each other.
A slow smile crept into his lips. Now it was the right time to interfere.
Hunk tied the sash of his yellow robe around his waist and then slumped on the couch. "Damn!" he exclaimed, "Nanny is gonna have hard time removing the stains from my uniform. And I only used it once."
Lance was sprawled out on the couch. "And what about Coran?" he chuckled, "He looked so funny all covered in cake."
"He was so busy calming those silly ladies in waiting that he didn't make a scene," Hunk noted.
"Poor Princess," Pidge sighed. "She was so afraid her aunt was going to side with Nanny about killing the mice. But the Queen seemed quite amused by the situation and even defended Cheddar and company from the fat one."
"Don't talk about Nanny like that," Hunk said hotly. "She's a nice lady."
Lance laughed ruefully. "Because you're always complementing her food; as for me, I think she gave me about a hundred whacks with that ruler of hers during those wretched etiquette lessons. My hands are still sore."
"Yes," Sven began, "but you asked for it."
"Geez," Lance snorted. "Another knight in shining armor defending Nanny."
"The women in this family are extraordinary. I wished I could have met Queen Alexandra. Annie told me that she was a great woman," Hunk said reaching for another mouth-watering apricot thumbprint.
Did you see the way Keith was gawking at the Princess? Pidge asked, throwing another stick of wood to the fireplace, making the flame sprang up again. "I don't know why he doesn't admit that he's smitten with her, like the rest of us."
After taking a quick sip of his coffee, Hunk replied, "I think that our Chief should forget that she looks like his ex-girlfriend, and make a move on her. What do you think?"
Sven nodded in agreement. "Yes, she might be a blonde and have blue eyes like Cecilia, but that's where the similarities end. Princess Allura is more beautiful, inside and out. If I were Keith, I would court her."
"And why don't you?" Pidge asked tentatively. "If Keith doesn't want to, I think you have a really good chance."
Sven leaned forward and placed his mug on the coffee table. "Do you really think so?" he asked amused, giving a sidelong glance at Lance.
Pidge sat on the floor. "Well, yeah!" And he proceeded to list the reasons why. "You share the same ancestry. You taught her how to fly Blue Lion and self defense; when you were hurt, she spent night and day by your bedside; you know a lot about Arusian history and customs and most importantly- Nanny likes you."
Lance now lazed back in the couch and regarded Sven through half-lidded eyes. "She likes him because he relieved the Princess from flying Blue," he said in a dismissive tone.
"That maybe so, but I think that Sven and the Princess would make a spiffy couple," Pidge concluded.
Hunk turned to Sven. "Besides, you and Keith are the only ones without a girlfriend, and if Keith is too scared of her, well then, go for it!"
"You better forget about her," Lance stated matter-of-factly, "She will be my Princess, you can count on that."
"She won't be your anything."
The four men turned back and saw Keith standing in the threshold, wearing a thundering frown, which distorted the fine lines on his face.
"You're joking, aren't you?" Lance asked, wide-eyed.
"I'm not kidding," he stated. "Leave the Princess alone."
Lance gave him a puzzled look. "I don't know why you're acting like we are rivals or something, as if you're interested in her."
"I'm interested in her-" he bit his tongue, "safety."
The young lieutenant regarded him shrewdly from across the room. "What are you trying to say, that I'm not?"
~Come on, Keith, tell him that you're in love with her!~ Sven urged silently.
Keith's face flushed with temper. "She's not like the girls you like to amuse yourself with, Lance Beaumont!"
He was taken aback by his outburst. "Whoa! Take it easy! You're my commander and I'll follow your orders regarding Voltron and protecting Arus, but as far as my personal life, you can't tell me what to do."
"Oh oh," Pidge whispered to Hunk, "This is getting serious."
"You could say that again," he whispered back. "I thought Lance was dating Christian."
"I have a news flash for you, Big Guy, Sophie told me that her sister and Mr. Grinch broke up a few days ago."
"That explains why he's being in that sour mood..."
Keith and Lance held each other's glares with the intensity of lions guarding territory.
Keith was the first to break free. "Stay away from her or I'll-"
Lance smirked at him. "You will what? Send me back to Terra?"
~The prospect of a new pilot for Red Lion suddenly sounds so tempting,~ he thought warily.
He was about to reply when his communicator went off. He took out the device from his pocket. "Keith here," he answered in a tight voice.
"Commander," Coran said, "could you please come to the control room? It's rather important."
"I'll be right there, Keith out." He started toward the door, then called back over his shoulder, "We're not finished, Lance." And with that he left the room.
"Well, everything was going fine until he heard us talking about his breakup with Cecilia and he covered up his embarrassment by getting mad at Lance," Hunk observed.
"Oh, that's deep," Pidge snorted.
Sven rose from the couch. "Go to sleep, you two," he said, "It's past midnight and we're going on patrol at 0600 hours."
Hunk groaned loudly. "You're right. Let's go Pidge," he said, leaving his empty cup on the tray. "Good night, my friends."
"Good night."
When they left, Sven stepped forward and glanced at his teammate. "Lance- what's going on between you and the Princess?"
"A beautiful friendship, so far," he replied. "But I'm going to change that."
Sven frowned. "But Keith ordered you to stay away from her."
Lance placed his cup on the coffee table. "I don't know what his problem is, he only sees her as the leader of Arus, an unattainable figure. But come on! It's not her fault that she kinda looks like Cecilia. If he doesn't want to make a move on her, why should he stop me?"
"You heard what Nanny and Coran said-"
"Sven- don't give me that shit that I'm not worthy of the Princess because I'm just a space explorer. We know that she doesn't care about those things. Besides, there's nothing in Arusian law which prohibits the sovereign from dating or marrying a commoner."
~He's been doing his homework for a change,~ Sven thought surprised.
"Lance… leave her alone."
He arched an eyebrow. "Why? Are you interested in her too?"
Sven lifted his chin. "What if I am?" he asked with a spark of challenge.
Lance narrowed his eyes. "Well, let's see who can win her first. Wanna bet?"
Sven folded his arms across his chest. "There's no need, you will lose anyway."
Lance studied him for a few moments. Then one side of his mouth rose in a wry smile. "On ne sait jamais." (One can never tell)
He walked to the door and palmed down the room lights down. "Bonne nuit, mon ami," he said, without glancing back.
Sven sighed. "Good night."
Alone with his thoughts, Sven sat on the couch in front of the roaring fire, and taking his coffee, cradled the blue mug between his big hands. He sipped the hot brew. The storm outside the castle was a fierce one, and he was sure a great blanket of snow would cover their surroundings tomorrow morning.
Too bad he couldn't go skiing to Lake Maane with the rest of the gang, he thought ruefully, for his leg still bother him a bit. Doctor Gorma had mentioned the possibility of sending him to planet Ebb so that Dr. Andersen would take a look. But with the holidays coming, he was sure that visit would take place until January, so there was no need to worry about it right now.
He concentrated upon his cup, looking into the dancing flames, and debated on whether he should tell the Princess about his own feelings. Would knowing that he was entranced by her beauty and kindness like his French friend, clear the path toward her heart? Was it fair to deny himself the privilege of feeling those tender emotions for her?
He sighed deeply. No, but he couldn't do that to Keith, who had avoided serious involvement for years, obviously waiting for that special someone. And the Princess was the logical choice.
So far, Keith and the Princess had managed to keep their relationship a secret from the rest. But the way they look at each other when they believe nobody is looking, the fierce way she protected him from Lotor's vicious attack and the anguish that overwhelmed Keith when she was kidnapped, convinced Sven that they were meant for each other.
A slow smile crept into his lips. Now it was the right time to interfere.
Allura was in her study writing an essay, when she realized she needed a book on Arusian economy. She immediately went to the royal library, not knowing that Lance was waiting for her, hidden among the aisles. She had just found the book, when he appeared before her.
"Princess."
The sound of his voice made her jump. "You startled me," she said breathlessly.
"I'm sorry. Please, sit down." He said, holding out a hand to one of the nearby chairs. "I know you've been avoiding me these past few days, but the time has come for us to talk."
She nodded curtly and sat. She placed the book on her lap and folded her hands on top and stared at them, not even daring to breathe. Allura knew this conversation was coming sooner or later- she had been hoping it would be later.
Lance came to sit across from her, leaning in to her, his forearms resting on his knees. She bit her lower lip and kept her lashes lowered.
"I shouldn't have kissed you, I had no right. I took advantage of the situation and for that I apologize."
"There's no need," she answered honestly.
"Princess, please tell me, you must tell me, say you will accept my offer of courtship."
She lifted her gaze slowly. His warm hazel eyes were filled with earnestness it made her heart ache. She had the sudden urge to cry. He edged closer, his head bent. Those strong capable hands of his were clasped together; palm rubbing against palm.
"Ever since I set eyes on you, I've wanted you."
Her eyes opened wide. "What?" she cried in a voice barely above a whisper.
He blushed furiously. "There! I said it!"
She closed her eyes and tucked her chin to her chest. She wanted so badly to tell him that she felt the same way, but she couldn't.
"Princess," he said softly. He reached out for her, grasping her chin. His touch was filled with magic, sending tremors flitting over the surface of her skin. Was it fear or desire that sparked this fire?
"If you think too long on it, you will find a long list of reasons of why you won't accept me. So please, don't think."
His invitation was compelling. A fierce battle was taking place in her brain against opening her heart to him. How she wanted to simply tell him that she loved Keith.
But if she abandoned thought, there was a curiosity, an unchecked desire, brewing just below the surface that threatened to take her into dangerous terrain.
Standing, she walked a few paces away, her confused thoughts pressing in to her. Behind her, he closely followed.
~Do not think~ in the absence of thinking there was feeling. Lance made her feel so much. Desire to be held. To be safe, to be kissed, to be touched.
And then his hands grasped her by the arms and turned her until she was facing him, a breath away. He made no further move, even when she lifted her eyes to his and swayed toward him.
"Princess, give me a chance. You won't regret it."
"I'm sorry, I can't."
He abruptly released her. She stepped away from him as if to put a safe distance between them.
"I want to love you. I want to make you happy. I want to cherish you. Show you how much you mean to me. I want you to love me." He knew he was rambling, but the words came tumbling out.
"Lance, I do love you, as a friend."
"But I don't want you to love me as a friend," he sighed sadly, "but as a woman loves a man."
She looked into his hazel eyes, and realized that he meant those words. Her heart soared with the knowledge, and then plummeted as quickly. If only she had met him before Keith, but she did not.
"The moment, our state of mind provoked this. Oh, I don't know! We shouldn't have kissed."
He flinched slightly. "That was a sincere kiss."
She blinked back tears. "Please, Lance, don't allow this to destroy the friendship that has grown between us. Let's forget it ever happened, okay?" Her eyes met his, pleading.
He sighed. That‘s something I will never forget, he thought. But he cared too much for her that he would die before hurting her.
"My Princess, our friendship will prevail."
"Thank you."
But I'm not giving up on you, not for an instant, he added silently.
He turned toward the door before she could make her weak limbs move.
"Come, Princess."
He led her into the quiet hall. She held back, gazing at all the closed doors. Feeling Allura's hesitation, he whispered, "Do not fear me." Their hands met and clasped tightly. "I could not bear it."
"I won't, I promise."
He raised her hand and kissed it.
They parted ways, but unbeknownst to them, someone had witnessed their exchange.
"Princess."
The sound of his voice made her jump. "You startled me," she said breathlessly.
"I'm sorry. Please, sit down." He said, holding out a hand to one of the nearby chairs. "I know you've been avoiding me these past few days, but the time has come for us to talk."
She nodded curtly and sat. She placed the book on her lap and folded her hands on top and stared at them, not even daring to breathe. Allura knew this conversation was coming sooner or later- she had been hoping it would be later.
Lance came to sit across from her, leaning in to her, his forearms resting on his knees. She bit her lower lip and kept her lashes lowered.
"I shouldn't have kissed you, I had no right. I took advantage of the situation and for that I apologize."
"There's no need," she answered honestly.
"Princess, please tell me, you must tell me, say you will accept my offer of courtship."
She lifted her gaze slowly. His warm hazel eyes were filled with earnestness it made her heart ache. She had the sudden urge to cry. He edged closer, his head bent. Those strong capable hands of his were clasped together; palm rubbing against palm.
"Ever since I set eyes on you, I've wanted you."
Her eyes opened wide. "What?" she cried in a voice barely above a whisper.
He blushed furiously. "There! I said it!"
She closed her eyes and tucked her chin to her chest. She wanted so badly to tell him that she felt the same way, but she couldn't.
"Princess," he said softly. He reached out for her, grasping her chin. His touch was filled with magic, sending tremors flitting over the surface of her skin. Was it fear or desire that sparked this fire?
"If you think too long on it, you will find a long list of reasons of why you won't accept me. So please, don't think."
His invitation was compelling. A fierce battle was taking place in her brain against opening her heart to him. How she wanted to simply tell him that she loved Keith.
But if she abandoned thought, there was a curiosity, an unchecked desire, brewing just below the surface that threatened to take her into dangerous terrain.
Standing, she walked a few paces away, her confused thoughts pressing in to her. Behind her, he closely followed.
~Do not think~ in the absence of thinking there was feeling. Lance made her feel so much. Desire to be held. To be safe, to be kissed, to be touched.
And then his hands grasped her by the arms and turned her until she was facing him, a breath away. He made no further move, even when she lifted her eyes to his and swayed toward him.
"Princess, give me a chance. You won't regret it."
"I'm sorry, I can't."
He abruptly released her. She stepped away from him as if to put a safe distance between them.
"I want to love you. I want to make you happy. I want to cherish you. Show you how much you mean to me. I want you to love me." He knew he was rambling, but the words came tumbling out.
"Lance, I do love you, as a friend."
"But I don't want you to love me as a friend," he sighed sadly, "but as a woman loves a man."
She looked into his hazel eyes, and realized that he meant those words. Her heart soared with the knowledge, and then plummeted as quickly. If only she had met him before Keith, but she did not.
"The moment, our state of mind provoked this. Oh, I don't know! We shouldn't have kissed."
He flinched slightly. "That was a sincere kiss."
She blinked back tears. "Please, Lance, don't allow this to destroy the friendship that has grown between us. Let's forget it ever happened, okay?" Her eyes met his, pleading.
He sighed. That‘s something I will never forget, he thought. But he cared too much for her that he would die before hurting her.
"My Princess, our friendship will prevail."
