Chapter Text
Coran had a tendency to get these notions about things. He learned early on they were best followed, especially in dire situations. Recently, they adapted to everyday scenarios. This was most likely spurned on by the arrival of the new Paladins from Earth.
The Paladins had every reason to inspire a new angle to Coran’s intuitive ability.
He sometimes wondered how they managed prior to their arrival on board the Castle of Lions--Allura had every reason to question the decision of the Lions at first.
Speaking of her, Coran also had concerns for the Altean princess. Recently, she had joined the Paladins’ ranks. She could more than handle herself in battle, he knew that, but when it came to the people they encountered...
The Galran prince, Lotor, was a prominent source of his concern.
He had arrived seeking shelter after Zarkon declared him an enemy of the state, complete with a kill-on-sight order.
Coran did not want to turn away the young man, especially given his current situation was similar to their own. Despite being half-Altean, Coran found something to be suspected of Lotor. He had proved himself innocent thus far so he could not pinpoint this concern just yet.
The Paladins were quicker to open their arms and tried their best to integrate him in their group. Once Lotor had shown he truly was not intending on giving them up to his father as a last minute plea to be spared, the prince was swept up and taken around the Castle for a tour. He was less disturbed than Coran and Allura were about Kaltenecker and the milkshakes. Perhaps that was what caused this feeling in the elder Altean’s gut. Or maybe his memory of the milkshakes.
Anyways, Lotor.
He was half-Altean and half-Galran. This mixture of genes made for a handsome youth with considerable height and physical prowess. Besides a striking appearance, he also knew how to conduct himself. Which led to what Coran understood but did not favor--Allura’s attention.
She had been unsure like the rest of the group, as expected, but had taken an extra step forward once he was cleared from suspicion. It started with simply showing him around more of the castle, especially the library since he was apparently curious about his heritage. Coran was happy for Lotor gaining access to this knowledge, he deserved to learn about the other half of his legacy. This was not the issue at all.
“Where’s Allura?”
“Oh, I think she was making another run to the library with Lotor. Something about a literally crazy, old queen who would only address her subjects if they were holding juniberries.”
“For real? Guess Alteans have their own fair share of weirdos in charge.”
This innocent exchange between the Green and Blue Paladins at the dining table was concerning to Coran. They implied that the Princess had been to the library more than once with Lotor to the point they were now used to it.
Coran knew Allura was young and deserved to have some time to unwind when not desperately trying to survive in the midst of an ancient intergalactic war. He also understood she was excited to meet another individual with Altean heritage. But this Altean fellow was causing him some worry and he, as the royal advisor, would not let any potential harm come to the surviving Altean royal.
Striding to the library in the most direct path he knew, the Altean advisor peeked into the room with every intention to just look.
He did not just look.
“Oh, here is the story I wanted you to read about the other day.” Allura was sliding an open book across the table to Lotor.
She didn’t have to slide the book far. They were sitting right next to each other. Surrounded by books, obscuring most of Coran’s view. It was scandalous, Coran wanted to think.
He needed to trust Allura.
But the way Lotor easily spoke with her and grinned his lopsided grin, showing sharp teeth inherited from Zarkon himself, made Coran hold onto that gut feeling.
Then he saw it.
Allura had laughed at some comment he made and then leaned her head against his shoulder, reading with him. Lotor made no move to replace the distance from earlier. Coran could have sworn the boy leaned in as well.
Realizing he was eavesdropping, Coran took action and pretended to walk in like he was searching for something. Immediately, the two scooted away from each other. A book or two were nearly dropped but trained reflexes saved the readers from a proper scolding about at least not caring for the books, much less their shameless nuzzling.
“Oh, Coran!” Allura greeted, standing up soundly. She offered him an unknowing smile and he sighed to himself ruefully.
“Good day, Princess,” he answered, mirroring her tone. “And to you too, Prince Lotor.”
That name felt so dry and awkward on his tongue. Unbeknownst, said prince seemed to light up at being acknowledged.
“Greeting, Coran.”
“What have you two been, uh, reading?” he strained on. It was a mistake to come out and interact, he knew it. But it felt better than remaining where he was just earlier.
“I was looking for some historical books and also a few biographies for Lotor to read! He likes that same book as you do, the one about Groggory.”
“O-oh! Splendid, well, I-I should let you continue. Carry on, I shall go make my rounds with the others now!” Coran was delighted to hear this little shred of info yet was still not satisfied about his gut suspicions. He needed to continue and watch carefully.
He promptly marched out of the library, leaving the two Altean youths to blink in confusion. Once his footsteps were barely heard, they resumed leaning against each other.
---
A few days passed with Coran keeping himself vigilant.
Nothing out of the ordinary happened though.
The Paladins trained with Lotor joining them here and there. If not training, he was retreating to the library or helping a Paladin with something. He did not show an inclination to spending extra time around the other Altean in the group to his relief.
Allura was not showing any signs of something being different either. She was training, planning, and conducting meetings just like before. In fact, if anything, the princess seemed to be more energetic about her duties.
Coran worked himself to admit that it all may have just been a wave of overprotectiveness. He trusted Allura’s judgement to be sound as it had always been. Besides, she also had the Paladins if something came up.