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The formality of the festivities was almost over. The kingdom was rejoicing the anniversary of the prince and princess, which, really, was just an excuse for a party.
The prince of Mamora was a fine young man named Keith. He was a good prince, well liked by all those who he protected. His wife had been a duchess, a fine young lady whose name was Acxa. She was to be queen someday, rule beside her husband. Together, they would rule fair and just over their lands.
It was a way off, of course, with the current good health of Queen Krolia.
People of all fashions danced around the great hall, merriment flowing freely. Almost as freely as the drinks. Prince Keith watched with a smile on his face. These were his people, his to protect and rule over. He was both humbled and proud of the opportunity.
Acxa stood at his side, her eyes on a group of party goers. She’d been Keith’s best friend growing up, the young lady part of the court and raised within the castle grounds. She was Keith’s truest friend, and he was glad she’d agreed to be his wife.
It worked out well for both. She got money, a title, the chance to lead. Keith got a bride who would be perfectly content never sharing the marital bed with him, and his best friend. She would make Mamora proud.
Keith’s eyes naturally gravitated towards where the knights were dancing. The knights he trained personally or had his first knight train. The knights who protected the realm with their lives.
One knight caught Keith’s eye with a wink. He raised his goblet, full of a clear liquid – water, knowing him – and downed it. Keith ignored how his body ached to go over, to loom over the knight for having the audacity to wink at him in this crowd, but he couldn’t. He would let Lance think he’d won this round.
As the night wore on, the crowd became sloppier. More drinks flowed, arguments arose and Keith decided to retire. He thanked his mother for the evening and marched on out to his own chambers.
He was entirely unsurprised when he saw the very same knight who’d winked at him, lounging in his bed clothes on Keith’s bed.
Lance looked up from the book he’d been enjoying. He wasn’t one for late nights and large crowds, not unless there was a threat or he was on protective detail. But Keith knew the chances of an attack were slim if Lance left early, he seemed to have a gift for these things.
“Some might consider it rude to lounge on the prince’s bed,” Keith said, shirking off his ceremonial jacket.
Thin, firm fingers came over to meet Keith’s, easing him from his tunic. Keith held his breathe, not daring to move as he felt Lance’s breath, warm and tender, ghosting the skin of his neck.
“My lord,” Lance said, voice barely above a whisper.
Keith spun around, gathering Lance’s hand into his own. He raised it to his lips. Colour flushed vibrantly in Lance’s cheeks, beautiful as ever. Keith prided himself over being the one lucky enough to see it.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” Keith asked, pulling away to put on his night clothes. He was careful not to expose too much skin at once, lest Lance get any ideas. He was tired, and he wanted sleep.
“Better now that you’re here,” Lance said, pulling the prince to the bed. Keith went willingly, following his knight. His most treasured friend. His lover.
“Stay the night?”
Lance laughed, full of promise and love. It echoed in the dark chamber, filling the space in Keith’s heart. “You should stop asking, my lord. My answer is forever yes.”
Keith hummed, closing the distance between their mouths. “Good,” he said, because it was. Lance was his. He’d always been his.
“Acxa seemed pleased tonight.”
Keith groaned, dropping his head to Lance’s collar bone. “Must you bring up my wife when I am kissing you?”
Lance shrugged, jostling Keith’s head. He wound strong, muscly arms around firm shoulders, holding Keith’s body. “It’s not exactly like she’s not happy for us. I meant that she was happy in general.”
“She was.” Keith finally relented.
“I think we should tell your mother.”
Keith froze, pulling back enough to see Lance’s face in the darkness. “Where is this coming from?”
Lance turned his head away, looking out the window. Keith’s heart felt unsteady in his chest, waiting for his lover to speak. “I don’t want you to be ashamed of me.”
Keith’s jaw dropped without his control. He snapped it shut, staring at the most beautiful creature in all the realms. “Ashamed? I could never be ashamed of my love for you, Lance.” He felt his heart constrict with the words, but he knew they were true. He closed his eyes. “I can’t love you loudly, not yet. Please.”
