Two Shadows Went, Chapter 10

There was a much more sizable audience than Lance had expected. And all of them were arguing. The throne room, usually lined with gleaming gosmer curtains and giggling courtiers—was now set up as council room. A broad table extended from the dais where Alfor sat and curved down around, forming a Long O through out the room, Most, if not all, the seat were filled, Council men and military alike all in attendance. Up around them large holographic projections lined around them. The largest was a direct feed—

Lance’s eyes widened.

It was a window to see—an entire Galra fleet. Their clan mark in deep red painted messily and smeared across the bow.

“Come on,” Shiro whispered to Lance as he tugged him up through the hall.

“Why would they attack,” Lance’s head whipped around to his partner, as they both walked hastily up to their seats at the head of the table.

Shiro spared Lance a glance, not answering but the look answer enough. He couldn’t tell Lance here.

“We need to strike first,” a general hissed from farther up the table.

Shiro slid a chair out, gesturing for Lance to take it, before he took his own seat at the King’s right side. There were a few prying eyes but Allura standing next to the King had drawn most of the attention.

“Without proper cause it will look excessive,” Allura countered.

Shiro next to Lance was very quickly getting a run down and updated through the data pad passed to him form behind by Coran. His eyes scrolled through the pages or reports and occasionally he looked up to the projections above them. At one point, Shiro even leaned over in a hushed whisper to ask Coran something.

Lance didn’t hear the transponded words, and looked himself back up to the screens. There were three war ships in total and they—they were nearing the Altean galactic line.

“This is more than posturing,” The general shot back

As King Alfor shifted forward, the room fell silent. “Would you send us into war?”

Allura stood a bit straighter, her head turned to look to their king.

“Shiro,” Alfor’s deep voice resounded in the room as he looked to the Black Paladin next to him.

it was clear he was asking for the man’s opinion on the matter, and slowly Shiro set the data pad down on the glass top table before him. He looked—calculated, Lance noticed as he sucked in his own breath next to Shiro.

Lance’s hands fidgeted under the table. He wanted to reach out to Shiro, to take his hand, but the chairs were seated too far away for Lance to be able to do it unnoticed, so he continued to fidget instead.

“War is coming to us,” Shiro said in a level tone.

“You would purpose an attack,” Iso’s voice rang out through the hall. He was seated next to Allura, still dressed as most were for the evening out on the lawns.

Lance tilted his head—had that all really been just moments ago? It felt like ages since Lance had been out under the tents, watching Shiro and speaking with his friends. The day had seemed so inconsequential when Lance had awoken that morning. It also made Lance conscious--Shiro had made sure Lance and himself looked prepared for the meeting. Even arriving late, Shiro was dressed as the red Paladin, not as he would a frivolous day outside.

“No,” Shiro answered plainly, “But that’s a raiding party,” he pointed to the sigil. “They’re here as an intimidation tactic only secondary, they’re testing defenses at this point and we can’t falter.”

Alfor shifted in his seat. “What would be your plan of action, Black Paladin?” Alfor’s gaze was settled on Shiro, looking over him, like Alfor was studying him.

Shiro didn’t answer with any sign of hesitation. “Send in Voltron.” His voice was still even but in the quiet room it carried without effort. “Make it clear we won’t attack if they leave— but if they attempt to cross into Altean space, we will not tolerate it.”

Allura’s arms crossed over her chest.

“You will start a war,” Iso hissed.

“I would make it clear, we have no intention of tolerating raiders in Altean space.” Shiro’s voice deepened. “We have too many colonies in open space, too many lives at risk. A Galra transporter ship is one thing—but a raider fleet isn’t to be tolerated.”

“Harshly dealing with a situation such as this could have unintended consequences,” Allura spoke up.

Lance sat forward in his seat, trying desperately to catch his sisters eye. Not bothering to hide it, Lance slid a hand over Shiro’s arm this time.

Shiro didn’t look over as he caressed over Lance’s fingers.

Lance didn’t either, looking to his sister.

She had to know Shiro was right. Lance had warned her. He’d told her, over and over again, Shiro knew the Galra, and she needed to trust him. They meant war.

“Not dealing with this situation could have consequences as well,” an Admiral spoke up from Lance’s left.

Alfor held up a hand silencing the room again.

It was quiet for a lasting moment this time.

Sitting back in his throne, Alfor considered before he spoke. “Allura, you are heir, what do you purpose we do?”

Allura straightened her full height as she looked to her father.

Lance could see as she pulled on the cold queenly mask. “It’s more posturing. They won’t cross the line.” She said with confidence. “I say we open up a com’s link with them, and diplomatically handle this locally through the forces we already have stationed there.”

Next to her Iso gave a firm nod in agreement.

Alfor spared a glance to no other as he nodded as well. “Than that’s what we will do.” There was a loud "thwack" as the guards directly behind the throne snapped at attention, their spears hitting the hard marble floors once to signify the King was standing.

The room rippled with murmurs but Lance still stood in respect and Shiro did the same at his side.

Allura gave a gracious bow to her father.

Lance looked down as Shiro grasped Lance’s arm, sliding him in closer to him. But Shiro’s attenion was elsewhere as he turned to snag Coran.

“You will inform me of any updates at all.” Shiro said in a hushed voice.

“Absolutely Sir,” Coran bowed to Shiro in acknowledgement.

“Shiro,” Lance stepped closer.

Shiro’s eyes shifted to Lance for a brief moment, long enough to give a quick impression. ‘not here, not yet.'

Lance worried at his bottom lip but didn’t speak further.

The room around them was already breaking into smaller chatting groups. Allura and her entourage was well on her way to leaving the room though, Iso in quick step with her.

It didn’t escape Lance’s notices the way Shiro’s eyes traced her path from the room.

Now that—now that he wasn’t laid flush against Shiro and his mind fuzzy with cooed praise and constant affection—it occurred to Lance, how very odd earlier in the evening had been. His sister had seemingly come alone to his room to get Shiro—or was it to challenge him? It was perplexing as Lance gazed at his regal sister.

It was then Lance notices as well—a flock of black clad Acolytes were hovering at the edges of the court. Had they been there since Lance had entered? He’d been so distracted with the actions around him, Lance wasn’t sure. But they were on the move now and they seemed to be aiming straight for Lance and Shiro.

“Black Paladin,” one tall and slender woman stepped up.

Her face rather gaunt and her hands slender she approached with quiet almost inaudible steps. He with drew her hood as she stepped forward.

Shiro’s attention was drawn away from the general he was speaking to and he turned.

As the woman fully approached them, she gave a flowing bow to Lance, “Your Highness.” The bow was deep and her chin tucked in as she descended to a knee.

Startled, Lance was usually never acknowledged at Shiro’s side. His hand came up to clutch at his uniform just at his chest. He was unsure what to do.

“Uh,” Lance looked around,

Shiro from beside him nudged at him, “That’s called respect,” He mused at Lance’s ear.

Lance shot him a glance before looking back to the woman, “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” He said quickly regaining his confidence. He held out his hand in the formal manner he’d been taught since birth. A few mere months as Shiro's side note couldn't erase the regality Lance was born into.

The woman reverently took his hand and pressed her forehead to his knuckles before rising. “The pleasure is indeed mine, your majesty.”

Lance’s eyes bulged for just a moment. That title, was not one he could claim. But correcting her seemed uncouth so Lance just nodded to her with a slight smile.

“I am Honerva,” The woman introduced her self.

