Silence echoed throughout the steely corridors of the maze that was the Castle of Lions. Despite the glorious defeat of Prince Lotor and disappearance of King Zarkon just a few short months ago, the Voltron Force could only rejoice with quiet reservation. The inevitable had happened; they had been re-assigned to Earth effective the next week.

Over the past three years, planet Arus had become more of a home than an assignment. How could they be leaving so soon, with still so much rebuilding to do after countless attacks on so many Arusian villages? The people of Arus had come to rely on the Voltron Force; for protection, security, and aid. But according to the GG, the Voltron Force was not a “construction crew,” and thus, the orders to return to Earth stood.

The night sky was eerily silent, but welcome. As the soon-to-be-former captain of Voltron stood at his usual window on the observation deck, he couldn’t help but think about how difficult it was going to be to leave his home of three years for a world he would hardly recognize now. Actually, Arus had become the only real home he’d ever had, being orphaned at an early age and then shipped off to the academy. Even though life on Arus had been stressful and dutiful until recently, he had always found a certain joy and contentment just being with his friends on this beautiful planet.

Lately, Keith had found himself envying his former second-in-command for managing to snag the position of ‘Ambassador to Pollux.’ Keith laughed to himself. ‘More like Ambassador to Romelle.’ At least with Sven staying close to Arus, he would have a good reason (excuse) to visit this part of the galaxy more often. Too bad they already have an ‘Ambassador to Arus,’ he thought ruefully.

“The war is over,” a teasing voice whispered from behind. “Even the great Captain Keith can get some rest now.” Allura always had a way of saying exactly the right thing.

“Old habits die hard,” he said with a small grin. “What about you? Nanny will sound the alarms if she finds you out of bed at this hour…and she’ll fry us both if she sees you walking around in that nightgown of yours.”

The Princess Allura had settled on the sofa closest to the window. “This is how I see the situation,” she said, as she leaned back. “I helped to bring down the most dreaded empire in the universe, and that gives me the right to wear whatever I feel like.” With that, she tilted up her nose slightly and grinned with an obvious air of gloating.

Keith had always marveled at her ability to be so self-assured, while everyone around her was either trying to tell her what to do, or trying to live her life for her. Nanny and Coran knew exactly what their Princess was supposed to do, and how she should do it. If he had one of Nanny’s cookies for every argument he’d witnessed concerning her being pilot of Blue Lion or getting her married to some suitable prince, he’d be as big as Hunk. But to be fair, even he had even been extremely guilty of trying to protect her just a little too much at times. ‘Well, she definitely proved us all dead wrong,’ he mused with a silent pride. ‘But how could we have known,’ as he remembered their first encounter in the great entrance to the castle. At 5’4” and 105 lbs. at most, she seemed so frail and defenseless. ‘Defenseless?’ He couldn’t help contain a smile. ‘Nothing of the kind.’

Over the years, she’d become a pilot, a diplomat, a soldier, a leader, a defender, and not to mention, a hell of a good shot. It was all of these things, and so much more. He was now looking at a grown woman, with every bit the dignity of a Princess, and the loving heart of a friend. A friend he was going to have to learn how to miss.

“Why the long face, Captain?” Allura interrupted his thoughts.

“Just thinking.”

Allura’s grin fell to a half-frown. “Everyone’s been so quiet…about the move to Earth,” she said, not really knowing how to approach the subject. “Would you like to talk about it?” she offered, already knowing that he wouldn’t.

“Actually, I’m trying not to think about it, but thanks,” as he tried to avoid her blue stare.

He often reacted this way to her. For so long, Allura had tried to get him to open up, if just a little, but with little success. What she didn’t realize was that he wanted to but could never seem to bring the words up to his mouth. Always afraid he’d say too much, so he said nothing at all.

Not wanting to push the issue any further, she quickly changed the subject. “Tomorrow, I was thinking that we could all take advantage of the nice weather and head to the nearby village of Wyles. They’ve almost restored the entire town after the last attacks by Zarkon, and a celebration in the center market is planned.”

“Sounds good,” he replied. “Actually, I think we could all use a little fun to keep our minds off…What time did you want to leave?”

“Late morning. It will be so good to see my people enjoying life for once. They’ve suffered so much; they deserve to celebrate and be happy for a change.” Allura’s face slightly darkened. “It will be a while before any of us really know true happiness again. Maybe our children will know it someday.”

‘Only 19 years old,’ Keith thought, ‘but having a wisdom that no one should ever know. She must be an old soul.’

Allura made her way over to the window. “You know,” she paused, “Nanny and Koran have planned a formal ball in honor of the Voltron Force on the night before…you leave for Earth.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“Keith, I know you don’t like this royal bologna, but it is customary for us to celebrate our heroes,” she explained, knowing that Keith wasn’t going to be too thrilled with the idea. “If we didn’t give all of you a proper send off, it would be an insult according to Arusian tradition.”

“Princess,” he cut her off. “It would truly be an honor for all of us.” The comment drew a surprised smile from the Princess. “Besides,” he continued, “Lance never passes up the opportunity to be the center of attention.”

“How true,” relieved that he had ended a potentially uncomfortable situation. Taking the opportunity, she made her escape. “Well, better get some rest. Big day tomorrow.” With that, she gave his arm a friendly squeeze and made for a quick departure.

“Princess?” Keith stopped her just short of the door. “Don’t forget to keep your bedroom door locked, just to be sure.”

‘Always being Keith,’ she thought as she crawled into her warm bed. Duty, duty, and more duty. Always worried, always jumping at shadows. But she couldn’t be too critical. Keith’s over-protectiveness had kept her alive, kept them all alive. She owed him so much, but she could only hope that he knew in his heart, the depth of that gratitude. The depth of…how she felt about him. With that last thought, she drifted into a deep sleep, filled with dreams of a peaceful planet Arus and its ruling King and Queen.