"Thank you."
But I'm not giving up on you, not for an instant, he added silently.
He turned toward the door before she could make her weak limbs move.
"Come, Princess."
He led her into the quiet hall. She held back, gazing at all the closed doors. Feeling Allura's hesitation, he whispered, "Do not fear me." Their hands met and clasped tightly. "I could not bear it."
"I won't, I promise."
He raised her hand and kissed it.
They parted ways, but unbeknownst to them, someone had witnessed their exchange.
Thursday, December 11th, 2302
Today it was Princess Allura's last day of school and Keith's turn to pick her up. As she bid goodbye to her classmates after having their Christmas party, she glanced back and saw her beloved standing next to his motorcycle.
"Hi," she greeted him, unable to stop herself from smiling at him. He immediately looked away from her, absently rubbing the key of his vehicle. She watched his strong hands, and saw that they were trembling.
"I need to speak with you," he said, keeping his voice as neutral as possible.
Allura searched his face warily, looking for some sign of anger. Finding none, she nodded her agreement. "Okay."
"We'll go to a secluded spot up in the mountains overlooking Lake Maane."
His lack of conversation during the one-hour trip only increased her nervousness. He passed by the castle and took the cut-off leading up to the lake, parking the motorcycle near an observation point.
"Let's sit over there," he said pointing at a wooden bench, walking ahead to lead the way. He removed the snow from the bench and invited her to sit. She sat down. Keith squeezed in beside her. Before them, stretched mountains covered with snow, with occasional clusters of pines in the distance. No houses or people anywhere, just the two of them.
Her gaze wandered to the hills about them, the cold wind playing with her hair. Before he knew it, his arm had encircled her shoulders. He pressed his lips to her temple and absorbed the first staggering jolt to his system. She sighed as his warm breath caused delicious tingles of fire and ice along her spine.
He had sworn to protect her. And here he was, tempting himself with pleasures he had no right to. But he couldn't resist. Not when she was moving against him like this. He was aiming too high, he knew.
"Oh Keith, I need you so much." She turned to face him, her dainty hands curling themselves into tight fists and clutching his red jacket, as she fitted herself to him so perfectly.
He froze. The truth was he needed her too. Oh God! How he needed her. But how could he claim to protect her, when he only thought about sleeping with her?
With a feeling of self-loathing, he unfolded her hands into his own and eased them down.
She stared at him in disbelief. "What is it, Keith?"
He finally gathered his courage and sitting up straighter, he said, "These past few days I've been thinking about us, and realized that I'm getting on your way of your duties as Princess of Arus. That's why I'm letting you go."
Allura was too astonished to speak. How could he make such a decision without consulting her?
"We come from very different worlds. I'm soldier and you're a princess. I thought we could overcome that obstacle, but we can't. Years of tradition separate us."
She stared at Keith for several minutes, her lower lip quivering slightly. How on Arus was she going to convince him that he was wrong? With great effort, she regrouped her forces and told him firmly, "I don't want to lose you."
He stood up. "It's time you started living your own life-"
"Stop telling me what I should do!" she fumed, glaring at him.
A sharp look accompanied Keith's ominous silence, causing Allura to blush defensively and lower her eyes to the floor. She wasn't going to apologize for interrupting him, not when his decision could affect their lives permanently.
But when he finally spoke, his tone was measured. "You must accept the facts; I'm not the right man for you."
Her blue eyes flashing, Allura jerked her head up to confront him. "And then who is, Lotor?" she asked plaintively.
"No, damn you!" he exploded. He always had difficulty controlling his temper where she was concerned. ~Why doesn't she understand that I'm doing it for her own good?~
His next comment left her stunned. "It was a good thing we kept our relationship a secret, we don't have to explain to anybody how it happened. You will marry a nice prince or king, and I won't be reprimanded by the Garrison for taking advantage of your situation."
"You don't mean that," she gasped. She stared at him, a totally stricken look on her face.
"I do, you must admit we have based our relationship on mere dreams. It would never have worked," he continued.
She stood up and put her arms around him, not caring that someone could see them. "That's not true," she murmured, as much to herself as to Keith. He kept his arms by his sides, not returning her embrace. If he really loved her, he wouldn't be saying that.
"You're a coward, Keith," she choked out.
He clenched his teeth. "If letting you go so you can claim your destiny makes me a coward, so be it."
She stepped away and looked up into his face. He looked down at her and felt a knife-edge of pain in his heart. "I could ask for a transfer if you want me to," he offered.
Her eyes stung with tears at the thought of never seeing him again. Her life wouldn't be the same without him. "Please, don't go," she replied, wincing. "My planet needs you-"
"I won't leave until we get rid of Zarkon and Lotor," he promised.
Allura found herself entranced, staring into his face with its burning eyes. She longed to trace those heavy brows with a finger, ease the tension she saw there. She wanted to hold him, perhaps for the last time. She rested her hands on his shoulders, rubbing them for a moment, and then touched his jaw with trembling fingers.
Keith clenched his eyes shut as if in pain, and then with a groan he wrapped his arms around her. Allura rested her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes. The pain was so excruciating that she wanted nothing more than the solitude of her bedroom, so she could cry her heart out.
"Please, take me home," she whispered, breaking away from him.
"I'll always love you, Allura."
Squeezing her eyes shut to force back the tears, she said in a hoarse voice, "And I'll never love anyone like you."
Today it was Princess Allura's last day of school and Keith's turn to pick her up. As she bid goodbye to her classmates after having their Christmas party, she glanced back and saw her beloved standing next to his motorcycle.
"Hi," she greeted him, unable to stop herself from smiling at him. He immediately looked away from her, absently rubbing the key of his vehicle. She watched his strong hands, and saw that they were trembling.
"I need to speak with you," he said, keeping his voice as neutral as possible.
Allura searched his face warily, looking for some sign of anger. Finding none, she nodded her agreement. "Okay."
"We'll go to a secluded spot up in the mountains overlooking Lake Maane."
His lack of conversation during the one-hour trip only increased her nervousness. He passed by the castle and took the cut-off leading up to the lake, parking the motorcycle near an observation point.
"Let's sit over there," he said pointing at a wooden bench, walking ahead to lead the way. He removed the snow from the bench and invited her to sit. She sat down. Keith squeezed in beside her. Before them, stretched mountains covered with snow, with occasional clusters of pines in the distance. No houses or people anywhere, just the two of them.
Her gaze wandered to the hills about them, the cold wind playing with her hair. Before he knew it, his arm had encircled her shoulders. He pressed his lips to her temple and absorbed the first staggering jolt to his system. She sighed as his warm breath caused delicious tingles of fire and ice along her spine.
He had sworn to protect her. And here he was, tempting himself with pleasures he had no right to. But he couldn't resist. Not when she was moving against him like this. He was aiming too high, he knew.
"Oh Keith, I need you so much." She turned to face him, her dainty hands curling themselves into tight fists and clutching his red jacket, as she fitted herself to him so perfectly.
He froze. The truth was he needed her too. Oh God! How he needed her. But how could he claim to protect her, when he only thought about sleeping with her?
With a feeling of self-loathing, he unfolded her hands into his own and eased them down.
She stared at him in disbelief. "What is it, Keith?"
He finally gathered his courage and sitting up straighter, he said, "These past few days I've been thinking about us, and realized that I'm getting on your way of your duties as Princess of Arus. That's why I'm letting you go."
Allura was too astonished to speak. How could he make such a decision without consulting her?
"We come from very different worlds. I'm soldier and you're a princess. I thought we could overcome that obstacle, but we can't. Years of tradition separate us."
She stared at Keith for several minutes, her lower lip quivering slightly. How on Arus was she going to convince him that he was wrong? With great effort, she regrouped her forces and told him firmly, "I don't want to lose you."
He stood up. "It's time you started living your own life-"
"Stop telling me what I should do!" she fumed, glaring at him.
A sharp look accompanied Keith's ominous silence, causing Allura to blush defensively and lower her eyes to the floor. She wasn't going to apologize for interrupting him, not when his decision could affect their lives permanently.
But when he finally spoke, his tone was measured. "You must accept the facts; I'm not the right man for you."
Her blue eyes flashing, Allura jerked her head up to confront him. "And then who is, Lotor?" she asked plaintively.
"No, damn you!" he exploded. He always had difficulty controlling his temper where she was concerned. ~Why doesn't she understand that I'm doing it for her own good?~
His next comment left her stunned. "It was a good thing we kept our relationship a secret, we don't have to explain to anybody how it happened. You will marry a nice prince or king, and I won't be reprimanded by the Garrison for taking advantage of your situation."
"You don't mean that," she gasped. She stared at him, a totally stricken look on her face.
"I do, you must admit we have based our relationship on mere dreams. It would never have worked," he continued.
She stood up and put her arms around him, not caring that someone could see them. "That's not true," she murmured, as much to herself as to Keith. He kept his arms by his sides, not returning her embrace. If he really loved her, he wouldn't be saying that.
"You're a coward, Keith," she choked out.
He clenched his teeth. "If letting you go so you can claim your destiny makes me a coward, so be it."
She stepped away and looked up into his face. He looked down at her and felt a knife-edge of pain in his heart. "I could ask for a transfer if you want me to," he offered.
Her eyes stung with tears at the thought of never seeing him again. Her life wouldn't be the same without him. "Please, don't go," she replied, wincing. "My planet needs you-"
"I won't leave until we get rid of Zarkon and Lotor," he promised.
Allura found herself entranced, staring into his face with its burning eyes. She longed to trace those heavy brows with a finger, ease the tension she saw there. She wanted to hold him, perhaps for the last time. She rested her hands on his shoulders, rubbing them for a moment, and then touched his jaw with trembling fingers.
Keith clenched his eyes shut as if in pain, and then with a groan he wrapped his arms around her. Allura rested her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes. The pain was so excruciating that she wanted nothing more than the solitude of her bedroom, so she could cry her heart out.
"Please, take me home," she whispered, breaking away from him.
"I'll always love you, Allura."
Squeezing her eyes shut to force back the tears, she said in a hoarse voice, "And I'll never love anyone like you."
December 15th, 2302
Dear Diary:
Today I made the decorations for the Christmas party for the kids of the orphanage. After gathering the materials for the decorations and talking to Annie on the phone about the menu for the children's supper, I took a break and served myself a cup of coffee. Nanny says that I shouldn't be drinking so much coffee because of the caffeine, but it tastes so good in this cold weather.
As I was staring at the hot brew, I glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall and sighed. Just ten days before Christmas, and I don't have the holiday spirit. Not even after putting on a CD of Xmas music I borrowed from Pidge or eating sugar cookies. My heart felt as weighted and close to breaking as the branches of the pines under their burden of heavy, wet snow.
My life had taken a bittersweet turn when Lance kissed me in the Student House on Thanksgiving Day, making me question my feelings for Keith.
Fortunately we talked it out and we decided to forget it ever happened. He seemed disappointed at first, but he finally understood that our friendship is very important to me.
But just when I thought the future look bright for Keith and me, he tells me that we must break up, because he isn't the right man for me. I couldn't believe he would end it like that! I was shocked, and I admit- I cried my eyes out.
With determined effort I'm trying to put my mind into various tasks hoping they'll banish the memory of Keith's eyes filled with tenderness and resignation. I never realized how difficult it is to remain dignified and proud when all you want to do is cry. How am I going to live with him so close to me, but not been able to touch him or kiss him?
So much has happened between us in these past few months. True, we know little of each other, but what we feel is more than some people do after living together for years.
Why did we drift apart? How had that come to be?
I remembered that I stared down into my cup of coffee as though its reflection might hold the answer.
What was about Keith that moved me so deeply?
He touched my heart the first time I saw him across the classroom seven years ago, looking like a lost little boy. We didn't get along at first, but when he defended me from the harassment of our classmates I knew that he would be the love of my life.
Keith was the rebellious son of one of the most powerful men of California, and even though he got himself in a lot of trouble, the sisters would look the other way. He would laugh as though he had not a care in the world, when in reality his heart was filled with pain because of his father's rejection and his mother's supposed abandonment.
Fortunately, he decided to change and became a Space Explorer, the youngest Commander of the Galaxy Alliance. Everyone respects him and knows that he will protect them from any evil until the last breath of life leaves his body.
Maybe Keith is right about us not belonging together. But I miss him terribly. I miss his stolen kisses, his strong arms around me and his soothing, loving words. And yes, I even miss our fights over trivial things.
Breaking up is hard to do anytime of the year, but I think that is worse during the holidays. I wanted to spend Christmas and New Year's with him. Taking motorcycle and sleigh rides, looking at the snow falling gently upon us; drinking hot chocolate in front of the fireplace; watching romantic movies, kissing under the mistletoe.
But those things will never happen.
Sometimes I wonder if I should accept Lance's offer of courtship, but it wouldn't be fair to him. He deserves a woman who will love him completely. And even though he's a loving and caring man, Keith would always be on my mind.
If only I had someone to talk to with, a confidant who could listen to my problems and maybe offer me advice, but I have no one. Only you, my dear diary knows about my pain. How I wish you could give me the solution to reclaim what I lost.
Dear Diary:
Today I made the decorations for the Christmas party for the kids of the orphanage. After gathering the materials for the decorations and talking to Annie on the phone about the menu for the children's supper, I took a break and served myself a cup of coffee. Nanny says that I shouldn't be drinking so much coffee because of the caffeine, but it tastes so good in this cold weather.
As I was staring at the hot brew, I glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall and sighed. Just ten days before Christmas, and I don't have the holiday spirit. Not even after putting on a CD of Xmas music I borrowed from Pidge or eating sugar cookies. My heart felt as weighted and close to breaking as the branches of the pines under their burden of heavy, wet snow.
My life had taken a bittersweet turn when Lance kissed me in the Student House on Thanksgiving Day, making me question my feelings for Keith.
Fortunately we talked it out and we decided to forget it ever happened. He seemed disappointed at first, but he finally understood that our friendship is very important to me.
But just when I thought the future look bright for Keith and me, he tells me that we must break up, because he isn't the right man for me. I couldn't believe he would end it like that! I was shocked, and I admit- I cried my eyes out.
With determined effort I'm trying to put my mind into various tasks hoping they'll banish the memory of Keith's eyes filled with tenderness and resignation. I never realized how difficult it is to remain dignified and proud when all you want to do is cry. How am I going to live with him so close to me, but not been able to touch him or kiss him?