“You’re an Acolyte?” Lance knew it was a bit rude to question her occupation, but looking at their robes—acolyte robes were deep blue. Lance couldn’t fathom which order would wear black.

“I am a priestess of the Goddess.” Hoth affirmed.

Lance nodded. “Of course.” He wracked his brain thinking if he knew of any orders of woman in the faith. He could have sworn there was none. All leadership were male… or so he’d thought.

“Paladin,” Hoth turned her attention to Shiro.

Giving her his full attention, Shiro let Lance curl in at his side.

He hoped it looked like an act of affection, but his main goal was to look behind Shiro. The war councils were already talking amongst themselves with grim looks on their faces. And though orders had been issued, not many seemed in any great hurry to see them through.

“What ever you need from the order, Black paladin, consider it yours,” Lance could hear Hoth behind him, but he wasn’t paying attention.

Farther away Lance’s father had been held up as several advisors talked with him. Narrowing his eyes, he wished he could understand their conversation from this distance.

“That is a generous offer, priestess.” Shiro graciously accepted, his arm was still loosely around Lance.

“We feel the need to express our support Sir.”

“That is very gracious of you, we thank you.”

“Absolutely, Sir,”

Lances attention was drawn back as Honerba stepped closer. Her eyes—Lance blinked rapidly as he realized—her eyes were a wonderful crystaline.

“Your Highness,” she dipped her head again.

Lance dipped his head as well to her before she dismissed her self. Quickly her flock of black robed followers joined her as they swooped from the courtrooms escaping any further notice.

When Lance looked back over Shiro’s shoulder his father was leaving, his advisors dispersed. Lance scrunched his nose but accepted there was no information watching further that he could glean.

Shiro held out his hand, gesturing for Lance to lead the way out of the vast hall.

“Back to our rooms?” Lance asked as he stepped away.

“No,” Shiro shook his head. “We’ll have news soon enough, diplomatic enterprises such as this—never seem to take long,” It was the slight change in Shiro’s voice that had Lance on edge.

Looking to his Paladin, Lance spoke under his breath. “What’s going to happen?”

With a glance spared in Lance’s direction he directed them in to one of the much smaller sitting rooms lining the castle.

“We’re going to stay close,” Shiro said to Lance. “If this goes well, we’ll have spent a pleasant evening together in a comfortable room with colleagues—if it doesn’t…” Shiro trailed off. “We wont be far at hand then.”

Lance glanced around the much smaller comfortable room. Rich plush couches and armchairs strewn the room, but also several different holographic projections were starting to line the walls. It was all military men again, Lance realized as he looked around himself.

As Shiro released him, Lance slid down to one of the couches. It was—this was a new experience for him. He’d never been involved so closely with matters so… Lance looked around himself, feeling horribly out of his own depth. It gnawed at his stomach to think--he was second heir to the throne--and he knew so little of how the kingdom actually worked.

---

With in a few hours the room was filled with wafting smoke from the few men, and a woman, that indulged and food platters strew on every table. There was a constant stream of information coming through the room, there was also at least three different angles brought up of the corresponding “Diplomacy” underway.

Subtitles lined each holograph and most of the attention in the room was drawn there. Though many smaller conversations has broken out. Shiro's attention had very quickly been pulled away and to a smaller group convened at the couches directly in audience to the largest of the two projections.

It seemed a convenient enough time for Lance to slide away from the couch and drop the deep blue cloak from the clasps at his shoulders, letting it fall around and in front of him to shroud his form. He exited the room with a nod to the guard, saying he'd be only a moment.

But as a precaution, Lance pulled the hood up as he slipped through the entryway and down the hall.

He would make the trip short but hopefully profitable and Lance tugged the hood up closer around him.

With Keith gone, Lance knew his watch dog wasn't at least around but--Lance couldn't say he could trust that Shiro hadn't assigned others to follow him.

Lance slipped in and back around to the royal chambers. His own room had once been down this hall, a few steps only form his sisters though that felt like eons before when Lance had been a completely different person.

As Lance approached the double doors of his sisters room, He checked his surroundings again. There was a pair of guards stationed a the end of the hall but neither was looking in Lance's direction. That was fine. Rumors were always a problem with the staff but Lance just needed the secrecy of that moment. Shiro would find out sooner or later but Lance just needed a few short minutes.

Lance tapped at his sisters door twice.

There was no answer so smoothly Lance turned the handle in his hand very carefully and slipped in--

Right in to being face to face with Allura.

Lance tipped his head as his sisters crystalline eyes were suddenly presented in the small light from a compact she held,. Lance has forgotten--he was actually taller than is sister, and it was a fact that so often seemed to catch him off guard.

"What are you doing here?" Allura brow furrowed as she whispered to Lance.

Lance looked past Allura to--Oh.

Allura's massive bed in the bedroom beyond was occupied. The sheets and thin comforter outlined the long form and a splash of blonde hair was visible from the head of the bed.

Lance looked around them and gestured to the small sitting room off the entry rooms.

Allura's room though bigger than the Black Paladin's quarters--was set up almost exactly the same, almost all the living quarter except for the kings were that way. The main parlor/entry way opened up to a massive bedroom, with rooms at either side as well.

Allure quickly took Lance's hand and they slipped in through to a sitting room. Allura carefully glanced at the bedroom one more time, slid the door closed, securing it, before she clipped the compact light closed and flipped on the light.

"Lance!" she hissed as she turned. "Really?"

"Why are you here?" Lance gasped, his hands flared out in an exaggerated gesture. "You went to bed? Seriously?" He continued. His voice a strained whisper in effort to keep quiet.

Allura crossed her arms. "We need to appear calm, collected and in no way worried about the situation."

Lance could barely believe his ears. His mouth in fact hung open for a moment as his hands gestured to out side the door. "Shiro--" Lance shook his head. "Right now, Shiro has his own war council assembled and you've gone to bed."

"I'm not worried," Allura affirmed her chin held high. "The diplomatic envoys will work."

Lance crossed his own arms. "No one in the room I was just in, seem to be under that impression."

Allura shook her head,. "You've been sitting in a room of men of the military, I've seen those Shiro keeps for company. It's a room full of fear and war mongering"

"It's a room of people prepared," Lance affirmed.

Allura seemed to falter, her hand fidgety as it came up to her face. "What has Shiro said?"

With a frown, Lance's shoulders dropped. "Barely anything to me," Lance admitted. He gave a sigh. "It's been a very long night for the two of us."

Allura eyed over him.

“No, I wasn’t asleep,” Lance answered, already knowing her unspoken question.

"I knew it!" Allura hissed. Her brow lowered. "Why did you let him say those things earlier?"

Say those things? Lance blinked. Oh. OH. She had no idea. Even with Lance's ruse of sleep she still had no idea Shiro had finger fucked him in front of her.

"You--" Lances face shot red. “You have no idea what it's like having a mate like that, he says stuff and I just--it's hard to contradict him."

"You contradict me all the time!" Allura shot back.

"You're different!" Lance hissed. "Sisters don't count!" Lance's face squished in his own expression. "Besides, what the hell was up with you?

Allura was back to keenly standing very straight, her eyes and chin aloft. "I needed to make myself clear to him."

Lance's lips pinched into an unhappy smile. He'd heard the exact argument just an hour or so before from his counterpart. "Allura." He growled. "I married him."

Allura's head flicked back to Lance. "And he needs to understand that!"

"Insults and threats aren't going to make you friends!"