Lance’s gaze softened, turning back to Keith. A soft, gentle hand brushed an errant strand of hair from Keith’s eyes. “I love you too, jerk. Even if you do have a mulled.” He paused, running his hands through Keith’s hair. “I think she’d be happy that you’re happy, she’s your mother.”
“You just want to tell Hunk.”
Lance sagged, releasing a breath. “Yes, oh my goodness, he’s onto me and I hate lying to him.”
Keith laughed, pressing another kiss to Lance’s kissable lips. “We’ll tell her, and everyone else, I promise.” It was something he’d considered when he’d married Acxa, he could never love the female form and he’d told his mother. She’d encouraged a union with a woman who would accept that.
Fortunately, Keith had known the perfect one. Acxa preferred the female form, and she’d taken the news that Keith, her husband, was going to pursue Lance with ease and grace. It was a relief, she really was a very dear friend. His love for Lance was stronger though.
“Why tonight?”
Lance was back to turning away, a flush on his cheeks. “I overheard some of the knights talking about an heir, is all.”
Keith twitched. Right. That was something his mother had said wasn’t optional, but he had time. “It’s not their business, Lance. And if we’re caught, it’s not like we’re being disloyal to Acxa, she already knows. My mother will just have to deal.” He leaned in closer, pressing a kiss to Lance’s neck, just below his ear. “You’re mine, Lance.”
Predictably, his knight blushed, warmth spreading through his beautiful skin. He smiled, a hand reaching out to touch Keith’s cheek gently. “I’m all yours, my prince.”
It was several days later that Lance’s sister came to visit court. She lived at their family’s estate, though she travelled frequently to sell her wares. She was a seamstress, an incredibly talented one, and her sales kept her very happy. Members of court frequently sought her out.
Lance enjoyed her frequent visits, the only from his family that did so. He didn’t find it odd that she visited so often, until now. Not when he caught her speaking to the princess, alone in an alcove.
He moved back to the shadows, not wanting the princess to catch him spying. Let the princess have her secrets, goodness knew Lance had his own.
Veronica came to find him in the knights’ quarters later that day. With Veronica around, Lance didn’t spend the night with Keith, instead wanting to spend time with his sister. She also wasn’t aware of his relationship status, which meant there would be no reason to be in Keith’s quarters at all.
“I need your advice,” she said, barging into Lance’s single room space.
He raised an eyebrow, welcoming her in. “My advice? Since when?”
She waved him off. She was the eldest of the four of them, Lance the youngest. He was the only one to become a knight, but they’d all accomplished many things. “You’re the only one to have courted people.”
He frowned. He wasn’t sure he would classify his vague attempts at flirting to be courting, but she. It wasn’t like she knew about Keith. “Continue.”
She began to pace the confines of his quarters. “There’s someone at court I’d like to ask to – well, court.” She laughed breathily, running a hand through her hair. “But I don’t know the first thing about it.”
He took a seat on his bed, gesturing for her to do the same. “You like this person?” when she nodded, he continued. “Then just ask them. You’re the most renowned seamstress, they’d be a fool not to want you.”
“And if this person has a higher title?”
Lance shrugged, mind jumping to his own prince. He had an inkling he knew who she was talking about too. “To the right person, title doesn’t matter.”
“Thanks, Lance. You’re the best.”
“I know.”
He loved mornings where he woke warm and snug, safe in the arms of the one he loved. He took a breath, inhaling the scent of his partner, pressing closer to the warmth.
A soft laugh shook the warm body. Keith was already awake, was staring at the ceiling with humour in those beautiful eyes. Lance pressed closer, a soft kiss on the prince’s neck.
“I hope you have no plans for this morning,” Lance said, words falling off a sleepy tongue.
Keith rolled his eyes, hand moving to wrap around Lance’s. “We are preparing to receive the Altean dignitaries. There is much to be done.”
The knight sighed, stretching his limbs. “Worth a shot.”
“I’d much rather spend the day with you, of course.”
That was what mattered, really.
On the training ground, Lance sparred with Pidge. She was one of his friends, someone he trusted with Keith’s life. She was a good spy, if the situation required it. Despite this, she seemed oblivious to Lance’s relationship with the prince, who was currently fighting with Shiro on their left.