So much has happened between us in these past few months. True, we know little of each other, but what we feel is more than some people do after living together for years.
Why did we drift apart? How had that come to be?
I remembered that I stared down into my cup of coffee as though its reflection might hold the answer.
What was about Keith that moved me so deeply?
He touched my heart the first time I saw him across the classroom seven years ago, looking like a lost little boy. We didn't get along at first, but when he defended me from the harassment of our classmates I knew that he would be the love of my life.
Keith was the rebellious son of one of the most powerful men of California, and even though he got himself in a lot of trouble, the sisters would look the other way. He would laugh as though he had not a care in the world, when in reality his heart was filled with pain because of his father's rejection and his mother's supposed abandonment.
Fortunately, he decided to change and became a Space Explorer, the youngest Commander of the Galaxy Alliance. Everyone respects him and knows that he will protect them from any evil until the last breath of life leaves his body.
Maybe Keith is right about us not belonging together. But I miss him terribly. I miss his stolen kisses, his strong arms around me and his soothing, loving words. And yes, I even miss our fights over trivial things.
Breaking up is hard to do anytime of the year, but I think that is worse during the holidays. I wanted to spend Christmas and New Year's with him. Taking motorcycle and sleigh rides, looking at the snow falling gently upon us; drinking hot chocolate in front of the fireplace; watching romantic movies, kissing under the mistletoe.
But those things will never happen.
Sometimes I wonder if I should accept Lance's offer of courtship, but it wouldn't be fair to him. He deserves a woman who will love him completely. And even though he's a loving and caring man, Keith would always be on my mind.
If only I had someone to talk to with, a confidant who could listen to my problems and maybe offer me advice, but I have no one. Only you, my dear diary knows about my pain. How I wish you could give me the solution to reclaim what I lost.
Sven came out of his slumber. The late-night shift at Castle Control had been hectic because he had discovered Doom fighters flying over the village of Aalborg. But they seemed to have come on a recognizance mission. Nevertheless, the fear of an attack was always present.
He slowly climbed out of bed and stumbled over to the bathroom to take a quick shower.
After rummaging through his closet, he chose a white turtleneck sweater and blue slacks his mother had sent him. After having a quick breakfast in the kitchen, he went to the royal gardens.
He thought what a glorious morning it was, the way you always hoped a December day would be. It was cold and dry, with bright sunlight and a vivid, clear blue sky, the kind of day that made him feel good to be alive.
He took a few deep breaths of the pure clean air, and then set out for the rec room to watch the news.
But before he could reach for the control panel of the door, Allura opened it. She stood there on the step, smiling at him. The minute he saw her- dressed in a royal blue turtleneck sweater, black double-pleat front skirt and black leather boots highlighting her great silhouette- his chest tightened and he felt himself grow hot around his collar.
To cover his nervousness, his sudden confusion, he coughed several times, then murmured, "God morgon," (Good morning)
She stretched out her hand. He took it in his. "God morgon, Sven. Come in and have a cup of coffee with me." She smiled at him once more and extracted her hand.
"Thanks, coffee would be good." He followed her into the room, stood there glancing around, feeling slightly awkward.
She sat on the table. "Sven, sit down over here. You take your coffee with cream and a spoonful of sugar, right?" One of her golden brows lifted questioningly.
"That's right, thanks," he answered, and took a seat at the old pine table at one end of the room, noticing that it was filled with packages of red and white glossy paper, rolls of tape and two pairs of scissors.
Pidge entered the room. "Good morning!" he greeted them.
"Good morning," they replied in unison.
The young pilot looked around. "I came to pick up a box of paper maché for the piñatas. I know I left it in here."
"It's behind the couch," she said.
Pidge smiled. "Thanks." He walked over to the couch and picked up the cardboard box. "Princess, Hunk and I will be in the workshop if you need us. We'll be cutting the wiring for the piñatas."
She glanced at him. "All right."
Before leaving, Pidge noticed the supplies on the table. "What's all these?" he asked curiously.
"I'm going to make Danish Christmas hearts to decorate the orphanage," she replied. "These hearts are the most common decorations in Danish homes in December. They are made out of two pieces of glossy paper, which are folded together to make up a small basket. The heart is hung on the Christmas tree and filled with candy for the kids. Here on Arus, the hearts are put anywhere one feels like it- in the windows, hanging over the street, wherever."
Pidge nodded appreciatively. "But why in red and white?"
"Because that combination is the most common and is the same color as the flag of Denmark," Sven replied matter-of-factly.
"Uh, that's right, I didn't think of that. Well, I'll see you later." He then strode out from the room.
Allura picked up two pieces of paper. "I need to finish these hearts by this afternoon; Hunk is taking Annie and me to the orphanage for a dress rehearsal of the Nativity Scene. Keith and Lance went to Lyon to pick up the presents for the children, so we can gift wrap them this evening."
"You could ask the maids with this task."
She frowned slightly. "It's not the same. I used to help my mother organize fund-raising balls, and yes, it was nice to lend our name for a benefit committee. But I prefer to take care of children, play with them and serve them nutritious meals. It's more tangible than just writing a check," she said, her voice tinged with emotion. "Those children are the future of Arus, and we must protect them."
Sven smiled at her. "Do you have any idea of how absolutely bedårende (adorable) you are, Princess?"
She blushed. "Oh, Sven! The things you say," she gently scolded him, "could you pass me the scissors?"
He grinned at her. "I would give you the moon and the stars were they mine to give," he murmured seductively.
"But they aren't yours to give," she said, "I just want the scissors. You can help me with a few hearts if you want to." He was so outrageous, she thought amused.
He chuckled softly and handing her the scissors, replied, "Here you are, Prinsesse, and you can have my heart anytime you want to."
Allura's cheeks turned a beautiful shade of pink. "You're so sweet," she whispered.
Sven wanted to say something else, but he didn't. He just looked at her and smiled. This was going too far, he realized as he picked up a few pieces of paper. But instead of feeling inhibited, he felt energized.
~Time for phase one of my plan,~ he thought.
"Keith told to me that you were really brave for staying in the old Castle to give your people a sense of security even though you had the opportunity to escape. He says that any husband would be proud of a woman who could withstand such hardship."
Allura blushed fiercely, and tried to cover up her embarrassment by sipping her coffee. "He told you that?" she asked weakly.
"Of course. We're very close," he replied. "There's a special connection between Keith and me, because we share many things in common- being an only child, leaving our countries to go to school and having to learn a new language and customs. And let me tell you, sometimes it wasn't easy. Keith left San Diego when he was fifteen years old and I left Oslo when I was twelve."
"You must miss your parents terribly," she added thoughtfully.
At first, Sven was silent, but then he admitted, "Your roommates become the replacement for your family after you leave home. They help you survive."
"Yes, I can see that you get along really well."
He smiled in that teasing way that Allura found endearing. "And we have a lot of fun ganging up against Lance."
"Yes, but sometimes you go too far," she noted ruefully.
Sven frowned slightly. "Princess, Lance can be merciless. He got Keith and me in a lot of trouble back at the academy."
She smirked at him. "And you didn't do anything to promote that behavior, did you?"
He shifted uncomfortably on his chair. "Well, sometimes. But it was the only way to get him off my back."
She nodded in agreement. "Yes, he can be quite a handful sometimes," she whispered.
He chuckled softly. "You should have seen the arguments Keith and Lance had! Sometimes they would end up in fistfights, and Hunk would separate them. But they can't live without each other. I remember clearly when we were sent on our first mission, our superiors were hesitant about Lance, because of his bouts of rebelliousness. But Keith told them that he was the best pilot of the academy and wouldn't leave without him. And guess who won."
She smiled brightly. "Keith, of course."
He nodded. "Right."
They spent the rest of the morning making Christmas hearts. Allura's pain seemed to ease away as she listened to his adventures with his comrades in arms, spiked with humorous anecdotes, his voice soothing and comforting. She stared into his dark blue eyes, wondering if he could be the one she could depend upon, someone to trust with her deepest secrets.
He slowly climbed out of bed and stumbled over to the bathroom to take a quick shower.
After rummaging through his closet, he chose a white turtleneck sweater and blue slacks his mother had sent him. After having a quick breakfast in the kitchen, he went to the royal gardens.
He thought what a glorious morning it was, the way you always hoped a December day would be. It was cold and dry, with bright sunlight and a vivid, clear blue sky, the kind of day that made him feel good to be alive.
He took a few deep breaths of the pure clean air, and then set out for the rec room to watch the news.
But before he could reach for the control panel of the door, Allura opened it. She stood there on the step, smiling at him. The minute he saw her- dressed in a royal blue turtleneck sweater, black double-pleat front skirt and black leather boots highlighting her great silhouette- his chest tightened and he felt himself grow hot around his collar.
To cover his nervousness, his sudden confusion, he coughed several times, then murmured, "God morgon," (Good morning)
She stretched out her hand. He took it in his. "God morgon, Sven. Come in and have a cup of coffee with me." She smiled at him once more and extracted her hand.
"Thanks, coffee would be good." He followed her into the room, stood there glancing around, feeling slightly awkward.
She sat on the table. "Sven, sit down over here. You take your coffee with cream and a spoonful of sugar, right?" One of her golden brows lifted questioningly.
"That's right, thanks," he answered, and took a seat at the old pine table at one end of the room, noticing that it was filled with packages of red and white glossy paper, rolls of tape and two pairs of scissors.
Pidge entered the room. "Good morning!" he greeted them.
"Good morning," they replied in unison.
The young pilot looked around. "I came to pick up a box of paper maché for the piñatas. I know I left it in here."
"It's behind the couch," she said.
Pidge smiled. "Thanks." He walked over to the couch and picked up the cardboard box. "Princess, Hunk and I will be in the workshop if you need us. We'll be cutting the wiring for the piñatas."
She glanced at him. "All right."
Before leaving, Pidge noticed the supplies on the table. "What's all these?" he asked curiously.
"I'm going to make Danish Christmas hearts to decorate the orphanage," she replied. "These hearts are the most common decorations in Danish homes in December. They are made out of two pieces of glossy paper, which are folded together to make up a small basket. The heart is hung on the Christmas tree and filled with candy for the kids. Here on Arus, the hearts are put anywhere one feels like it- in the windows, hanging over the street, wherever."
Pidge nodded appreciatively. "But why in red and white?"
"Because that combination is the most common and is the same color as the flag of Denmark," Sven replied matter-of-factly.
"Uh, that's right, I didn't think of that. Well, I'll see you later." He then strode out from the room.
Allura picked up two pieces of paper. "I need to finish these hearts by this afternoon; Hunk is taking Annie and me to the orphanage for a dress rehearsal of the Nativity Scene. Keith and Lance went to Lyon to pick up the presents for the children, so we can gift wrap them this evening."
"You could ask the maids with this task."
She frowned slightly. "It's not the same. I used to help my mother organize fund-raising balls, and yes, it was nice to lend our name for a benefit committee. But I prefer to take care of children, play with them and serve them nutritious meals. It's more tangible than just writing a check," she said, her voice tinged with emotion. "Those children are the future of Arus, and we must protect them."
Sven smiled at her. "Do you have any idea of how absolutely bedårende (adorable) you are, Princess?"
She blushed. "Oh, Sven! The things you say," she gently scolded him, "could you pass me the scissors?"
He grinned at her. "I would give you the moon and the stars were they mine to give," he murmured seductively.
"But they aren't yours to give," she said, "I just want the scissors. You can help me with a few hearts if you want to." He was so outrageous, she thought amused.
He chuckled softly and handing her the scissors, replied, "Here you are, Prinsesse, and you can have my heart anytime you want to."
Allura's cheeks turned a beautiful shade of pink. "You're so sweet," she whispered.
Sven wanted to say something else, but he didn't. He just looked at her and smiled. This was going too far, he realized as he picked up a few pieces of paper. But instead of feeling inhibited, he felt energized.
~Time for phase one of my plan,~ he thought.
"Keith told to me that you were really brave for staying in the old Castle to give your people a sense of security even though you had the opportunity to escape. He says that any husband would be proud of a woman who could withstand such hardship."
Allura blushed fiercely, and tried to cover up her embarrassment by sipping her coffee. "He told you that?" she asked weakly.
"Of course. We're very close," he replied. "There's a special connection between Keith and me, because we share many things in common- being an only child, leaving our countries to go to school and having to learn a new language and customs. And let me tell you, sometimes it wasn't easy. Keith left San Diego when he was fifteen years old and I left Oslo when I was twelve."
"You must miss your parents terribly," she added thoughtfully.
At first, Sven was silent, but then he admitted, "Your roommates become the replacement for your family after you leave home. They help you survive."
"Yes, I can see that you get along really well."
He smiled in that teasing way that Allura found endearing. "And we have a lot of fun ganging up against Lance."
"Yes, but sometimes you go too far," she noted ruefully.
Sven frowned slightly. "Princess, Lance can be merciless. He got Keith and me in a lot of trouble back at the academy."
She smirked at him. "And you didn't do anything to promote that behavior, did you?"
He shifted uncomfortably on his chair. "Well, sometimes. But it was the only way to get him off my back."
She nodded in agreement. "Yes, he can be quite a handful sometimes," she whispered.
He chuckled softly. "You should have seen the arguments Keith and Lance had! Sometimes they would end up in fistfights, and Hunk would separate them. But they can't live without each other. I remember clearly when we were sent on our first mission, our superiors were hesitant about Lance, because of his bouts of rebelliousness. But Keith told them that he was the best pilot of the academy and wouldn't leave without him. And guess who won."
She smiled brightly. "Keith, of course."
He nodded. "Right."
They spent the rest of the morning making Christmas hearts. Allura's pain seemed to ease away as she listened to his adventures with his comrades in arms, spiked with humorous anecdotes, his voice soothing and comforting. She stared into his dark blue eyes, wondering if he could be the one she could depend upon, someone to trust with her deepest secrets.
PERSONAL LOG.STAR DATE.2302.12.20.1
After breaking up with the Princess, I devoted far more than the usual twelve hours per day to my job as Commander of the Voltron Force. I was out at lion practice, repelling an attack from Lotor and Cossack with my teammates, Alliance meetings or civic functions with Coran. When I was in the castle I secluded myself in my study. My only contact with Allura was at evening meals, thereby keeping our conversation innocuous and impersonal.
I knew the breakup wasn't easy for any of us. I miss her terribly, but there's nothing I can do. She's a princess and I'm a soldier. We have to get on with our lives.