"He has you, only because we allow him to!" Allura hissed. "His power was given from us! From the real royalty here and he needs to have that spelled out to him clearly! He does not have the bloodline, he is not the destined ruler of Altea! And if he keeps walking around acting like he has any real power here, its going to cause a rift."

Lance's brow still didn't rise. "That's an absurd way of keeping him on our side!" Lance threw his hands up.

Hands fisting, Allura dropped them to her sides. the silken night robe she wore had long flowing sleeves that dropped down with her arms. "You can't still believe he is here simply to fulfill his duty."

It was Lance's turn to raise his chin. "I will keep him close, it's the reason we elected for this marriage. And I will keep him in check."

Allura was already rounding on him. "You've already admitted you're compromised when it comes to him."

Lance's own hands fisted. "I love him."

The words suddenly lit though Lance in a way he--he'd never. They were suddenly so horribly true Lance realized. Even with everything said and happened through out the long night. Lance knew they were true.

A push of Allura's head back showed her sudden surprise at the statement as well.

"Lance--"

"You sentenced me to this." Lance cut her off quickly with a staggered breath. "Please don't act shocked, when the one man that's showed me affection and fondness has garnered that in return from me."

Falling quiet, Allura watched Lance carefully.

"This isn't a battle of bloodlines anymore." Lance continued. "If you challenge him for me--" Lance grit his teeth as he tried to formulate his thoughts. "This is the opportunity to pit him against a common enemy not to drive him between us."

That seemed to catch Allura. "I don't trust him, baby brother."

Lance didn't move. "I know--I--" Lance stalled.

Did-did Lance even trust him?

"He's having me followed." Lances eyes looked away. "He doesn't trust me."

Allura nodded. "It's smart." her eyes flicked to the bedroom door.

Lance looked over his shoulder at it--and wondered what poor soul was stuck stalking Iso all day. He blinked and looked back to his sister.

"I still disagree with your choice of ally," Lance spoke.

Allura smiled, though this time there was a peak of her old self, of the sister Lance grew up with. "I can't be like you, baby brother." Her gaze on him suddenly seemed quite sad. "I can't afford to be emotionally compromised."

It was--something only Allura would believe, but Lance still accepted it as he nodded his head, already reaching for the hood.

"Your times up?" Allura perked.

With a flick of the hood back over his head, Lance nodded. "After your little outburst into our room, I'm sure Shiro is already suspicious of me. I can't give him more cause."

"You confronted him over it?" Allura inquired, one brow tipped.

Lance's mouth pressed into an uneasy line. "In a way. He knows it didn't please me."

Allura tipped her head. "Do you know, does he feel the same?"

Lance swallowed, looking away. "I think--I hope he does."

It was a long moment. "He keeps you close." Allura stalled, her eyes hooded as she spoke to Lance. "But as an enemy or--or a trophy I can't tell which."

Lance pressed his lips into a thin line before stepping forward. He didn't say that he didn't liked the sound of either of those options--but he didn't live in a world were those he was surrounded by were treasured or precious--no, no as things were going he was pushing those precious as far as he could away. He grasped his sister lightly before leaning forward to press a kiss to her cheek.

"Please," He murmured. "Just be ready." He huffed.

Allura nodded and let her head fall to press her cheek to Lance's shoulder as she stepped forward to hug him in return. "You too." she murmured. "Be careful. I worry for you."

Lance sighed. "You've just said he keeps me close."

"True." She nodded. "The arms of a tiger may be safe--but it's still a tiger encircling you."

Lance snorted, and pulled away.

"Put some cloths on, get ready," Lance said. "I don't doubt you--I just."

Allura nodded. "Alright, just for you." Though she sounded skeptical.

Lance gave one last nod before he slipped back through the door and started back to the smokey lounge and back to his bond mate.

---

Lance re-entered the room a few swift steps later. Sliding through the generous doorway, Lance slipped the cloak off and let it slide to rest at a chair. He wasn’t sure exactly how but his things always magically returned to his room every time he left them about the castle, so with out fear of losing it, he slipped his way through the men back to slither in next to his mate.

Shiro didn’t look away from the screen before him, but his arm slid around Lance’s shoulders.

Abruptly Lance was constricted in and Shiro pecked a kiss to Lance’s cheek marking. It also afforded him the opportunity to speak ever so softly at Lance’s ear.

“How is your sister's night going?”

Lance’s spine creaked as it shot pins and needles straight. He—he had wondered if Shiro would even notice him gone. He had also considered that with his scent missing from the room, it was likely Shiro would—and Lance had planned to lie.

That option, was now very briskly revoked from him.

Lance slid a long slender hand against Shiro’s thigh. “Has Keith returned without you telling me?” He whispered in to Shiro's collar, breathing close against his primary glands just under his jaw.

Shiro’s only answer for a moment was a long look from over Lance and the smallest of upticks at the edge of his mouth.

"He said you knew," Shiro mused. "But I didn't quite believe him."

"You should have," Lance's brow lowered.

"Oh," Shiro's mouth twisted in a smile. "There are quite a few things I am coming to believe about you."

Lance wasn't sure if it was a threat or--a compliment. "I wont betray you." Lance blurted before he knew it. "But I won't be used."

Shiro nodded slow, his smile turning gentler. "I adore you."

Lance shook his head. "I'm not picking sides."

Shiro's smile didn't falter. "No." he reached out ever so gently, petting his fingers through Lance's hair. "I know, you wont."

"Don't make me in the future," Lance could feel the tone of his own plea. But he still maintained the frantic eye contact with Shiro's stormy gaze.

For such a crowded room, Lance could swear at that moment they were alone, he could feel the gentle thumb of his own heart, and his hand reached out, seeking Shiro's.

It was a long moment before Shiro spoke "Are you asking for a promise?"

Lance shook his head ever so slowly. "I--I guess I'm not." His eyes flicked away for just a moment considering his words. "I just--I need your understanding." He looked back to Shiro, his head tipping just the way he knew Shiro seemed to like. "I will always love my family. Please understand."

Shiro considered for a moment but soon he slid forward and pressed a kiss to Lance's prone open lips. "I will never ask you not to." He said very carefully. "I promise you that."

---

It happened all at once. Lance looked up at the screen to see one moment there was still more talks happening and in the next—Lance’s eyes went wide as the room went deathly quiet.

Shiro jolted into action first as he swiftly stood.

“Alert his majesty,” Shiro was already pulling on the black cloak as he reached a hand out for Lance to take.

“Of course,” A nearby footman answered.

“Have my guard at the ready,” Shiro was speaking to one of the generals at hand. “And get a message out to Kogane. I also want a starship to start preparing.”

The room was bursting with energy suddenly and men were pulling on coats and shifting around uniforms. several men were already leaving the room hastily seeing to Shiro’s orders.

Lance--Lance barely moved, his eyes glued to the screen. It suddenly--what Shiro had been afraid of, Lance had never imagined this--carnage. Like a switch had been flipped the Galra had all surged forward and attacked mercilessly tearing apart the Altean they outnumbered int the room. Lance’s eyes widened further as the last of them, a grilled older Altean--

"NO--" Lance gasped.

A Galra--massive and hulking had ripped the admirals head off with a vicious snarl and only his bare now blood stained glinting claws, before his golden gleaming gaze had turned to the camera striking straight through to Lance.

Suddenly the feed cut off and Lance jolted, his hand coming up to his mouth. How--His eyes shakily turned to Shiro.

The Black Paladins eyes were on Lance, carefully trained as he watched him.

Lance could already feel the shake in his limbs.

How had Shiro--how had e ever survived through Galra imprisonment?

"Your Highness," Shiro's deep tone was barely audible, he stood just a foot or so from Lance, those around had gone still as the Black Paladin had turned his attention squarely down to Lance.

"Shiro," It was in the tremble of Lance's voice that he realized--he blinked rapidly to clear the tears.

There was a shuddering boom heard through the holographs and every head in the room jerked to the holograph quickly bing pulled up to be the main focus of the room. It was an explosion.

There was a swarm of ships form the rupturing Altean main flag ship. Like wasps leaving a destroyed nest, they all swarmed and were headed back to the Galra war ships not all luminescent as cannons were held at the ready, charging for a second blast.

"We need to go now," Shiro's voice was calm but he took several long strides to Lance, and offered his hand.

Lance's hand shook as he took it from over his mouth and let his fingers rest in Shiro's palm. His hand was grasped and immediately Lance was helped up and to his feet.

Shiro pulled the dark blue cloak back around Lances shoulders, and even went as far as to check over his appearance, handing Lance the ornate silver circlet he'd removed at one point. "Put it on," He still commanded in the same soft tone.

Given a distraction, Lance took it and slid the circlet on to his head. Shiro clasped lances hand with in a second after and led him out, the rest to the room following quickly behind.

At the door, black clad guards met them.

Lance knew intimately well what Black alliance guards looked like. They guarded their room every night and flanked Shiro when ever he started on official meetings but now—instead of a single or pair of guards six men met them at the door, and quickly formed around Shiro as he briskly walked through the high ceilings halls.

Lance followed behind Shiro though was urged into keeping up by the guards bringing up the rear.

The trip to the throne room was short but it still afforded enough time for Shiro to tug Lance in at his side.

"Is that the first time you've seen someone die?" He asked quietly.

Lance nearly shook his head 'yes' before he stopped and snapped his head in a shake. "My mother," He whispered. "I was always told I was with my mother when she died."

When Lance looked up to Shiro there seemed to be--Shiro's head tipped towards Lance in a way he'd never experienced before. It was almost as if Shiro looked worried--or was it sympathy?

"Do you remember it?" Shiro asked.

Lance looked away. "No." He answered honestly. "My father inquires if I do sometimes, but I never can."

Before Shiro could further comment the doors to the throne room were opening before them and the Black Paladins precession was welcomed into the chaos.

Lance closed his eyes as they entered the throne room out of relief more than anything. Allura had done as he'd asked. if only marginally. But she didn't look--she didn't look like Iso. It was clear Iso had been abruptly woken from sleep and his eyes still moved around the room in blinking slow comprehending ways. Allura still wore the nightgown and gosmer robe over--but she has still had taken Lance's advice. She'd cleaned up, her hair done and her face clearly awake as she stood short at hand of the throne.

Lance looked over at his mate.

It unfortunately didn't compare. Lance knew his own appearance was shaky but he was three steps ahead of his sister, still in his royal attire and as Shiro had insisted wearing a circlet of his station. And Shiro--appeared stately, prepared and well-thought out in his Black Paladin uniform and a curated neutral expression.

Shiro quickly had Lance to a chair and was sliding him down to sit before he was at the throne.

The holographic projections around were still a constant scream, even bigger now in the room, looming over head.

Lance looked up at one.

In the time it had taken them to come to the room--the battle was basically over. And Altea hadn't won. And now--with the Galactic line broken the Galra ships poured through.

"Sire," Shiro's voice echoed from at the King's side.

Lances tipped his head and adjusted his gaze to observe his father. The great King of Altea--looked so very old at that moment. His skin sallow and wrinkled face in an expression of grief as he looked up to the main holograph broadcasting over their heads.

"Father," Allura stepped up then.

His deep ocean gaze jumping, Lance watched his sister carefully.

"Sir," Coran stepped up to Shiro, speaking in a barely audible tone. "Your ship is ready and your men have all been summoned. You'll have a full crew before the sun rises."

Shiro gave a gracious nod though his eyes never left the King before them.

Lance still just watched his sister. She'd already ignored Lance's advice once, and in that moment Lance hoped--not again. He disapproved of Iso on a more personal level but this... Lance knew he was right on this. It was an opportunity to unite them.

Allura glanced back, just the briefest moment to Lance.

"Maybe we should consider--" Allura turned her chin ticking up and her face suddenly the cool expression she cultured so well. "Voltron may be the swiftest form of action in times like this." She spoke to their father.

King Alfor--

Lance sucked in breath as the King tipped his head to look at Lance. A crystalline gaze, nearly identical to Allura's squared on Lance for the span of a breath before Alfor looked to his daughter so close to his side.

"Voltron will not leave Altea." Alfor spoke with no hesitation.

Shiro next to the king shifted uneasily, Lance caught the subtly but definite incremental lowering of Shiro's brow, his gaze narrowing.

"Then send Shiro," Allura spoke up.

It was a moment--Lance closed his eyes, breathing in relief and a feeling of victory.

"Sire--" Iso stepped up, looking briskly more awake that time as he surged up to the throne. His dagger sharp gaze slashed to Allura for half a moment before he was looking back to his King.

The king raised his hand at that moment, silencing the room.

"The Black Paladin will lead the initiative."

Shiro's heels clicked as he soldierly shot into a straight backed pose. "Sire."

"Iso, Red Paladin you will accompany him. As well, rouse the Yellow Paladin, Garrett and his accompanying fleet will act as reinforcements if need be, and in the mean time will set up as a final line between The Galra and Altea, just out of Varr's Orbit. ."

With an eerie sort of gaze, Alfor's eyes turned to Shiro. "You will terminate any Galra with in the Galactic Line."

Shiro dropped to a knee, his head bowed and a fist pressed over his chest. "It will be done, Your Majesty." In a swift action he was up to his feet and already a few men around him looked eager and readying.

Alfor was already rising, a bow staring to ripple though the assembled Alteans as he did.

"Your Majesty." Lance shot to his feet.

Suddenly Pidge was there though, her hand reaching out to grasp Lance's wrist, swiftly tugging him back.

Lance was startled so violently he nearly jumped as he looked down, though managed to keep his balance. He'd never even noticed her enter the room let alone step up to him.

"Prince Lance?" King Alfor addressed him.

Startled, Lance looked up.

He'd nearly lost his nerve, nearly--but not entirely.

"I'd like to go as well." He said as neutrally as he could.

The carefully constructed face Shiro acquired at that moment let Lance know it wasn't an action he approved of.

"There must be a few Paladins remaining here," Allura suddenly spoke up. "But I feel my brother is right." She let Lance have one lingering look more before she looked to Alfor. "This mission would do well with a royal banner at the forefront."

Lance started to step forward only to be jerked again at his wrist, stilling him. He glared down at the green Paladin but Pidge's cat like eyes were gazing up at the King.

"You would like to go?" Alfor concluded with a raise of his brow.

"I believe it is only fitting, yes." Allura said. "I am the one that contradicted Paladin Shirogane. I need to be there to help him."

Alfor nodded. "Alright. As you wish. You will lead a royal ship at Shiro's second." Alfor looked back behind himself to Lance again.

"Two lions remaining here is wise," Pidge spoke up. "His Highness and I will remain."

Looking, down at Pidge, he was filled--Lance jerked his head to his father again, his jaw clenched. This was not --Lance felt indignation rise in the fisting of his hands at his sides.

Alfor nodded. "Yes, I do believe that is wise."

There was no arguing with a King--let alone Lance's own father.

So as Alfor turned, Lance did his very best to swallow down the cloying feeling in his throat, and breathed in slow through an open mouth.