We are both trying to pretend that everything is okay, when in truth we are both hiding a lot of sadness. I would sometimes go to the royal gardens and find Allura crying softly and my heart would break because I was the one who had hurt her. How I wish I could hold her in my arms and tell her that it was a mistake, a bad dream. And that everything was back to the way it used to be.
Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing. But when I see her speaking to her subjects or attending royal functions with her aunt and Coran, I realize that I did. She will soon find someone who's worthy of her love and devotion.
This morning, as the guys and I were having breakfast, Allura entered the room.
"Princess," Hunk began, "Pidge, Sophie, Annie and me are going to Lake Manee for some sleigh riding. Do you want to join us?"
"I'd love to."
"And will have snowball wars," Pidge added excitedly. "I just can't wait!"
"Princess, I'll be your escort," Lance offered gallantly.
She smiled nervously at him. "All right."
"You can't go," I said.
"And why not?" he asked, slightly annoyed.
"You mentioned on our last practice that Red Lion was acting strange. You must take it for service."
He winced. "Can't I do that later? I really want to go to the lake with the Princess."
"As you reminded me a few days ago, my dear friend, I'm your commander and you must follow my orders regarding Voltron and protecting Arus. You'll stay and supervise Red Lion's maintenance."
Lance narrowed his eyes at me. "Very well, Mon Commandant," he said through clenched teeth.
He walked right in front of me and whispered, "I think you're in urgent need of a lay, Keith."
Just like him, I thought warily. But I wasn't going to admit that he was right and just smiled at him.
"El león cree que todos son de condición." (The lion believes that everyone is in its same condition)
He just shook his head. "I hate it when you give me those Spanish sayings I don't understand."
"I'll explain it to you later," I offered. "Now go to the hangar, the technicians are waiting for you."
"But who will accompany the Princess?" Hunk interjected. "The sleighs are built for two passengers."
"Keith, what about you?" Pidge asked.
I glanced at Allura and noticed that she averted her gaze. I didn't want to impose myself on her and arouse suspicion. "Sorry, but I can't. Someone has to stay at Castle Control in case of an attack."
"I'll go," Sven offered, rising from his chair. "It would be an honor and a privilege."
Allura smiled brightly at my friend. "Wonderful! I'm going to my bedroom to change clothes. Don't leave without me!" she said happily and hurried off.
I felt relieved because I knew Sven would behave around her. He's mature and knows how to carry responsibilities, unlike Lance who's certainly amusing, but he's also rather juvenile. Besides I needed to get back at him for putting me on the spot in front of the guys.
Yes, Sven is the perfect escort for Allura. There's nothing to worry about.
Save… close.
After breaking up with the Princess, I devoted far more than the usual twelve hours per day to my job as Commander of the Voltron Force. I was out at lion practice, repelling an attack from Lotor and Cossack with my teammates, Alliance meetings or civic functions with Coran. When I was in the castle I secluded myself in my study. My only contact with Allura was at evening meals, thereby keeping our conversation innocuous and impersonal.
I knew the breakup wasn't easy for any of us. I miss her terribly, but there's nothing I can do. She's a princess and I'm a soldier. We have to get on with our lives.
We are both trying to pretend that everything is okay, when in truth we are both hiding a lot of sadness. I would sometimes go to the royal gardens and find Allura crying softly and my heart would break because I was the one who had hurt her. How I wish I could hold her in my arms and tell her that it was a mistake, a bad dream. And that everything was back to the way it used to be.
Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing. But when I see her speaking to her subjects or attending royal functions with her aunt and Coran, I realize that I did. She will soon find someone who's worthy of her love and devotion.
This morning, as the guys and I were having breakfast, Allura entered the room.
"Princess," Hunk began, "Pidge, Sophie, Annie and me are going to Lake Manee for some sleigh riding. Do you want to join us?"
"I'd love to."
"And will have snowball wars," Pidge added excitedly. "I just can't wait!"
"Princess, I'll be your escort," Lance offered gallantly.
She smiled nervously at him. "All right."
"You can't go," I said.
"And why not?" he asked, slightly annoyed.
"You mentioned on our last practice that Red Lion was acting strange. You must take it for service."
He winced. "Can't I do that later? I really want to go to the lake with the Princess."
"As you reminded me a few days ago, my dear friend, I'm your commander and you must follow my orders regarding Voltron and protecting Arus. You'll stay and supervise Red Lion's maintenance."
Lance narrowed his eyes at me. "Very well, Mon Commandant," he said through clenched teeth.
He walked right in front of me and whispered, "I think you're in urgent need of a lay, Keith."
Just like him, I thought warily. But I wasn't going to admit that he was right and just smiled at him.
"El león cree que todos son de condición." (The lion believes that everyone is in its same condition)
He just shook his head. "I hate it when you give me those Spanish sayings I don't understand."
"I'll explain it to you later," I offered. "Now go to the hangar, the technicians are waiting for you."
"But who will accompany the Princess?" Hunk interjected. "The sleighs are built for two passengers."
"Keith, what about you?" Pidge asked.
I glanced at Allura and noticed that she averted her gaze. I didn't want to impose myself on her and arouse suspicion. "Sorry, but I can't. Someone has to stay at Castle Control in case of an attack."
"I'll go," Sven offered, rising from his chair. "It would be an honor and a privilege."
Allura smiled brightly at my friend. "Wonderful! I'm going to my bedroom to change clothes. Don't leave without me!" she said happily and hurried off.
I felt relieved because I knew Sven would behave around her. He's mature and knows how to carry responsibilities, unlike Lance who's certainly amusing, but he's also rather juvenile. Besides I needed to get back at him for putting me on the spot in front of the guys.
Yes, Sven is the perfect escort for Allura. There's nothing to worry about.
Save… close.
After spending a wonderful time with the Princess, Sven looked for Keith at Castle Control. The soldier on duty said that he had taken a ten-minute break.
He found him in the main entrance of the Castle.
"Enjoying this wonderful weather, huh?"
He laughed ruefully. "I'm from San Diego, Sven. I'm not used to this freaking cold, unlike you."
"The Princess and Lance don't care about the cold either. They're really cozy sitting in front of the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate," he said smoothly.
Keith stopped chafing his hands against the bitter cold and cast a sidelong glance at Sven.
The young Scandinavian lowered his gaze. "I probably shouldn't be saying this…"
"What is it?" he asked, alarmed.
"It's just that," he sighed, "We know the Alliance frowns upon developing intimate relationships with the ones we're protecting…"
Keith's gaze suddenly turned dark. "What are you trying to say?"
Sven cleared his throat. It was time to set the stage for that particular relationship while planting a wedge between Allura and Lance. He knew that Lance was attracted to the Princess. What man could help that?
Now, he needed to engage his commander's protective instincts to nudge him subtly in the right romantic direction.
"The Princess is young, beautiful, innocent, so you can forgive her certain… impulsiveness."
Keith clenched his fists. "Just say it!"
"A few days ago, I came upon her and Lance in a rather compromising position. They didn't see me, so I place the matter entirely at your discretion. I only hope that you don't get angry with her."
Keith was silent for a moment, his mind churning over the possible meanings of ‘compromising.'
None of them were good.
"But you can't blame her," Sven went on, "The Princess, like any other girl needs to feel loved and cherished. And Lance might be the right man for her."
Keith's look grew thunderous. It was an amazing transformation on the boyish face. "Al…I mean the Princess is, as you say, very young and inexperienced. And Lance has managed to confuse her, even though I ordered him to stay away from her. Damn him!"
"Don't be so hard on him, Keith. Could you honestly say that you don't have any feelings for her? I know I do."
Keith hung his head in defeat. "No, I can't," he groaned.
Sven fought the urge to smile. ~Yes! He finally said it.~
Keith raked a restless hand through his dark hair and admitted, "But I don't deserve her. And why put myself through the torment of what I'll never have?"
Sven placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. ~Don't give up, Keith. You may be closer to that happiness than you know.~
He found him in the main entrance of the Castle.
"Enjoying this wonderful weather, huh?"
He laughed ruefully. "I'm from San Diego, Sven. I'm not used to this freaking cold, unlike you."
"The Princess and Lance don't care about the cold either. They're really cozy sitting in front of the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate," he said smoothly.
Keith stopped chafing his hands against the bitter cold and cast a sidelong glance at Sven.
The young Scandinavian lowered his gaze. "I probably shouldn't be saying this…"
"What is it?" he asked, alarmed.
"It's just that," he sighed, "We know the Alliance frowns upon developing intimate relationships with the ones we're protecting…"
Keith's gaze suddenly turned dark. "What are you trying to say?"
Sven cleared his throat. It was time to set the stage for that particular relationship while planting a wedge between Allura and Lance. He knew that Lance was attracted to the Princess. What man could help that?
Now, he needed to engage his commander's protective instincts to nudge him subtly in the right romantic direction.
"The Princess is young, beautiful, innocent, so you can forgive her certain… impulsiveness."
Keith clenched his fists. "Just say it!"
"A few days ago, I came upon her and Lance in a rather compromising position. They didn't see me, so I place the matter entirely at your discretion. I only hope that you don't get angry with her."
Keith was silent for a moment, his mind churning over the possible meanings of ‘compromising.'
None of them were good.
"But you can't blame her," Sven went on, "The Princess, like any other girl needs to feel loved and cherished. And Lance might be the right man for her."
Keith's look grew thunderous. It was an amazing transformation on the boyish face. "Al…I mean the Princess is, as you say, very young and inexperienced. And Lance has managed to confuse her, even though I ordered him to stay away from her. Damn him!"
"Don't be so hard on him, Keith. Could you honestly say that you don't have any feelings for her? I know I do."
Keith hung his head in defeat. "No, I can't," he groaned.
Sven fought the urge to smile. ~Yes! He finally said it.~
Keith raked a restless hand through his dark hair and admitted, "But I don't deserve her. And why put myself through the torment of what I'll never have?"
Sven placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. ~Don't give up, Keith. You may be closer to that happiness than you know.~
It was Christmas Eve!
Annie and Hunk were hosting the Christmas party at St. Cloud's Orphanage, while Allura, Sophie and the guys helped.
Along with providing meals these past few months, the couple had arranged counseling, reading events, homework help sessions, soccer practice, music lessons, and cooking classes. They believed these activities were crucial in shaping the future of these kids.
But today it was time to celebrate the birth of Christ.
"Hunk and Annie are doing a great job with these kids," Keith noted appreciatively.
"They would move heaven and earth to help them," said Sven, as he watched Hunk and Annie surrounded by children on the playground.
"We'll begin the celebration of the Nativity," Hunk announced. "Everyone, get ready."
Annie was in charge of the reenactment of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary looking for lodging. The kids trailed behind her, dressed as Joseph and Mary, Wise Men, villagers, shepherds, lambs and oxen. Marius, the little red-haired boy that Sven had approached while he enjoyed a red apple on the day he fought with Hagar, came as the Christmas star, beaming with pride at this important role.
The pilgrims asked for lodging in three different houses but only the third one allowed them in. Once the innkeepers let them in, the rest of the children came into the home and kneeled around the Nativity scene. After a silent prayer, they began to sing traditional songs, which included ‘Silent Night, Holy Night', ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem', ‘The Little Drummer Boy' and ‘O come, All Ye Faithful.'
Following this religious tradition, the Voltron Force brought the piñatas of the Lions and the Christmas star. The kids were ecstatic! They had never taken part in that custom. Pidge had gone the extra mile in making them in the image of the ships.
Annie and Allura asked the children to get on line so they could bang the piñatas, and Sophie was in charge of the blindfold.
Keith told them that the original piñatas were made out of clay pots and decorated with crepe paper in different colors. But today's piñatas are made out of cardboard and paper maché techniques and decorated with crepe paper. He said that this change was made to prevent the children from cutting their hands when going for the fruit and candy when the piñata was broken and the clay pieces could become a hazard.
"I want to bang the piñata and eat everything that comes out!" a roly-poly boy with brown hair cried.
A little blond girl glanced at him. "But which one, Black or Red Lion?" she asked.
He pondered for a few moments. "I don't know, maybe Black."
"I feel kinda a bad hitting the Lions," a boy with black curly hair grumbled.
"Then hit the Christmas star!" His little sister suggested.
Black Lion was the first piñata on the list, followed by Red, Green, Blue, Yellow and finally the Christmas Star. The loot included wrapped hard candy, chocolates, tangerines, sugar canes, peanuts in the shell, Voltron plastic figurines that one of the local toy makers had created especially for this occasion and lots of confetti.
Afterwards, the children were ushered into the dining hall to serve them lunch. The red-and-white hearts that Allura and Sven had made were hanging everywhere, on doors, windows, and cabinets. A huge Christmas tree adorned with multicolored lights and ornaments made by the children stood in the center of the room.
The Scandinavian Christmas is celebrated on the evening of December 24th, while celebrating on the 25th is a British custom. The Danish Christmas tree is put during the 24th of December, but Hunk and Annie decided to skip that tradition and put it two weeks before so that the children could decorate it by themselves.
They served each child a plate of roasted ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, and creamy rice pudding served with one hidden raw almond.
"Princess, what's the meaning of the almond in the rice pudding?" Lance inquired.
"Rice pudding is our traditional holiday dessert. The one who gets the almond receives a special gift, usually some sweets like marzipan or chocolate. Jokesters are known to hide the almond in their mouth, causing others to keep eating more dessert, believing the almond is still in the bowl."
"That's something you would do," Keith noted ruefully.
Lance smirked at him. "You know me so well."
Hunk and Sven shared a knowing smile.
"We'll need more rice pudding," Keith noted.
"There's another tray in the kitchen, I'll get it," Pidge offered hurrying off.
Annie and Hunk were hosting the Christmas party at St. Cloud's Orphanage, while Allura, Sophie and the guys helped.
Along with providing meals these past few months, the couple had arranged counseling, reading events, homework help sessions, soccer practice, music lessons, and cooking classes. They believed these activities were crucial in shaping the future of these kids.
But today it was time to celebrate the birth of Christ.
"Hunk and Annie are doing a great job with these kids," Keith noted appreciatively.
"They would move heaven and earth to help them," said Sven, as he watched Hunk and Annie surrounded by children on the playground.
"We'll begin the celebration of the Nativity," Hunk announced. "Everyone, get ready."