"Disperse," Alfor released them, before turning to Coran to murmur. "I want updates every hour."

And the room was released, and suddenly full of action.

Lance wasted no time in snatching his wrist back from Pidge with haste. He rounded on her, his face a shadow.

"You need to stay here," Pidge explained simply. Her gaze was solid and self assured in a way Lance hadn't seen from her.

"You," Lance hissed. "will never touch me again."

Though the look in Pidge's eyes never faded, her head dipped as she bowed at the waist gracefully, "Your highness--"

He gave her no time for a retort as he turned on his heels again, aiming back straight up to the throne.

There was clusters of people now and Lance slowed his gait as he started to weave. He still managed to catch Shiro's gaze at him as Lance passed. Lance quickly looked away and continued.

It wasn't lost on him as Shiro leaned in to the black allegiance guard at his disposal. "I want a constant guard on him while I'm gone…"

It wasn't till Lance reached his sister that he noticed--

Lance stilled and looked to his father exiting the room.

"Do you know that woman?" the question tumbled from his mouth as he watched the black robed figure, trailed by the slender, tall and similarly black robed acolytes.

Allura's eyes widened as she was startled by Lance's proximity and quickly she turned to follow Lance's gaze across the room.

"Honerva?" Allura asked. "Of course, Lance."

Allura turned her eyes to look at her brother.

Shaking his head, Lance turned back to his sister. "She introduced herself to me, just this evening." Lance said.

"She hasn't been at the palace long," Allura assured.

"I didn't know there was a black robed order," Lance commented.

"Neither did I," Allura agreed, "But--" Her voice dipped into a hushed tone. "Lance," Allura looped her arm through and around Lance's elbow.

Stealthily for a room crowded with people, Allura drew her brother a few steps away. "She--she drew our father from sickness, baby brother."

Lances head snapped back to Allura. "She's a healer?"

The deft nod, was accompanied with a sullen expression.

"It seemed to be one of the few moments Shiro didn't recognize someone before me," Lance spoke in a low and hushed tone close to his sister.

Allura nodded again. Her mouth opened to speak again--

"Your highness,"

Both Lance and Allura looked up at that moment, a servant just a few feet away clearing their throat.

"Prince Lance," They clarified.

"Yes?" Lance pulled in, hoping the usual sweet tone of his voice was present past the irritation.

It didn't seem to be s success from the way the servant straightened just a bit more and they nervously looked between the two royal siblings.

With a lick of their lips, the servant went on. "The Black Paladin has requested you accompany him in returning to your rooms."

Lance was very tempted in that moment to refuse.

But Allura was already slithering her arm out from looped at his elbow. "Of course, Lance you shouldn't keep your mate waiting."

Lance didn't move for a moment before he nodded. "Of course,"

Allura reached up though and hugged him suddenly though, giving her a moment to speak into his ear. "I'll come find you before I depart."

Lance gave a squeeze of his hand to acknowledge before he stepped away.

When Lance approached, Shiro quickly waved away the men speaking with him and held out an arm.

Lance took it, sliding his fingers in at the crook of Shiro's elbow.

It was silent for several seconds as Shiro led them out into the hall ways.

Lance didn't look up to his mate. His eerie stillness already had Lance on edge and he glanced back at the throne room as they departed. He still had a desire to continue speaking with Allura, but the moment was already lost as she was being ushered out as well.

"That was foolish."

Startled, Lance was almost unsure Shiro had spoke at all.

It took a moment for Lance to build up the nerve to retort. "I wasn't going to be left behind with out a fight."

"It's unsafe for you in Galra Space," Shiro snapped.

"It's technically Altean if I remember geography correctly," Lance hissed.

They were brought to a stop so abruptly it left Lance's eyes wide when Shiro rounded on him. "Not with the Galactic Line broken!"

Lance pulled in a sharp breath.

"With out Voltron, the risk of this mission is ten fold." Shiro hissed. His eyes level and drilled into Lance. "This isn't an issue up for discussion."

It was still before Lance pulled his hard away from Shiro, jerking it away from him. "I'm a trained pilot and a trained fighter."

"You're a prince that has never lost simply because no one has wanted to to beat you." Shiro hastily interjected. "You're also my mate,"

"So if you would have liked, I would have been at your side." Lance concluded for him. “Shiro, you're not listening to me."

"I am," Shiro said with a short nod. "I just hear something different." His hand surged up to Lance's face, cupping his cheek. "I will not lose you especially when one royal family member is already up there."

Lance's eyes narrowed at the comment but he still lifted his own hand to grasp Shiro's. "Since when have you shown a care to that?"

the way Shiro's face twisted wasn't pleasant. "I love my kingdom."

Nearly shaking is head, Lance still stopped himself from drawing back.

"Don't doubt that from me." Shiro hissed. "I've done more for this empire than most men will ever even accomplish in their entire lives."

It took a long moment for Lance to pull words together in his own head before he spoke. "I never have thought of you as unloyal."

"So maybe don't fight me over every decision?" Shiro snapped back.

It took a second but Lance abruptly stopped, his chin raising, as his chest swelled.

"This isn't your decision." Lance said coldly. "Its my fathers."

The statement held in the air.

"I'm not -- your father."

Lance tipped his head. This was the second time Shiro had said those words to him. and they were so -- the wrath in them was always bleeding through no matter how much Shiro tried to mask it with a stoic face or neutral tone.

"Than contradict him," Lance's brow lowered.

Shiro's face stayed in the same stony glare he had at Lance.

"Show me," Lance whispered viscously.

They were quarreling out in the open halls, black clad guards a their sides, but that didn't stop Lance from looking to his partner.

"I--" Lance breathed slow. "I need to see your world." He whispered. "I need to see what you're afraid of and what you see on the horizon."

Shiro didn't speak for a long moment before he nodded. His face had softened though even just the tinest amount. "You'll be privy to all council convening while I'm gone, you'll get updates probably close to hourly,"

Lance shook his head. "That's not what I mean."

"I know." Shiro was already straightening.

"You were prepared for what happened tonight," Lance spoke. "I need to see what you saw."

Shiro shook his head before he leaned his head in and his hand shifted to ever so delicately point Lance's chin up so Shiro could cooly slide his mouth against Lance's.

The kiss was brief but as they broke Shiro repeated against Lance's lips. "Not for such a cost."

With a snap of his fingers, Shiro had a black clad guard at his side, and with a few brisk words they were flanking Lance and accompanying him back to the Black Paladin Quarters.

---

Lance didn't remove his royal attire and instead opted to wait in the small sitting room he'd claimed for his own off the entryway parlor in the Black Paladin Quarters. It was nearly morning outside and the ships would be departing just before the suns rays graced the palace. There was no point in retiring to bed when with in an hour or so he'd just get up to bid his sister and mate off to space.

Nervously Lance fidgeted as he watched out his grand window, looking over the palace complex. He wasn't sure even if he had gone to bed if he could manage to sleep. Maybe, once Lance was assured his family was out of orbit and there was nothing else he could do.

At the sound of the door behind him, Lance turned.

Shiro carefully slid the door shut behind him before his eyes shifted up to Lance. He wore deep black obsidian armor. Much like his paladin suit, it was closely form fitting but the scale like plates across his chest and shoulders were clearly designed less to withstand the stress of flight and more for--combat.

Dropping his folded arms, Lance sheepishly slunk forward and in against Shiro.

The Black clad Paladin didn't comment as Lance delicately pressed a small kiss up to Shiro's lips. A black gloved hand even came up to run through the fluff of Lance's hair.

"I'm sorry," Shiro hummed down in a deep Alpha tone.

When Lance opened his eyes it was to be met with the most gentle look from Shiro. Ever so carefully, Shiro tipped Lance's chin up, pushing his head all the way back so he could dip in and press a kiss to the mark on Lance's neck.

Lance huffed out a long breath. "It's fine." He murmured as he let Shiro do as he wanted.

Warm breath against the sensitive pearl mark sent a shiver down Lance's spine and though smiling he squirmed.

With one last, lingering, open mouthing over the mark he pulled Lance back up to face him.

"I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that, Your Highness." Shiro said as he let Lances chin go.

Easily Lance went with the movement and his hands came up to Shiro's obsidian black plate armor, his fingers running over the smooth surface.

"We fight." Lance said as small smile touched his lips. "It's how normal couples solve their problems."

They weren't normal though.

"I've brought Honerva." Shiro spoke in a quiet tone. "We shouldn't keep her waiting."

Perplexed, Lance blinked. "Why?"

Shiro was quiet for a second more, a sign he was considering his words. "I think it would be wise to have you implanted."

Lance blinked again, his mind furiously trying to process the information. "What?" He was so--that didn't make any sense. He just apologized for making a decision for Lance, and now he was doing it again?

"This is a reasonable time. " Shiro's level voice was nuetral. "The implant will take a few weeks to become fully effective. It'll coincide with my absence, and by the time I'm back we won't need to worry."

Lance shook his head. his brow lowering as he stepped away from Shiro. "That's not an explanation of why I would need one. Why you thought I needed one!"

It was Shiro's turn to look surprised.

"An heir is expected." Lance tried to implore. "Allura is still unmated. My family is expecting me to produce an heir for the throne. If anything happens to Allura or me, there has to be a continuation. I've been questioned as to why I'm not producing already."

Shiro's mouth pulled into a grave line. "Your value to me, isn't linked to a child."

Lance shook his head. "That doesn't matter, Shiro." He tried to soften his gaze to imploring. "My family has to come first, my kingdom has to take precedence."

Shiro's brow lowered. "Lance that's entirely irrational."

"No, it's just a different perspective than yours." Lance pointed out. "I know, you don't understand but it's been expected of me since I presented."

"You really want a child that bad?" Shiro questioned.

That--that stopped Lance.

"Do you--" Lance pulled his hands in closer. "Do you not want an heir from me?" He felt terribly fragile at that moment.

"No," Shiro cut in. "That's--" His face turned graver. "I didn't ask you about an heir." He stepped forward. "Your duty to them--" He looked conflicted like he wanted to keep speaking but the way his jaw clenched suggested he was strained in holding back. "I'm not going to give you a child neither of us would be prepared for."

Fidgety, Lance looked to the floor. "It's expected." He repeated. "You don't understand. I have to."

"Allura is engaged." Shiro huffed. "There's no reason for it to be you."

"I was told it needs to be me," Lance shot back.

He looked strained again, fists at his sides. "You owe so very little to them" He said in a hushed hiss. "You're not their opinions of you."

With a defiant look, Lance turned his body slightly from Shiro. "If you don't want an heir from me, we can arrange to have it some other way." He tried his best to keep his chin high and his form still, despite the sudden need to tremble to pieces. "I'm sorry I've pressured you for--for affection," Lance knew his voice cracked but he still powered on. "I didn't realize I wasn't--what you wanted. We can have a surrogate system arranged. It's ideal for it to be yours so it will just--"

Shiro was grasping his shoulder so fiercely Lance nearly jumped as Shiro's hand struck out. If nothing else, the action succeeded in snapping Lance's gaze up to his face.

Shiro stepped forward again and this time was so very close to Lance. The moment stayed still and quiet for several seconds and Lance tried to avert his eyes again.

It wasn't much use as Shiro consumed him so close.

"Do you really want a child?" Shiro asked carefully. "Putting aside what's expected of you, do you really want to go through that experience right now?"

His fingers weren't allowed to be fidgety this time. "I don't--Shiro I--we don't have a choice."

"Lance, do you want a baby?" Shiro asked.

His answer was in the cool silence that followed.

With a calm exhale Shiro straightened. His hand was already brushing through Lance's hair. Carefully he slide the sliver circlet from Lance's head and set it aside on a nearby side table. "I won't force it on you."

Lance nodded, his eyes still averted.

"I didn't think you would be this opposed." Shiro tried to explain. He was straightening though his expression distant, even calculating.

"I--" Lance shook his head again, pleading. "I don't have a choice."

Shiro's expression softened though just marginally. "You have a choice in this moment. Do you want an implant?"

Lance stayed still his eyes restless and he tried not to look up into Shiro's eyes but felt continually drawn back.

There was a soft exhale form his mate. Though Shiro's expression betrayed nothing. "I'll go--"

"I want it," Lance blurted before Shiro could finish.

There was another long pause. Taking an offered cue from Shiro, Lance turned a bit more, his fidgety hands removed a ring and another piece of jewelry linking his middle finger and wrist. The silence lasted a breath more, maybe it was time Shiro was making sure Lance wouldn't change his mind. Lance just frowned and didn't look up.

"Your highness,"

The formal address finally brought Lance's gaze up to meet Shiro's again.

"I want the implant." Lance whispered, though he turned away almost immediately.

Shiro stood still before him for the span of a breath.

"Would you be more comfortable if I brought the healers in here?"

Shoulders slightly slouched, Lance nervously rubbed his hand over his other arm. "Yeah." He murmured. He felt -- his throat felt like it might close up any moment. He shouldn't-- he had responsibilities...

Shiro gave a brisk nod and stepped away. He opened the door just enough to give a glance and a beckoning gesture before he was stepping back to Lance's side.

"It'll be easier if you're sitting," Shiro spoke at Lance's ear.

Lance gave a short nod and sat uneasily at the edge of the sofa. Shiro stayed standing next to him, his hand running through Lance's hair in a smooth slow pet, his fingers rubbing over Lance's scalp.

As before, the black robed acolytes looked eerily tall and slender as they entered. Honerva and two others slid in.

"Your highness," Honerva gave a deep bow to Lance.

A nod was the most he felt like he could imagine.

The instrumentation it looked like for the actual procedure was very little.

"We'll need a bit of your blood so we can sync the hormone levels." This tall robed figure was actually a man Lance realized.

Still feeling nervous, Lance reached his hand out.

There was a shifting and Lance's long intricate sleeves were expertly being removed.

"No worries, your highness," Hoth spoke. "We will take the sample blood from one arm and place the implant in your other."

"Okay," Lance murmured.

"The implant is very commonly used," Hoth went on the somans face maybe seeing Lances hesitance. "It may not be as--appropriate in the court, but I assure you it’s very safe."

"Willl it--" Lance hated to admit how very little he knew about it. "Will I still have heats?"

"Yes," The male one answered as he took Lance's wrist and cleaned the skin with a small disinfectant cloth. "We'll make sure it won't affect your cycle at all. The implant is for prevention not to inhibit your balance."

"Of course," Lance said.

The acolytes didn't seem to need communication as wordlessly the man pressed a long clear tube over Lance's skin. He clicked the top and--

Lance gasped, nearly jerking away.

A needle was punched into him and the tiny tube was filling quickly. Before it could be topped off, the man removed it with another click and Hoth pressed a small bandage to the spot.