Annie was in charge of the reenactment of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary looking for lodging. The kids trailed behind her, dressed as Joseph and Mary, Wise Men, villagers, shepherds, lambs and oxen. Marius, the little red-haired boy that Sven had approached while he enjoyed a red apple on the day he fought with Hagar, came as the Christmas star, beaming with pride at this important role.
The pilgrims asked for lodging in three different houses but only the third one allowed them in. Once the innkeepers let them in, the rest of the children came into the home and kneeled around the Nativity scene. After a silent prayer, they began to sing traditional songs, which included ‘Silent Night, Holy Night', ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem', ‘The Little Drummer Boy' and ‘O come, All Ye Faithful.'
Following this religious tradition, the Voltron Force brought the piñatas of the Lions and the Christmas star. The kids were ecstatic! They had never taken part in that custom. Pidge had gone the extra mile in making them in the image of the ships.
Annie and Allura asked the children to get on line so they could bang the piñatas, and Sophie was in charge of the blindfold.
Keith told them that the original piñatas were made out of clay pots and decorated with crepe paper in different colors. But today's piñatas are made out of cardboard and paper maché techniques and decorated with crepe paper. He said that this change was made to prevent the children from cutting their hands when going for the fruit and candy when the piñata was broken and the clay pieces could become a hazard.
"I want to bang the piñata and eat everything that comes out!" a roly-poly boy with brown hair cried.
A little blond girl glanced at him. "But which one, Black or Red Lion?" she asked.
He pondered for a few moments. "I don't know, maybe Black."
"I feel kinda a bad hitting the Lions," a boy with black curly hair grumbled.
"Then hit the Christmas star!" His little sister suggested.
Black Lion was the first piñata on the list, followed by Red, Green, Blue, Yellow and finally the Christmas Star. The loot included wrapped hard candy, chocolates, tangerines, sugar canes, peanuts in the shell, Voltron plastic figurines that one of the local toy makers had created especially for this occasion and lots of confetti.
Afterwards, the children were ushered into the dining hall to serve them lunch. The red-and-white hearts that Allura and Sven had made were hanging everywhere, on doors, windows, and cabinets. A huge Christmas tree adorned with multicolored lights and ornaments made by the children stood in the center of the room.
The Scandinavian Christmas is celebrated on the evening of December 24th, while celebrating on the 25th is a British custom. The Danish Christmas tree is put during the 24th of December, but Hunk and Annie decided to skip that tradition and put it two weeks before so that the children could decorate it by themselves.
They served each child a plate of roasted ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, and creamy rice pudding served with one hidden raw almond.
"Princess, what's the meaning of the almond in the rice pudding?" Lance inquired.
"Rice pudding is our traditional holiday dessert. The one who gets the almond receives a special gift, usually some sweets like marzipan or chocolate. Jokesters are known to hide the almond in their mouth, causing others to keep eating more dessert, believing the almond is still in the bowl."
"That's something you would do," Keith noted ruefully.
Lance smirked at him. "You know me so well."
Hunk and Sven shared a knowing smile.
"We'll need more rice pudding," Keith noted.
"There's another tray in the kitchen, I'll get it," Pidge offered hurrying off.
While Annie prepared the hot chocolate, Sophie and Pidge were getting ready to give out bags filled with candy and small toys to the children.
"When the children finish their meal, you can give them their bags," Annie said.
"Okay," they replied in unison.
Allura walked into the room. "Sophie, I just saw the kravlenissers (crawling nisser) you made for the children's sleeping quarters. They're precious."
The blond-haired girl smiled at her. "Thank you, Princess. I love to make those Christmas figures of thick paper. I made some for our Inn, with little tabs so they could be attached to pictures, under books and in other cracks and crevices. The clients enjoy them, and some even take them home for their kids."
"Sophie, you haven't told me what is a nisse," Pidge said.
She frowned slightly. "Yes I did. But you were too busy playing that silly Pokemón video game."
"Could you tell me again, please?" he asked looking at her with puppy-like eyes.
She sighed. "All right. The nisse is a mythological person, who lives in the attic or the barn, and is friendly with animals. He's very short, only a foot or so tall, and wears a red cap. He has magical powers and can make things go wrong if not appeased, so farmers in the old days would put a bowl of food up in the attic before Christmas to ensure the peace."
"What kind of food?"
"Rice porridge," Annie replied, "it's his favorite food. But in reality, the mice would eat the porridge, so it would seem that the nisse had enjoyed the food."
Allura smiled. "When I was a little girl, I used to put a plate of porridge in the stables, and the space mice would eat it."
Annie tasted the chocolate and said, "Hmm… it's ready." She then poured the contents into the pitchers so that Pidge and Sophie could serve the children.
"Who wants more hot chocolate?" Pidge shouted, loud enough to be heard over the children's laughter on the dining hall.
"When the children finish their meal, you can give them their bags," Annie said.
"Okay," they replied in unison.
Allura walked into the room. "Sophie, I just saw the kravlenissers (crawling nisser) you made for the children's sleeping quarters. They're precious."
The blond-haired girl smiled at her. "Thank you, Princess. I love to make those Christmas figures of thick paper. I made some for our Inn, with little tabs so they could be attached to pictures, under books and in other cracks and crevices. The clients enjoy them, and some even take them home for their kids."
"Sophie, you haven't told me what is a nisse," Pidge said.
She frowned slightly. "Yes I did. But you were too busy playing that silly Pokemón video game."
"Could you tell me again, please?" he asked looking at her with puppy-like eyes.
She sighed. "All right. The nisse is a mythological person, who lives in the attic or the barn, and is friendly with animals. He's very short, only a foot or so tall, and wears a red cap. He has magical powers and can make things go wrong if not appeased, so farmers in the old days would put a bowl of food up in the attic before Christmas to ensure the peace."
"What kind of food?"
"Rice porridge," Annie replied, "it's his favorite food. But in reality, the mice would eat the porridge, so it would seem that the nisse had enjoyed the food."
Allura smiled. "When I was a little girl, I used to put a plate of porridge in the stables, and the space mice would eat it."
Annie tasted the chocolate and said, "Hmm… it's ready." She then poured the contents into the pitchers so that Pidge and Sophie could serve the children.
"Who wants more hot chocolate?" Pidge shouted, loud enough to be heard over the children's laughter on the dining hall.
The children received their bags with goodies. Keith then asked them to hold hands and walk around the tree in a circle, singing Christmas carols. But it looked more than a conga line instead of a circle.
Allura gladly waved at the children as they followed him. Keith gazed at her with soulful eyes and her heart constricted. She sniffed and dabbed at her wet eyes. At least she had these children to comfort her, but she longed for the day that she would have his children.
She felt a warm hand on her cheek. She looked down at the little boy with unruly black hair and dark brown eyes smiling at her.
"Princess, why are you crying? Didn't you get any sugar cookies? You can have some of mine."
She laughed softly and hugging him tightly replied, "Oh, Rolf, I'm crying because I'm happy to be here with you and your friends."
"The jugglers just arrived," Lance announced. He had hired them on his last trip to the capital so they could entertain the kids.
The children sat through the antics of the jugglers. They tumbled about springing onto their hands, then back up onto their feet in the most amazing fashion.
"Look at the Princess," Lance whispered to Keith and Sven. The three men gazed at her for a few moments. Caught up in the excitement, she laughed and clapped her hands along with the children as the juggler walked the entire length of the floor on his hands. Keith had to smile too- at her, for her delight was enchanting to watch.
Sven noticed the way Keith was staring at her. "She will be an excellent mother," he said admiringly, "don't you agree?"
"Yes," he replied breathlessly, imagining his beloved surrounded by two little ones with blond hair and blue eyes just like her. And a boy who looked just like him tugging at her skirts.
"Allura," he whispered her name with pained regret.
"It's time for Lance to tell us about how they celebrate Christmas in his homeland," Hunk said.
There was a round of applause for the pilot of Red Lion. He bowed with flourish and then began his presentation.
"We have two Christmas figures in France- St. Nicholas and Pére Nöel (Father Christmas). St. Nicholas rescued three boys from an evil innkeeper. Pére Nöel travels with the aid of a donkey to help him carry his heavy sack of toys and treats for children. On Christmas Eve, French children put out their best shoes, hoping to find that Pére Nöel has visited during the night and filled them with goodies."
"Did you put out your shoe?" a brown-haired boy asked.
"Of course, and all of you should do the same. But if you have been naughty, he will leave you a piece of coal."
"I suppose he got enough coal to fill up a sack," Hunk whispered to Keith.
He chuckled softly. "I'm sure of it."
Afterwards, Sven sat down and told the children a Christmas story that his parents used to read him every year, called "Andersen, The Carpenter and Santa Claus" by Alf Prøysen, who was well known for his down to earth humor and affectionate portrayals of life in humble circumstances. The story is originally titled "Snekker Andersen og julenissen" and it was first published in 1971, a year after Prøysen's death.
When he finished, Annie whispered to Sophie that it was time for Santa Claus to make his triumphant appearance. Her sister then stepped out for a few minutes.
Suddenly, they heard the sound of bells and a loud thump on the door.
"Did you hear that?" Annie asked the children.
"Yes!"
The door opened abruptly and everyone whipped around to see who it was.
"Ho ho! Merry Christmas, everybody!"
A kid shrieked with delight. "Julenissen!"
"No, that's Santa Claus!"
The jolly figure was standing on the threshold, holding a huge blue sack filled with goodies. In the background there was sleigh with eight reindeers. Sophie invited him to enter and sit next to the fireplace. He gladly complied, and placing his heavy sack on his right said, "I have brought presents to those children who had been nice. Has everybody been nice?"
"Yes, Santa!" they replied enthusiastically.
Lance and Pidge opened their eyes wide at the newcomer. "Hey- that isn't Hunk," Lance gasped.
Pidge's jaw dropped. "That's…"
They glanced at each other for a few seconds. "Coran?!" They shouted in unison.
It was the Royal Advisor underneath that furry red and white costume. He was wearing a long white beard and moustache. Hunk had been so busy with the preparations for the party he had asked Coran to take over for him as St. Nick. At first Coran was hesitant, but Allura intervened saying everyone should pitch in. When that didn't work, she made it a royal order and he gave in.
"I want to talk to Santa!"
"Here's my list!"
"Get on line!"
The Scandinavian "Nisse" is not as shy as Santa Claus and St. Nicholas, since he delivers the presents himself. He does not come down the chimney in the middle of the night. This was good for Coran, because he wouldn't fit in with that huge pillow tied around his midsection. He spent the rest of the day listening to the children, while they sat on his lap, all one hundred children.
~It's the holidays after all,~ Coran repeated warily to himself as he saw a smiling roly-poly kid approaching him.
Allura gladly waved at the children as they followed him. Keith gazed at her with soulful eyes and her heart constricted. She sniffed and dabbed at her wet eyes. At least she had these children to comfort her, but she longed for the day that she would have his children.
She felt a warm hand on her cheek. She looked down at the little boy with unruly black hair and dark brown eyes smiling at her.
"Princess, why are you crying? Didn't you get any sugar cookies? You can have some of mine."
She laughed softly and hugging him tightly replied, "Oh, Rolf, I'm crying because I'm happy to be here with you and your friends."
"The jugglers just arrived," Lance announced. He had hired them on his last trip to the capital so they could entertain the kids.
The children sat through the antics of the jugglers. They tumbled about springing onto their hands, then back up onto their feet in the most amazing fashion.
"Look at the Princess," Lance whispered to Keith and Sven. The three men gazed at her for a few moments. Caught up in the excitement, she laughed and clapped her hands along with the children as the juggler walked the entire length of the floor on his hands. Keith had to smile too- at her, for her delight was enchanting to watch.
Sven noticed the way Keith was staring at her. "She will be an excellent mother," he said admiringly, "don't you agree?"
"Yes," he replied breathlessly, imagining his beloved surrounded by two little ones with blond hair and blue eyes just like her. And a boy who looked just like him tugging at her skirts.
"Allura," he whispered her name with pained regret.
"It's time for Lance to tell us about how they celebrate Christmas in his homeland," Hunk said.
There was a round of applause for the pilot of Red Lion. He bowed with flourish and then began his presentation.
"We have two Christmas figures in France- St. Nicholas and Pére Nöel (Father Christmas). St. Nicholas rescued three boys from an evil innkeeper. Pére Nöel travels with the aid of a donkey to help him carry his heavy sack of toys and treats for children. On Christmas Eve, French children put out their best shoes, hoping to find that Pére Nöel has visited during the night and filled them with goodies."
"Did you put out your shoe?" a brown-haired boy asked.
"Of course, and all of you should do the same. But if you have been naughty, he will leave you a piece of coal."
"I suppose he got enough coal to fill up a sack," Hunk whispered to Keith.
He chuckled softly. "I'm sure of it."
Afterwards, Sven sat down and told the children a Christmas story that his parents used to read him every year, called "Andersen, The Carpenter and Santa Claus" by Alf Prøysen, who was well known for his down to earth humor and affectionate portrayals of life in humble circumstances. The story is originally titled "Snekker Andersen og julenissen" and it was first published in 1971, a year after Prøysen's death.
When he finished, Annie whispered to Sophie that it was time for Santa Claus to make his triumphant appearance. Her sister then stepped out for a few minutes.
Suddenly, they heard the sound of bells and a loud thump on the door.
"Did you hear that?" Annie asked the children.
"Yes!"
The door opened abruptly and everyone whipped around to see who it was.
"Ho ho! Merry Christmas, everybody!"
A kid shrieked with delight. "Julenissen!"
"No, that's Santa Claus!"
The jolly figure was standing on the threshold, holding a huge blue sack filled with goodies. In the background there was sleigh with eight reindeers. Sophie invited him to enter and sit next to the fireplace. He gladly complied, and placing his heavy sack on his right said, "I have brought presents to those children who had been nice. Has everybody been nice?"
"Yes, Santa!" they replied enthusiastically.
Lance and Pidge opened their eyes wide at the newcomer. "Hey- that isn't Hunk," Lance gasped.
Pidge's jaw dropped. "That's…"
They glanced at each other for a few seconds. "Coran?!" They shouted in unison.
It was the Royal Advisor underneath that furry red and white costume. He was wearing a long white beard and moustache. Hunk had been so busy with the preparations for the party he had asked Coran to take over for him as St. Nick. At first Coran was hesitant, but Allura intervened saying everyone should pitch in. When that didn't work, she made it a royal order and he gave in.
"I want to talk to Santa!"