"You'll be able to remove this by the end of the day." Hoth said, her crystalline eyes flicking up to connect with Lance's gaze.

"Alright." Lance said.

The man handed the blood off to the third acolyte in the room. This one a far older woman with deft fingers clicked the blood into a small egg shaped machine she carried in her palm. Rings around the egg lit up and there was a very small whirling sound.

"How long?" Lance looked up to Shiro.

Shiro looked to Honerva.

"We can program it up to five years."

Looking back down to Lance Shiro brushed his hand back through the crest of Lance's head. "How long would you like?"

Lance considered. "Five seems like a long time." Lance admitted.

Shiro nodded slow. "Would you consider three more acceptable?"

"Uh.." Lance wasn't sure. It felt like a larger decision than he was ready for. "I--yeah. Yeah three seems fair."

There was a small click and the rings on the small egg lit blue. A small capsol was produced and the older woman took it and slid it into some sort of needle gun.

Once the gun was in Hoth's hand the man kneeling at Lance's side was wiping another cloth over the soft underside of his elbow.

"The injection site will be sore for a couple of days, but there will be no lasting pain." The man spoke. "Just keep it bandaged and clean until it's healed. It should be in three to four days.”

Hoth pressed the end to Lance's arm and with out a word, the needle punched into Lance.

Lance hissed, his shoulders hunching and his hands fisted.

Removing the gun, there as a small beading of Lance's blood and a imprinted red ring around the site, But quickly the man pressed a gauze pad to the site and wrapped Lance's elbow in a round of tape.

"He's safe." Honerva spoke very quietly as she exchanged a glance with Shiro.

Shiro didn't react.

"Fold your arm up,"

Lance realized the instruction was to him and he bent his elbow up.

"We need to be leaving," The older woman spoke quietly to the man. The man gave a small touch to Hoth's shoulder and the woman acknowledged.

“You’ll check on him,” Shiro’s commanding Alpha tone rung through the room as he looked to the acolytes, his gaze fleeting between Honerva and the man.

“I’ll be fine,” Lance whispered, tipping his head towards Shiro.

Shiro glazed down at him. “I’d believe that if you didn’t have a habit of not telling anyone when you’re not fine.” He whispered in return.

“I will come by,” The man volunteered.

Shiro nodded, satisfied.

It wasn't till they were all filtering out of the room that full realization started to seep through Lance. He wasn't sure if he felt relieved or--or scared. But as Lance tested his arm again, feeling the tug of the bandage against his skin he was aware of Shiro next to him. The sigh he gave was clear before he leaned in and kissed Lance’s hair tenderly. He was relieved.

---

His formal farewell to Shiro passed all too quickly. It was a showing of farewell. Lance knew it would be considered gaudy to even kiss his mate under the eyes of so many so the most Shiro did was embrace him. Iso was near, his own flag ship departing at the same time

As soon as it was over, Lance locked eyes with his sister in a brief glance. The royal flag ship was scheduled to leave an hour after, giving Lance enough time to catch his sister one more time before she was gone.

Lance was flanked by two black allegiance guards as he entered the hanger of the flag ship. His sister was already waiting for him at the corner. Her hair was drawn up and though wearing a thickly fur lined coat she looked ready for the journey ahead.

"Wait for me here," Lance murmured to the two guards before he stalked to psi sister.

"You look tired," Allura gave a small sad smile.

Lance gave a cheek grin in return. "And yet still the most handsome Blue Paladin in the entire univers!" He crossed his arms under the dark blue cloak.

Allura rolled her eyes. "You should have taken the preparation time to sleep."

Lance gave a shrug. "I'll fall into bed once you lot have had one last chance to memorize my face." Another grin sprouted. "Besides I had to give Shiro a chance to memorize--the rest of me."

The scolding look Allura pointed at him was only half hearted though as she heaved a sigh. "And just when I'd thought you'd managed to mature even just fractionally."

"I am the perfect prince I'll have you know!" It was Lance's turn to roll his eyes as he led the way farther out in the hanger, leading then out in to the first few rays of the rising sun.

"You're currently Altea's only prince," Allura threw the sass out as they approached the outlooking edge of the massive ship hanger.

"Oh good," Lance smiled. "Than it's consensus."

Looking out over the palace, Lance realized from that height--it was one of the few places he could see past the tall walls surrounding the palace complex. Beyond sprawled the Altea capital in a gleaming whites and bright teals and accented in the royal banners of deep midnight blue.

"I know you want to be on that ship, coming with me," Allura spoke.

Lance puled in a breath. "Shiro made it clear that's not a decision he supported so even without father’s overbearing protection I'm afraid I probably would still be stuck here."

With a snort, Allura crossed her arms. "I don't think our father has ever let you off the face of Altea."

"Once," Lance corrected, tipping his head in her direction. "After I was made the Blue Paladin, he let me tour the colonies with the rest of Voltron."

"I don't remember that." Allura admitted.

"You were already in space," Lance recalled. "You--he let you go every time you asked."

"Why does he do that?" Lance suddenly asked jerking his head towards his sister.

Allura's shoulders dropped "I don't know, baby brother. He has always been rather fond of you."

Lance huffed out a breath. "It doesn't feel like that--It's always, it's like he's careful with me."

Raising his hand he tested out his elbow a bit more. The sting that shot through him was almost immediate, and he dropped his arm.

It wasn't till Lance looked over that he realized Allura had been watching him.

"What happened?" She inquired with a tip of her head.

Lance shook his head. “It's nothing."

She was already stepping forward though, "No, let me see." She reached for his arm. "You've got it wrapped."

Horrifically Lance realized at that moment he didn't have any sort of excuse for the implant site. He shifted his arm away. "It's nothing. " He joked again. "I'm just clumsy."

Allura's head tipped this time as well, but not in a way Lance was fond of. "We very much know that's not true at all. You've always been surprisingly light on your feet." Her eyes narrowed. "When our governess was trying to teach me grace, you were already floating through rooms."

Nervously Lance tried to play it off again with only a half truth. "It's just sore. I'll be better before you ever get back."

"Sore from what?" Allura reached this time and snatched up Lance's wrist.

"Lance," Her narrow eyes turned to Lance once she'd had a look. "This has been treated, what happened?"

"It was nothing," Lance trie to assure again."Honerva treated it for me. And she assured me it's just fine."

"Honerva?" allura looked surprised. "But--what did you have done?" Her expression turned to skeptical.

Lance wasn't sure he could lie to his sister. "Shiro and I-=" He stalled. "We, Shiro thought it would be a good idea to have me--" He tried to construct the words before blurting them out for once. "He was worried and he just wanted me to be safe." Lance shook his head. "It was just immunization."

Allura released Lance's arm and crossed her arms. Maybe it was because she never expected her brother to lie to her or because there was a bigger question n looming over them but Lance could see the moment his excuse was accepted in the change of her expression.

"Shiro gotten comfortable with Honerva? So quickly"

Lance tipped his head to consider. "He seems indifferent to her if I'm honest. But I think what ever she's done for father, it's been relayed to him. He trusts her as a healer at the least."

Allura still didn't look comforted. "Well she's remaining here." She unfolded her arms. "Keep an eye out."

Lance gestured to his side, in the distance the two black clad guards stayed exactly where Lance had commanded but still watched and still lingered. "As close as I can manage."

Allura's eyes narrowed past Lance. "That doesn't comfort me."

"I don't think they're meant to be there for you," Lance pointed out with a cheeky grin. He gave a lazy roll of his shoulders. "Unfortunate for them."