"Here's my list!"
"Get on line!"
The Scandinavian "Nisse" is not as shy as Santa Claus and St. Nicholas, since he delivers the presents himself. He does not come down the chimney in the middle of the night. This was good for Coran, because he wouldn't fit in with that huge pillow tied around his midsection. He spent the rest of the day listening to the children, while they sat on his lap, all one hundred children.
~It's the holidays after all,~ Coran repeated warily to himself as he saw a smiling roly-poly kid approaching him.
The snow was falling heavily as darkness descended on the Castle of Lions. The Voltron Force was in the rec room, waiting for the Princess for their private Christmas celebration.
Allura had asked Nanny to prepare a traditional Christmas buffet. In Arus, this buffet would be served around midnight on New Year's Eve, but it could be served on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Like many Danish meals, this feast centered around Smørrebrod (buttered bread), a lavish assortment of open-faced sandwiches; Frikadeller, light and fluffy meatballs, Leverpostej, a cream-enriched liver paté and Herring Salad.
Pidge stared in awe at the tray with a wide assortment of sandwiches- salmon and scrambled egg, savory ham, smoked turkey, cheese and ham, and Rejer (tiny shrimp). After a few agonizing moments, he chose a smoked turkey sandwich. "Where's the Princess?" he asked.
"She's with Coran in his study. He's so tired after playing Pére Nöel at the orphanage that he decided to turn in early. He will join us tomorrow for lunch," Lance replied.
"Try the Herring salad, Hunk, it's delicious," Sven said, while serving himself another shot of Gløgg, a Danish-style mulled wine, a spiced red wine with aquavit (a Scandinavian alcoholic liquor distilled from grain or potatoes, flavored with caraway seeds), raisins and almonds.
"I'll better wait for the Princess," he noted. "I just had three ham sandwiches."
"Yeah, we don't want you to ruin your appetite," Pidge chuckled.
"Hey, Keith, how's the Rejer?" Lance asked.
After taking the last bite of his sandwich, he replied. "Really good, I highly recommend it."
"Good evening, gentlemen," a sweet melodious voice greeted them.
They spun around and gapped their mouths. It was the Princess in a sky blue sequined tube and satin ball-gown skirt. Her hair was pulled up in a bun, with a few strands framing her lovely face.
Lance stepped forward. "Est-il mon imagination, ou est-elle plus belle cette nuit?" (Is it my imagination, or is she more beautiful tonight?)
"No Lance, it isn't your imagination," Sven sighed.
Keith swallowed convulsively. She took his breath away. After all these months, all the changes, all the agonizing choices that had pushed them apart, she was the only woman who could reach into his soul. He'd known it the first time he saw her at school and it certainly was stronger now.
Allura, he thought. ¡Tú eres mía, demonios! Siempre lo has sido! (You're mine, dammit! You always have been)
Now all he had to do was find a way to make things right.
"Good evening, Princess, you look lovely," Hunk said, reaching for her hand.
She bowed slightly. "Thank you, Hunk. You don't look so bad yourself in that gray suit."
A slow blush crept on his strong face. "Ah, thanks. Annie chose it for me," he replied, grinning sheepishly at her.
"As a matter of fact, all of you look very handsome in your suits."
"Thank you, Princess," they replied in unison.
Reaching for a plate, she said, "I famished, let's eat."
"All right!"
Hours later, the maids brought the dessert- rich butter cookies and Kransekage, the crowning glory of cakes, that's made with almond cookie rings, served with coffee and aquavit.
"The cook did such a great job with the decoration of the Kransekage," Hunk said, "That I almost feel sorry to take a ring."
"Yeah, it looks neat with all these Arusian flags. Can I keep them?" Pidge asked.
Taking the smallest cookie ring and putting it on her plate, Allura replied, "Of course."
Amidst the good-natured camaraderie of the Voltron Force combined with their high spirits and a few shots of Gløgg, Allura lost her self-consciousness. Lance with his spry imagination had the entire group engaged in hilarious antics in no time.
"You did an excellent job," Allura said.
"Thank you, Princess," he replied quite pleased, taking a deep bow.
"He had to. I took over his shift at Castle Control so he could prepare his material," Keith stated.
She laughed, caught off by his nonchalant confession. Keith smiled in that way that made her insides curl. She didn't quite understand what he did to her body with that look. But she loved it.
He was truly an extraordinary man, she marveled. She then decided she would ask him to give each other another chance. But there was time. They had gone through so much. For now, she was content to be near him.
Her attention was caught by the sound of her name being called out. She found that Pidge, the self-appointed Lord of Misrule, was heading directly in her direction.
"To Princess Allura," he announced. "I grant a wish." He bowed to her with flourish. "What is your wish?"
Allura was familiar with this tradition. In Britain during the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were held during the twelve days from Christmas Eve to Epiphany, with feasts, dancing, singing, and Christmas plays. The person in charge of the revels was known as the "The Lord of Misrule."
Casting aside her thoughts, she stood, a bit unsure of herself. She glanced beside her to see Sven leaning back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, grinning like a cat. There was no doubt he had conspired with Pidge, but the warmth in his laughter appeased any fear.
Surveying the handsome Space Explorers pensively, she rubbed her hands together. "I have a debt to pay to one who teases me day and night. I say that Hunk, shall sing." She paused then added playfully, "The song that mentions that Grandma got run over by Santa's sleigh."
Roaring applause accompanied the burly man who was ushered to the center of the room. They hushed as he warbled a bawdy version where poor Grandma got run over by a beer truck, rocking the room with laughter.
"Well done, well done!" Pidge declared and moved on to the next game. Allura sat again. Sven leaned closer and said, "I think you chose most appropriately."
She grinned back. "That song was included in a compact disc I borrowed from Pidge. And you don't fool me with your compliments, kind sir. You're just grateful I didn't command you to sing."
He laughed. "I think it is you who is lucky. You have never heard me sing. I can't even hold an ABBA song."
"I shall remember that the next time Pidge grants me a wish. I want to see you suffer."
"And I shall curse myself forever for not having the foresight to have Pidge grant me one tiny wish. However, there is always the mistletoe. It was wise of you to make certain the Castle was filled with abundant supply. I'll be on the guard for the moment when you pass under a sprig."
She blushed slightly. "I shall be on the lookout, then."
"To avoid or seek?"
"You're too forward, Sven," she chided.
"Am I?" he asked innocently.
She smiled and shook her head. "Yes, you are!"
His hand came and covered hers. The warmth of it startled her. "Princess, I only want your happiness. You do know that, don't you?"
Slowly, she turned her hand and curled her fingers around his. She raised her eyes to meet his. "Yes, Sven, and I want the same for you."
He laughed. "Well, I'm working on that as we speak."
Thankfully, he turned away, taking his hand from hers, and attended the festivities with a rather studied determination that led the Princess to think he was as affected as she was. Her hand felt warm from his touch.
Her mind wrestled with tangled thoughts, but she couldn't say she was displeased with the way events were evolving. Keith seemed to be in a better mood; Lance had not made any suggestive comments to her and Sven had been more attentive with her these past days.
It was past midnight, time to open the presents. The handing out of the gifts was usually done by designating someone to be the nisse. Pidge, being the youngest received that honor. He crawled around the tree and retrieved a golden package. He read the tag and said that it was for the Princess from Lance. Everyone watched as the gift was opened. It was a huge box of French chocolates called Passions. They were sugared almonds covered with dark chocolate.
Keith shot a dirty look at Lance, and he just shrugged his shoulders.
"Before we continue," Sven began, "I want to say that I bought gifts for all you, but it seems there was a problem with the shipping-"
"That's just an excuse," Lance suggested.
"That happens when you make your holiday shopping until the last minute," Hunk observed.
Sven heaved a heavy sigh. "For your information, I bought the gifts through the Internet on Thanksgiving weekend."
"Did you check the expiration date on your credit card?" Pidge asked teasingly.
"Come on you guys, leave him alone," Keith said.
She offered him a smile. "Don't worry Sven, I can wait."
He granted her a perfunctory nod and said, "Thank you, Princess. You're so kind."
Hunk gave Allura a texture-rich hooded cardigan of soft thick and thin yarns in a beautiful shade of lilac. He later admitted that Annie had helped him choose the present.
Pidge gave her a Game Boy in a vivid pink color, saying that she was a worthy opponent playing video games. Handing the Princess another present, he said, "This is from our Commander."
With trembling fingers she received the package. Her heartbeat quickened, her breathing growing rough as his eyes filled with strength and gentleness looked at her.
"Thank you, Keith."
"You're welcome." He averted his gaze and clutched his goblet of aquavit tighter, trying to remain calm. He had bought the present before their breakup and was worried about her reaction.
It was a delicate gold necklace with a small heart-shaped ruby.
Her eyes widened. "Keith, it's…" she murmured, struggling to keep her gaze on the necklace, and not the man she loved.
"I didn't know what to give you, so I asked my mother for advice, I hope you like it."
She looked around nervously, wondering what her friends were thinking. Then her wide-eyed gaze returned to Keith.
"Y-yes, it's beautiful."
"Wow! Mrs. H really knows how to choose a gift," Hunk said.
"Yes," Lance said, giving Keith a suspicious look. "It proves that she likes the Princess very much."
Pidge rose from the floor. "Keith, why don't you help her put it on?"
"Uh, yes," He turned her away from him so that he could fasten the necklace around her neck. Brushing back a few strands of her golden curls, he placed it around her lovely neck, his senses immediately filling up with the scent of jasmine and the softness of her skin. Pushing back her hair in place, he stepped back from her, turning her around once again.
His breath stilled and his heart shuddered as he was once again confronted with her blue gaze.
A gaze filled with love.
"Thank you, Keith," she whispered breathlessly.
Lance studied the couple for a few moments. Then gasped softly as he realized what was happening. ~Papa was right, there's no worse blind man than the one who doesn't want to see. How could I be so stupid?!~
"I'll tell my mother that you liked your gift in my next communication," Keith offered.
Tearing her gaze from his, Allura said, "Now it's my turn." She presented each of them with small boxes wrapped in shimmering foils and bows of the same color as their Lions.
"Please open your gifts," she prodded gently.
The five men quickly complied, and took out a white card adorned with an anime image of their respective Lions, wearing Santa's caps and, were they... smiling?
She grinned mischievously at them. "Read the message inside."
Pidge read his card out loud. "Dear Lieutenant Peter Trekell, you're a wonderful human being and I'm deeply grateful for your efforts to rid our planet from evil. Please accept this token of my appreciation. Please go to the main hall."
The other cards had similar sentiments. The five men stared at the Princess with bewildered looks on their handsome faces.
"Well, go on," she commanded in Princess-like fashion. The Voltron Force hurried over and what they found took their breath away.
Hanging on the wall were portraits of them! They were in their Voltron uniforms, but without helmets.
Pidge stepped forward and stared at his picture, mesmerized. The artist had taken the liberty of painting him without glasses. It was like looking himself on the mirror. He could feel his image following him with his gaze. In the background, Green Lion was resting on its hind legs, its fine features gleaming under the Arusian sun.
Allura tipped a glance up at Lance and was surprised to find that he was staring at his portrait. The artist had captured that devastating smile of his. "Do you like it?"
"Yes," he choked out. "Nobody has given me a gift like this… thank you."
Hunk couldn't believe it. His eyes stung, and his throat was suddenly very tight. "Princess, thank you for this wonderful present."
Sven continued staring at his picture. As the light struck it, he let out his breath in a slow hiss. Allura padded to his side. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "The artist did a great job. She caught the determination that gleams in your blue eyes."
"Princess," Sven responded slowly, deeply touched. "I never thought someone would paint a portrait of me, I'm at a loss of words. Thank you."
Pidge noticed that his portrait was signed with a Z. "Princess, who's Z?"
She smiled. "That's Zarina, she has a gallery in Lyon. We have been friends for years and I asked her to paint you. She learned the technique from her father Zachary, who was the appointed painter of the court. He painted my whole family and the nobles of the court. The picture of father that hangs in the dining room was his last work, before his untimely death."
"But we never posed for her," Hunk remarked.
"She's a very private person. But has seen you many times and I gave her photographs of you. She says that all of you made interesting subjects. A great painter like her doesn't want her canvas just to be like a mirror which reflects things- she wants to make something new out of them that has never existed before. I have always admired her work. She has also painted scenes of land and sea, gardens and vineyards, knights and hunters- all painted in clear natural colors."
"Like a sculptor, she portrays beautiful human figures, making them lifelike but always as nearly perfect as she could. I asked her to paint you wearing your uniforms and your Lions in the background, waiting for you."
Keith was stunned by his portrait. "Zarina is a gifted artist," he observed, his voice tinged with emotion. He then turned his attention to meet Allura's gaze. "Thank you, Princess."
Hunk stepped closer to Allura. "Princess, can I give you a hug?"
She smiled at him. "Of course."
He wrapped his beefy arms around her and gave her a bear hug. Pidge, Lance and Sven followed suit. Finally, it was Keith's turn. He closed his arms around her and fought the urge to kiss her. "Your gift means a lot to me," he whispered. "I shall treasure it always."
Allura felt tears sting her eyes, and her chest ached. How she wanted to kiss those lips of his!
Their interlude came to an abrupt end by a discreet cough. They jumped away from one another and glanced back. It was Doctor Gorma. He wasn't wearing his usual white coat, but a black tux. He had just returned from a Christmas party at the capital.
"Good evening."
She stepped forward. "Good evening, Dr. Gorma, would you like to join us for coffee and Kransekage?"
He smiled gently at her. "No, thank you, Your Highness. I have to get back to the medical wing, but I need to speak with Lieutenant Asbjörnsen."
The two men went to the doctor's office. Gorma informed Sven that he had talked with Dr. Andersen from planet Ebb about his condition, and knowing about his discomfort, had offered to see him on December 26th instead of waiting until January.
Sven was taken aback by the unexpected news. He needed more time for his plan to work. He was almost sure that Keith and the Princess would soon fall into his trap. But he knew that his response time while flying Blue Lion was suffering because of his injured leg. He had to go to Ebb.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, he thought warily.
Allura had asked Nanny to prepare a traditional Christmas buffet. In Arus, this buffet would be served around midnight on New Year's Eve, but it could be served on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Like many Danish meals, this feast centered around Smørrebrod (buttered bread), a lavish assortment of open-faced sandwiches; Frikadeller, light and fluffy meatballs, Leverpostej, a cream-enriched liver paté and Herring Salad.
Pidge stared in awe at the tray with a wide assortment of sandwiches- salmon and scrambled egg, savory ham, smoked turkey, cheese and ham, and Rejer (tiny shrimp). After a few agonizing moments, he chose a smoked turkey sandwich. "Where's the Princess?" he asked.
"She's with Coran in his study. He's so tired after playing Pére Nöel at the orphanage that he decided to turn in early. He will join us tomorrow for lunch," Lance replied.
"Try the Herring salad, Hunk, it's delicious," Sven said, while serving himself another shot of Gløgg, a Danish-style mulled wine, a spiced red wine with aquavit (a Scandinavian alcoholic liquor distilled from grain or potatoes, flavored with caraway seeds), raisins and almonds.
"I'll better wait for the Princess," he noted. "I just had three ham sandwiches."
"Yeah, we don't want you to ruin your appetite," Pidge chuckled.
"Hey, Keith, how's the Rejer?" Lance asked.
After taking the last bite of his sandwich, he replied. "Really good, I highly recommend it."
"Good evening, gentlemen," a sweet melodious voice greeted them.
They spun around and gapped their mouths. It was the Princess in a sky blue sequined tube and satin ball-gown skirt. Her hair was pulled up in a bun, with a few strands framing her lovely face.
Lance stepped forward. "Est-il mon imagination, ou est-elle plus belle cette nuit?" (Is it my imagination, or is she more beautiful tonight?)
"No Lance, it isn't your imagination," Sven sighed.
Keith swallowed convulsively. She took his breath away. After all these months, all the changes, all the agonizing choices that had pushed them apart, she was the only woman who could reach into his soul. He'd known it the first time he saw her at school and it certainly was stronger now.
Allura, he thought. ¡Tú eres mía, demonios! Siempre lo has sido! (You're mine, dammit! You always have been)
Now all he had to do was find a way to make things right.
"Good evening, Princess, you look lovely," Hunk said, reaching for her hand.
She bowed slightly. "Thank you, Hunk. You don't look so bad yourself in that gray suit."
A slow blush crept on his strong face. "Ah, thanks. Annie chose it for me," he replied, grinning sheepishly at her.
"As a matter of fact, all of you look very handsome in your suits."
"Thank you, Princess," they replied in unison.
Reaching for a plate, she said, "I famished, let's eat."
"All right!"
Hours later, the maids brought the dessert- rich butter cookies and Kransekage, the crowning glory of cakes, that's made with almond cookie rings, served with coffee and aquavit.
"The cook did such a great job with the decoration of the Kransekage," Hunk said, "That I almost feel sorry to take a ring."
"Yeah, it looks neat with all these Arusian flags. Can I keep them?" Pidge asked.
Taking the smallest cookie ring and putting it on her plate, Allura replied, "Of course."
Amidst the good-natured camaraderie of the Voltron Force combined with their high spirits and a few shots of Gløgg, Allura lost her self-consciousness. Lance with his spry imagination had the entire group engaged in hilarious antics in no time.
"You did an excellent job," Allura said.
"Thank you, Princess," he replied quite pleased, taking a deep bow.
"He had to. I took over his shift at Castle Control so he could prepare his material," Keith stated.
She laughed, caught off by his nonchalant confession. Keith smiled in that way that made her insides curl. She didn't quite understand what he did to her body with that look. But she loved it.
He was truly an extraordinary man, she marveled. She then decided she would ask him to give each other another chance. But there was time. They had gone through so much. For now, she was content to be near him.
Her attention was caught by the sound of her name being called out. She found that Pidge, the self-appointed Lord of Misrule, was heading directly in her direction.
"To Princess Allura," he announced. "I grant a wish." He bowed to her with flourish. "What is your wish?"
Allura was familiar with this tradition. In Britain during the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were held during the twelve days from Christmas Eve to Epiphany, with feasts, dancing, singing, and Christmas plays. The person in charge of the revels was known as the "The Lord of Misrule."
Casting aside her thoughts, she stood, a bit unsure of herself. She glanced beside her to see Sven leaning back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, grinning like a cat. There was no doubt he had conspired with Pidge, but the warmth in his laughter appeased any fear.
Surveying the handsome Space Explorers pensively, she rubbed her hands together. "I have a debt to pay to one who teases me day and night. I say that Hunk, shall sing." She paused then added playfully, "The song that mentions that Grandma got run over by Santa's sleigh."
Roaring applause accompanied the burly man who was ushered to the center of the room. They hushed as he warbled a bawdy version where poor Grandma got run over by a beer truck, rocking the room with laughter.
"Well done, well done!" Pidge declared and moved on to the next game. Allura sat again. Sven leaned closer and said, "I think you chose most appropriately."
She grinned back. "That song was included in a compact disc I borrowed from Pidge. And you don't fool me with your compliments, kind sir. You're just grateful I didn't command you to sing."
He laughed. "I think it is you who is lucky. You have never heard me sing. I can't even hold an ABBA song."
"I shall remember that the next time Pidge grants me a wish. I want to see you suffer."
"And I shall curse myself forever for not having the foresight to have Pidge grant me one tiny wish. However, there is always the mistletoe. It was wise of you to make certain the Castle was filled with abundant supply. I'll be on the guard for the moment when you pass under a sprig."
She blushed slightly. "I shall be on the lookout, then."
"To avoid or seek?"
"You're too forward, Sven," she chided.
"Am I?" he asked innocently.
She smiled and shook her head. "Yes, you are!"
His hand came and covered hers. The warmth of it startled her. "Princess, I only want your happiness. You do know that, don't you?"
Slowly, she turned her hand and curled her fingers around his. She raised her eyes to meet his. "Yes, Sven, and I want the same for you."
He laughed. "Well, I'm working on that as we speak."
Thankfully, he turned away, taking his hand from hers, and attended the festivities with a rather studied determination that led the Princess to think he was as affected as she was. Her hand felt warm from his touch.
Her mind wrestled with tangled thoughts, but she couldn't say she was displeased with the way events were evolving. Keith seemed to be in a better mood; Lance had not made any suggestive comments to her and Sven had been more attentive with her these past days.
It was past midnight, time to open the presents. The handing out of the gifts was usually done by designating someone to be the nisse. Pidge, being the youngest received that honor. He crawled around the tree and retrieved a golden package. He read the tag and said that it was for the Princess from Lance. Everyone watched as the gift was opened. It was a huge box of French chocolates called Passions. They were sugared almonds covered with dark chocolate.
Keith shot a dirty look at Lance, and he just shrugged his shoulders.
"Before we continue," Sven began, "I want to say that I bought gifts for all you, but it seems there was a problem with the shipping-"
"That's just an excuse," Lance suggested.
"That happens when you make your holiday shopping until the last minute," Hunk observed.
Sven heaved a heavy sigh. "For your information, I bought the gifts through the Internet on Thanksgiving weekend."
"Did you check the expiration date on your credit card?" Pidge asked teasingly.
"Come on you guys, leave him alone," Keith said.
She offered him a smile. "Don't worry Sven, I can wait."
He granted her a perfunctory nod and said, "Thank you, Princess. You're so kind."
Hunk gave Allura a texture-rich hooded cardigan of soft thick and thin yarns in a beautiful shade of lilac. He later admitted that Annie had helped him choose the present.
Pidge gave her a Game Boy in a vivid pink color, saying that she was a worthy opponent playing video games. Handing the Princess another present, he said, "This is from our Commander."
With trembling fingers she received the package. Her heartbeat quickened, her breathing growing rough as his eyes filled with strength and gentleness looked at her.
"Thank you, Keith."
"You're welcome." He averted his gaze and clutched his goblet of aquavit tighter, trying to remain calm. He had bought the present before their breakup and was worried about her reaction.
It was a delicate gold necklace with a small heart-shaped ruby.
Her eyes widened. "Keith, it's…" she murmured, struggling to keep her gaze on the necklace, and not the man she loved.
"I didn't know what to give you, so I asked my mother for advice, I hope you like it."
She looked around nervously, wondering what her friends were thinking. Then her wide-eyed gaze returned to Keith.
"Y-yes, it's beautiful."
"Wow! Mrs. H really knows how to choose a gift," Hunk said.
"Yes," Lance said, giving Keith a suspicious look. "It proves that she likes the Princess very much."
Pidge rose from the floor. "Keith, why don't you help her put it on?"
"Uh, yes," He turned her away from him so that he could fasten the necklace around her neck. Brushing back a few strands of her golden curls, he placed it around her lovely neck, his senses immediately filling up with the scent of jasmine and the softness of her skin. Pushing back her hair in place, he stepped back from her, turning her around once again.
His breath stilled and his heart shuddered as he was once again confronted with her blue gaze.
A gaze filled with love.
"Thank you, Keith," she whispered breathlessly.
Lance studied the couple for a few moments. Then gasped softly as he realized what was happening. ~Papa was right, there's no worse blind man than the one who doesn't want to see. How could I be so stupid?!~
"I'll tell my mother that you liked your gift in my next communication," Keith offered.
Tearing her gaze from his, Allura said, "Now it's my turn." She presented each of them with small boxes wrapped in shimmering foils and bows of the same color as their Lions.
"Please open your gifts," she prodded gently.
The five men quickly complied, and took out a white card adorned with an anime image of their respective Lions, wearing Santa's caps and, were they... smiling?
She grinned mischievously at them. "Read the message inside."
Pidge read his card out loud. "Dear Lieutenant Peter Trekell, you're a wonderful human being and I'm deeply grateful for your efforts to rid our planet from evil. Please accept this token of my appreciation. Please go to the main hall."
The other cards had similar sentiments. The five men stared at the Princess with bewildered looks on their handsome faces.
"Well, go on," she commanded in Princess-like fashion. The Voltron Force hurried over and what they found took their breath away.
Hanging on the wall were portraits of them! They were in their Voltron uniforms, but without helmets.
Pidge stepped forward and stared at his picture, mesmerized. The artist had taken the liberty of painting him without glasses. It was like looking himself on the mirror. He could feel his image following him with his gaze. In the background, Green Lion was resting on its hind legs, its fine features gleaming under the Arusian sun.
Allura tipped a glance up at Lance and was surprised to find that he was staring at his portrait. The artist had captured that devastating smile of his. "Do you like it?"
"Yes," he choked out. "Nobody has given me a gift like this… thank you."
Hunk couldn't believe it. His eyes stung, and his throat was suddenly very tight. "Princess, thank you for this wonderful present."
Sven continued staring at his picture. As the light struck it, he let out his breath in a slow hiss. Allura padded to his side. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "The artist did a great job. She caught the determination that gleams in your blue eyes."
"Princess," Sven responded slowly, deeply touched. "I never thought someone would paint a portrait of me, I'm at a loss of words. Thank you."
Pidge noticed that his portrait was signed with a Z. "Princess, who's Z?"
She smiled. "That's Zarina, she has a gallery in Lyon. We have been friends for years and I asked her to paint you. She learned the technique from her father Zachary, who was the appointed painter of the court. He painted my whole family and the nobles of the court. The picture of father that hangs in the dining room was his last work, before his untimely death."
"But we never posed for her," Hunk remarked.
"She's a very private person. But has seen you many times and I gave her photographs of you. She says that all of you made interesting subjects. A great painter like her doesn't want her canvas just to be like a mirror which reflects things- she wants to make something new out of them that has never existed before. I have always admired her work. She has also painted scenes of land and sea, gardens and vineyards, knights and hunters- all painted in clear natural colors."
"Like a sculptor, she portrays beautiful human figures, making them lifelike but always as nearly perfect as she could. I asked her to paint you wearing your uniforms and your Lions in the background, waiting for you."
Keith was stunned by his portrait. "Zarina is a gifted artist," he observed, his voice tinged with emotion. He then turned his attention to meet Allura's gaze. "Thank you, Princess."
Hunk stepped closer to Allura. "Princess, can I give you a hug?"
She smiled at him. "Of course."
He wrapped his beefy arms around her and gave her a bear hug. Pidge, Lance and Sven followed suit. Finally, it was Keith's turn. He closed his arms around her and fought the urge to kiss her. "Your gift means a lot to me," he whispered. "I shall treasure it always."
Allura felt tears sting her eyes, and her chest ached. How she wanted to kiss those lips of his!
Their interlude came to an abrupt end by a discreet cough. They jumped away from one another and glanced back. It was Doctor Gorma. He wasn't wearing his usual white coat, but a black tux. He had just returned from a Christmas party at the capital.
"Good evening."
She stepped forward. "Good evening, Dr. Gorma, would you like to join us for coffee and Kransekage?"
He smiled gently at her. "No, thank you, Your Highness. I have to get back to the medical wing, but I need to speak with Lieutenant Asbjörnsen."
The two men went to the doctor's office. Gorma informed Sven that he had talked with Dr. Andersen from planet Ebb about his condition, and knowing about his discomfort, had offered to see him on December 26th instead of waiting until January.
Sven was taken aback by the unexpected news. He needed more time for his plan to work. He was almost sure that Keith and the Princess would soon fall into his trap. But he knew that his response time while flying Blue Lion was suffering because of his injured leg. He had to go to Ebb.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, he thought warily.
The rest of the Voltron Force had returned to the rec room. Allura had gone to her bedroom to leave her gifts and grab a shawl.
"Take down that mistletoe sprig," Keith ordered Lance, who was standing on a ladder in front of the threshold.
The young Frenchman smiled mischievously at him. "Oh, hush; this is one of my favorite customs."
"You're going to get in trouble," Pidge stated.
"A kiss from the Princess is worth all the trouble in the world," Lance responded softly.
Sven and Allura met in the hall on their way to the rec room.
"What did you and Doctor Gorma talk about?"
He sighed. "About me going to planet Ebb. Dr. Andersen is going to examine me."
She blinked. "When are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow, after lunch. I have the appointment on the 26th at 0900."
She winced. "I hope you can come back for New Year's Eve. We're planning a great celebration. All my people are invited to join us. It wouldn't be the same without you."
"I hope so too-" he broke off and stared over her head with a frown.
"What is it?" she asked.
He placed a finger over his lips. "I think my friends are plotting against you."
She frowned slightly. "Why do you say that?"
"I heard a ladder being dragged away from the door. I'll enter first," he offered. "Please wait here for me."
She remained still as Sven moved forward fluidly.
"Here she comes," Lance whispered excitedly and then pushed the button on the control panel to open the door.