Allura gave her own sly smile. "Don't give them too much trouble," She gave Lance a scolding look.

Lance gave a mock gasp. "Me?" He placed a hand over his chest. "Why I would never strand a set of guards in the middle of the garden mazes? I'm slightly appalled you would suggest it."

Allura snorted. "You know, I'm not sure I know anyone else that knows those gardens better."

"I am perfectly safe here."Lance simple explained. "It's not my fault Shiro hasn't caught on yet why I don't even have my own blue guards for a reason."

"If I do remember correctly, you used to," Allura pointed out. "Father scolded them quite often, I remember."

Lance shrugged. "It's not my fault they got lost so often. Maybe they should have learned to keep up better." He rolled his eyes. "Besides, it's not like I'm allowed to leave this palace, there’s not much that could happen to me here."

Allura still had her head tipped to the side, eyes narrow as she considered Lance. "Do you think you can do it again?" She asked. "Can you out fox those black cloaks?"

Lance didn't answer verbally,. But his eyes slid to the side as he glance at the men standing perfectly straight at attention, black armor gleaming and long black cloaks tussling in the slight breeze of the open hanger.

"I'm not worried."

Allura smiled in return.

---

As much as Lance wanted sleep at that point. He already had a council meeting lined up, so after a change of cloths and few moments to himself in their porcelain lined bathroom, Lance stood before the elevator doors, waiting for them to open.

When they did--Lance realized he's forgotten about one thing...

Two Paladins had stayed behind.

Pidge raised an eyebrow at Lance.

"Are you getting on or what?" She snarked at him.

Lance waved to the guards at his sides, "I'm sure I'll be fine until the meeting is over."

It wasn't surprising when one of the guards looked at him, his expression clear. More than likely they were instructed not to leave Lance unless he was in his own room.

"No need to crowd all us in," Lace said as he stepped away from the two very tall and broad men Shiro had more than likely hand-picked. "I'll be with another Paladin after all and later in a room full of the royal guard, I’ll be fine."

Lance was a bit surprised when his excuse seemed to be taken and the guards let him pass through the threshold alone.

Pidge snarkily leaned around Lance and gave a wave, "Bye Crabbe and Goyle!"

It wasn't till the doors slid closed that Lance turned his scowl to Pidge.

"Oh come on!" She rolled her shoulders back in a gesture out to them. "It's only obvious Shiro picked the two biggest men he could find!"

Lance huffed as he crossed his arms and shifted to stand next to the Green paladin just as the elevator light up and started to move. "I can only hope they're as stupid as they look," He huffed under his breath.

Pidge snickered into her glove. "I highly doubt that."

Lance's arms fell away and he huffed again.

Pidge peered over and through the layered folds of Lance's new royal attire. "Something happen?"

Paranoia proven forth baring again, Lance immediately hiked his sleeve up over his elbow, covering wrappings more throughly.

"Immunizations." The lie came easier to Lance's lips. "We thought it would be wise."

Pidge blinked at Lance for a second even shacking her head a bit. "Right." She made a scrunched expression. "You guys thought it would be a great idea—in the middle of the night, when everyone else was asleep or ridiculously distracted by impending doom. Perfect time for a booster shot!”

Slowly, Lance turned narrow eyes over to Pidge.

"You should pin your sleeve up, The wrappings will keep making it fall." Pidge started to pry at her own overly embroidered uniform. With in a few seconds she'd produced a small silver pin.

With narrow eyes, Lance used it to pin the sleeve up and under his richly adorned shoulder cap.

“What did the two of you really have done?" Pidge asked quietly and without the added accusation.

Lance averted his gaze still fiddling with the sleeve.

Pidge leaned in to try to sneak Lance's gaze. "Orrrrr did you have something done behind Flotsom and Jetsom’s watchful guardianship!"

That managed to earn a glare from Lance. "I wouldn't do that to Shiro," Lance hissed under his breath.

"So it was the two of you," Pidge straightened with a smug little shimmy of her shoulders. "Now what ever would the two of you need done, that no one else could know about? ...and something that would need done say possibly as soon as possible?" Her cat like eyes slowly swung around to look up through her hair at Lance.

Pulling on the best impression of his sister that Lance could manage, Lance stared straight ahead at the elevators holographic numbers slowly turning over as they ascended farther.

"You don't wanna give an old man some new hope, Your Highness?" Pidge's snide expression was back as Lance looked at her. "It is your duty after all--to continue the linage, to bring forth the next generation of this shining dynasty!"

Lance's gaze narrowed on the green Paladin.

"There's no telling with Allura after all," Pidge went on with a casual shrug. "It's fairly common for Alpha females to be infertile and--well that's not so much your case."

Pidge never threw shallow punches, Lance noted to himself as he looked at her.

"Princess Allura." Lance corrected, with narrowed eyes.

"Of course, no disrespect meant, Your Highness." Pidge ducked her head in a tiny bow.

There was just enough of a hint of sarcasm Lance felt uncomfortable with the statement.

"It's just an injection site." Lance tried to sound exasperated with Pidge's speculating.

Pidge leaned in "At the crook of your elbow," She pointed out. "Probably with a lingering little red ring..." Her smile lingered still. "I am a Beta, you know that right, Your Highness?"

Lance simply turned back to face the elevator doors. "It was for immunizations. We thought it wise in case I do end up going to space. "

"Deny deny deny," Pidge said in hushed tone, though venom drooled from the statement so think Lance swore he could hear the drip of it to the floor. "The battle cry of the imperials."

Lance didn't turn only watched the holographic numbers slowly turning over. His mind slowly turned over as well Pidges viciously whispered oath.

"Was it his idea?" Pidge spoke after a second. "Or yours?"

The elevator slowed its ascent. Lance turned just as it came to a halted freeze.

"I wanted it." He firmly said.

Pidge tipped her head up at him a brow raised and the way she smiled at him in that second--Lance could swear she almost looked proud.

---

When the doors slid open, Lance--balked.

Pidge laughed first as the two stiff, black clad guards shifted at the sight of the two. They were turned away, though at the ding of the elevator one turned to greet them.

Lance was unsure what to even say.

"Your highness," The tallest, dipped his head at the sight of Lance.

Lance gave a short nod in return.

"Did you two fuckin' marathon up the stairs?" Pidge still snickered as she exited first, by passing the guards and headed straight to the council room.

Lance reluctantly but much grumpier than he had been, followed after her.

As the second of Lance's assigned guard moved as well though Lance froze.

"Your highness," The bow Keith gave was quite possibly the most mocking thing Lance had ever witnessed in his life.

Between Pidge and Keith Lance wasn't sure who he preferred, but if an old moldy shoe was a third option Lance was pretty confident in his choice.

"You were gone so long, I wondered if you were dead." Lance monotoned. His guard around him were already shifting to flank him. "I see you're unfortunately not."

"Unfortunately." Keith echoed with quirk of a grin. "If only to return to your charm, Your Highness."

Lance huffed, feeling throughly surrounded.

"He's not here," Lance dispensed with the pleasantries. "You've just missed him by about four hours."

Kieth gave a nod. "I thought it was obvious I've returned for you." The mocking grin only irked Lance farther.

Lance cast a look over his companion. "You could have at least bothered with a hair brush then."

"A mistake in my haste," Keith switched back to his stoic monotone. "Shall we?" He gestured down the grand hallway to the council rooms.

Lance barely spared Keith a glance as he passed. "Only if I've got no other options,"

The slight curve of a creeping smile never comforted Lance when it was from Keith.

---

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