"Ah, Lance, were you waiting for me?" Sven asked in a falsetto voice.
Lance widened his eyes. "I thought it was the Princess…"
"Were you looking for me?" she asked in the sweetest voice she could muster. She stood behind Sven.
"Well, Lance, tradition is tradition, aren't you going to kiss Sven?" Hunk asked, fighting the urge to laugh.
Pidge smirked at him. "Yeah, you told us once that European men are more comfortable showing affection toward the same sex. That it shows how sensitive they are."
Lance shot him a warning look. "Oui, and I might begin with you if you don't shut up!"
The teenager's smile died immediately. "No! That isn't necessary."
Placing a hand on Allura's elbow, Sven said, "I was just telling the Princess that I'm leaving for Ebb in a few hours, and didn't want to go without giving her a present. We're going to my room. So, if you excuse us…"
"To your room?!" Keith gasped.
"Yes, we won't take long," Sven replied matter-of-factly.
The pair ambled off, arm in arm. Looking deep into each other's eyes, whispering and laughing together.
Sven and Allura were barely halfway up the stairs, when she put a hand to her lips in a vain effort to stifle an ungovernable burst of laughter.
"Shh!" Sven nodded at the stiff back of the maid striding several steps ahead of them.
"I can't help it," Allura whispered. "Did you see their faces?
Suddenly, Sven found it difficult to restrain his own laughter. "Lance was waiting for you to pass under the mistletoe, so I entered first. I don't know if I should be offended that he didn't want to kiss me. It seems I'm not his type."
Allura almost bent double with silent mirth, perhaps unaware that he still held her hand in his.
"We're a team, you and me." As he bent to whisper the complement, a stray tendril of Allura's hair brushed again his cheek. Sven had never been struck by lighting, but just then, he could imagine how it might feel.
She turned her gaze full upon him, her sapphire eyes twinkling with mischievous merriment and a hint of warmth that pierced him to the core.
"I love you, Princess."
The instant the words left his mouth, Sven longed to recall them.
Allura stiffened and averted her gaze.
The music started up downstairs. It was an instrumental version of ‘White Christmas.'
"Shall we go back to the rec room, Sven? Is that what you want?" She looked up at him, her mouth trembling slightly.
He reached for her then, and she held on to him tightly, her face pressed into his shoulder.
His arms went around her. "This is what I want," he whispered against her ear. "This…"
Some part of him believed that their first kiss should be chaste, gentle, stolen in some dark corner. But he was leaving for Ebb in a few hours and he had to force Keith to admit his feelings for the Princess before Lance could claim victory.
He bent down and his mouth found hers. He pulled her upward. She fell against him, on him. He held her tighter, closer still. A soft sound of confusion escaped from her lips.
"Sven… what…?"
But he didn't answer.
Allura let the sweet sensations overcome her staunch defenses. Her hands fluttered for a moment, tentative and unsure, before they slid into his thick dark hair, and he was lost.
He probed her lips with his tongue until they parted and he could savor the flavor of her mouth. Then he kissed her deeply. He couldn't get enough of her.
He was afraid his little scheme was getting out of hand. He didn't think he would feel like this.
He abruptly stopped and rested his forehead against hers, fighting hard for control, his arms wrapped gently around her. They stood there, staring into each other's eyes. Hers began to well with tears, and she rested her head against his shoulder.
"Sven, I'm sorry, I didn't know…"
"There's nothing to be sorry for, I know you heart belongs to someone else."
Sven's reassuring hand on her shoulder felt strong. She needed strength at a time like this, but it was Keith whom she yearned to lean upon.
Which was why it was momentarily confusing when she looked up and saw him standing in the doorway, only a few feet from them.
Keith's first reaction was anger, blistering rage. For it was now obvious why the Norwegian spent so much time with Allura. It was the vision of the woman he loved in the arms of another man. The very vision he had dreaded had come to pass.
"Sven!" Keith called out.
Allura gave Sven a scandalized look and he winked at her.
"My dear Princess, I must go." He kissed her on the forehead and then released her.
"Please, take care," she said, trying not to cry.
"No tears," he admonished her, "I'll be back before you know it!"
He looked from her to Keith. "This isn't what it seems. I swear to you. I have no wish to stand between you and the Princess."
Keith stared at her, silent, and then turned his attention back to Sven. "I don't understand. Why did you kiss her?" he asked, his voice shaking with anger.
Sven smiled mischievously at him. "It was the only way to make you realize what an idiot you are for letting her go."
The words took him back. "What?"
He grinned. "I must admit it took me a long time to realize that you two share something especial. You are like two halves of a matching pair."
"We are?" Allura asked, feeling the sudden urge to cry.
Closing his eyes for a moment, Keith was unaware of any embarrassment. Only relief. He had misjudged his dear friend, who only wanted to help them.
Sven then reached for Allura's hand and placed it on Keith's hand.
"This is my gift to you, my dear friends. I want you to be happy together. Don't let foolish traditions get in your way."
Keith and Allura glanced at each other baffled and then turned to Sven, who offered them a smile.
"And I promise not to tell anyone about your secret, Space Explorer's honor."
Sven then backed away from them and turned toward the stairs leading to his room. Before leaving, he glanced back and noticed that Keith was embracing Allura.
His mouth was pressed against her temple and a quick flash of heat overwhelmed him. If felt like he had waited a lifetime for this moment. She pressed her lips to his throat and closed her eyes, trying to absorb all that had happened. It still seemed like a dream. Her tears came pouring out while he cradled her in his arms as if he could shelter her from all the ills in her life.
Turning her wet face up to his, she stared at him. He smiled, cradling her head in his hands and wiping her cheeks with his thumbs.
"I have heard about miracles that are said to be brought by Julenisse. Do you think this has been one of them, my love?" she asked in a whispery tone.
"Yes, Ally."
She sniffed back at him and tried to smile. "Love like ours is always a miracle. And this night has been, by far, the greatest miracle of all," he murmured. He lowered his head and kissed her on the lips, feeling the warmth spread and enveloped them like a warm cocoon. Allura wrapped her arms around his neck without a moment's hesitation and kissed him back with all the feeling within her.
A smile of satisfaction crossed Sven's handsome features. He ran a finger along his cheek, where the merest brush of her hair had seared him. He suddenly felt envious of their happiness, but that good kind of envy. He longed for the day he would meet his other half. But she wouldn't be a princess. He didn't see himself as part of a royal family. Their lives were too complicated for his taste.
But maybe if God told him that she would be as beautiful and kind as Allura, he might change his mind.
~God Jul, Vennen min (Merry Christmas, my friends)~
The End.
12/19/2000
Revised 03/23/2015
"Take down that mistletoe sprig," Keith ordered Lance, who was standing on a ladder in front of the threshold.
The young Frenchman smiled mischievously at him. "Oh, hush; this is one of my favorite customs."
"You're going to get in trouble," Pidge stated.
"A kiss from the Princess is worth all the trouble in the world," Lance responded softly.
Sven and Allura met in the hall on their way to the rec room.
"What did you and Doctor Gorma talk about?"
He sighed. "About me going to planet Ebb. Dr. Andersen is going to examine me."
She blinked. "When are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow, after lunch. I have the appointment on the 26th at 0900."
She winced. "I hope you can come back for New Year's Eve. We're planning a great celebration. All my people are invited to join us. It wouldn't be the same without you."
"I hope so too-" he broke off and stared over her head with a frown.
"What is it?" she asked.
He placed a finger over his lips. "I think my friends are plotting against you."
She frowned slightly. "Why do you say that?"
"I heard a ladder being dragged away from the door. I'll enter first," he offered. "Please wait here for me."
She remained still as Sven moved forward fluidly.
"Here she comes," Lance whispered excitedly and then pushed the button on the control panel to open the door.
"Ah, Lance, were you waiting for me?" Sven asked in a falsetto voice.
Lance widened his eyes. "I thought it was the Princess…"
"Were you looking for me?" she asked in the sweetest voice she could muster. She stood behind Sven.
"Well, Lance, tradition is tradition, aren't you going to kiss Sven?" Hunk asked, fighting the urge to laugh.
Pidge smirked at him. "Yeah, you told us once that European men are more comfortable showing affection toward the same sex. That it shows how sensitive they are."
Lance shot him a warning look. "Oui, and I might begin with you if you don't shut up!"
The teenager's smile died immediately. "No! That isn't necessary."
Placing a hand on Allura's elbow, Sven said, "I was just telling the Princess that I'm leaving for Ebb in a few hours, and didn't want to go without giving her a present. We're going to my room. So, if you excuse us…"
"To your room?!" Keith gasped.
"Yes, we won't take long," Sven replied matter-of-factly.
The pair ambled off, arm in arm. Looking deep into each other's eyes, whispering and laughing together.
Sven and Allura were barely halfway up the stairs, when she put a hand to her lips in a vain effort to stifle an ungovernable burst of laughter.
"Shh!" Sven nodded at the stiff back of the maid striding several steps ahead of them.
"I can't help it," Allura whispered. "Did you see their faces?
Suddenly, Sven found it difficult to restrain his own laughter. "Lance was waiting for you to pass under the mistletoe, so I entered first. I don't know if I should be offended that he didn't want to kiss me. It seems I'm not his type."
Allura almost bent double with silent mirth, perhaps unaware that he still held her hand in his.
"We're a team, you and me." As he bent to whisper the complement, a stray tendril of Allura's hair brushed again his cheek. Sven had never been struck by lighting, but just then, he could imagine how it might feel.
She turned her gaze full upon him, her sapphire eyes twinkling with mischievous merriment and a hint of warmth that pierced him to the core.
"I love you, Princess."
The instant the words left his mouth, Sven longed to recall them.
Allura stiffened and averted her gaze.
The music started up downstairs. It was an instrumental version of ‘White Christmas.'
"Shall we go back to the rec room, Sven? Is that what you want?" She looked up at him, her mouth trembling slightly.
He reached for her then, and she held on to him tightly, her face pressed into his shoulder.
His arms went around her. "This is what I want," he whispered against her ear. "This…"
Some part of him believed that their first kiss should be chaste, gentle, stolen in some dark corner. But he was leaving for Ebb in a few hours and he had to force Keith to admit his feelings for the Princess before Lance could claim victory.
He bent down and his mouth found hers. He pulled her upward. She fell against him, on him. He held her tighter, closer still. A soft sound of confusion escaped from her lips.
"Sven… what…?"
But he didn't answer.
Allura let the sweet sensations overcome her staunch defenses. Her hands fluttered for a moment, tentative and unsure, before they slid into his thick dark hair, and he was lost.
He probed her lips with his tongue until they parted and he could savor the flavor of her mouth. Then he kissed her deeply. He couldn't get enough of her.
He was afraid his little scheme was getting out of hand. He didn't think he would feel like this.
He abruptly stopped and rested his forehead against hers, fighting hard for control, his arms wrapped gently around her. They stood there, staring into each other's eyes. Hers began to well with tears, and she rested her head against his shoulder.
"Sven, I'm sorry, I didn't know…"
"There's nothing to be sorry for, I know you heart belongs to someone else."
Sven's reassuring hand on her shoulder felt strong. She needed strength at a time like this, but it was Keith whom she yearned to lean upon.
Which was why it was momentarily confusing when she looked up and saw him standing in the doorway, only a few feet from them.
Keith's first reaction was anger, blistering rage. For it was now obvious why the Norwegian spent so much time with Allura. It was the vision of the woman he loved in the arms of another man. The very vision he had dreaded had come to pass.
"Sven!" Keith called out.
Allura gave Sven a scandalized look and he winked at her.
"My dear Princess, I must go." He kissed her on the forehead and then released her.
"Please, take care," she said, trying not to cry.
"No tears," he admonished her, "I'll be back before you know it!"
He looked from her to Keith. "This isn't what it seems. I swear to you. I have no wish to stand between you and the Princess."
Keith stared at her, silent, and then turned his attention back to Sven. "I don't understand. Why did you kiss her?" he asked, his voice shaking with anger.
Sven smiled mischievously at him. "It was the only way to make you realize what an idiot you are for letting her go."
The words took him back. "What?"
He grinned. "I must admit it took me a long time to realize that you two share something especial. You are like two halves of a matching pair."
"We are?" Allura asked, feeling the sudden urge to cry.
Closing his eyes for a moment, Keith was unaware of any embarrassment. Only relief. He had misjudged his dear friend, who only wanted to help them.
Sven then reached for Allura's hand and placed it on Keith's hand.
"This is my gift to you, my dear friends. I want you to be happy together. Don't let foolish traditions get in your way."
Keith and Allura glanced at each other baffled and then turned to Sven, who offered them a smile.
"And I promise not to tell anyone about your secret, Space Explorer's honor."
Sven then backed away from them and turned toward the stairs leading to his room. Before leaving, he glanced back and noticed that Keith was embracing Allura.
His mouth was pressed against her temple and a quick flash of heat overwhelmed him. If felt like he had waited a lifetime for this moment. She pressed her lips to his throat and closed her eyes, trying to absorb all that had happened. It still seemed like a dream. Her tears came pouring out while he cradled her in his arms as if he could shelter her from all the ills in her life.
Turning her wet face up to his, she stared at him. He smiled, cradling her head in his hands and wiping her cheeks with his thumbs.
"I have heard about miracles that are said to be brought by Julenisse. Do you think this has been one of them, my love?" she asked in a whispery tone.
"Yes, Ally."
She sniffed back at him and tried to smile. "Love like ours is always a miracle. And this night has been, by far, the greatest miracle of all," he murmured. He lowered his head and kissed her on the lips, feeling the warmth spread and enveloped them like a warm cocoon. Allura wrapped her arms around his neck without a moment's hesitation and kissed him back with all the feeling within her.
A smile of satisfaction crossed Sven's handsome features. He ran a finger along his cheek, where the merest brush of her hair had seared him. He suddenly felt envious of their happiness, but that good kind of envy. He longed for the day he would meet his other half. But she wouldn't be a princess. He didn't see himself as part of a royal family. Their lives were too complicated for his taste.
But maybe if God told him that she would be as beautiful and kind as Allura, he might change his mind.
~God Jul, Vennen min (Merry Christmas, my friends)~
The End.
12/19/2000
Revised 03/23/2015
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"The Lion's Keep: The Next Chapter" is the most recent version of the "The Lion's Keep",
and was originally established November 08, 1999
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I can't help it... I ❤ love ❤ Voltron!