From the corner of Lance’s eye, he spotted Veronica moving to the training grounds. She stood beside Acxa, who’d decided to come and spectate. She wasn’t usually a spectator, usually preferring to pick up a sword and spar with a free knight – usually turned out to be Hunk. But this morning, she stood to the sidelines with Veronica.
Acxa positively glowed when she saw Veronica. It was such a change from the growling woman Lance usually saw. She was Keith’s best friend, and his wife, but the woman had never warmed up to Lance. He was apparently too much for her.
Apparently though, his sister was just enough.
He winced as Pidge swept his legs from under him and claimed victory.
“What’s got you distracted? I never beat you. No one does.”
Lance scowled, gesturing to the side where the prince and his first knight stood. “They do.” He tossed his head in the princess’s direction. “They seem awfully cosy, don’t they?”
“Jealous? Didn’t think you had eyes for this princess too.”
He rolled his eyes, standing himself up. “One time.” He flirts one time with the princess of Altea and suddenly he’s in love with her. That said, she was a truly beautiful woman, destined to become a great ruler. Lance just happened to already be infatuated with another royal.
“They do seem close,” Pidge offered a moment later. “She’s allowed to find someone she loves, right?”
“Bit gross, that’s my sister.”
Pidge laughed, turning away. “Are you going to focus, or you calling it quits?”
“Like I’d let you beat me again.”
They sparred for several long minutes. Lance could feel Keith’s eyes on him as his own match ended. He could see Shiro watching just as closely, contemplating Lance’s skills. Lance was a sniper, an archer, he was one of the few long-range knights they had. He could throw a dagger with exceptional skill. Hand to hand was something he was working on.
Acxa glided forwards as Pidge lost, pushing in to Lance’s space. “Mind if I cut in?”
Lance grinned, bouncing back to his position, easing Pidge to her feet quickly. “Hardly fair, princess. I’m already fatigued, and you’re as fresh as a daisy.”
She ignored him, throwing him a sword. He caught it easily, smiling as he watched her. He prepared, bouncing on his heels, waiting. She was a vicious fighter, and today, she had an audience.
“Quite taken with my sister, I see,” he said, watching her miss a step. He pushed her back several paces before she could regain control.
“Yes,” she finally said, wrapping Lance into a death grip. He twisted from it, freeing himself with a burst of strength. “I desire your permission to court her.”
Lance almost face planted. “You – what?”
She rolled her eyes. “I will speak with my husband, of course, but you are her brother. It seemed appropriate to talk with you first.”
He’d seen all the signs, but he was still surprised. Happy for them, but surprised.
“I don’t control her, go for it. She’d love that.”
Acxa looked relieved, blocking another of Lance’s swings. He was growing wild now, exhaustion settling in his bones. “Oh, good.”
Lance managed to push her back again. “I think it would be good for you two.”
She smiled, sending the final jab that knocked Lance clean off his feet. He lay there, seeing her lower her weapon. “My only desire is to find someone who makes me as happy as you make Keith.”
Lance couldn’t help but blush, grateful he could pass it off as being flustered from losing. Not that he didn’t constantly lose to the princess, because he did. She was just better then him at this one thing.
Keith loved early mornings. He was a morning person, always had been. Since he’d gotten with Lance, they were even better. His beloved knight was less of a morning person, so Keith got the privilege of seeing the composed knight so relaxed and vulnerable at his side.
The only chances he got to see Lance, to really enjoy his company, were late at night and early in the morning. They would talk until they fell asleep, wake with soft, gentle kisses. He loved knowing Lance was his. He wished he could share it with everyone, but he knew how that would look. He needed to warm them up to it first. Starting with his mother.
Acxa had come to Keith the previous day to inform him of her relationship with Lady Veronica. He was thrilled, of course. She was happy. That was what mattered.
Lance mumbled in his sleep and Keith smiled, attention firmly back on his partner. Who gave him the right to be so beautiful in sleep? It should be a crime to be this easy to love. There Lance was, oblivious to the way he held Keith’s whole world in his palm.
Footsteps sounded, loud and close. A moment later, Keith’s doors were thrown open. He sat up, grabbing for the sword he kept beside his bed. There was one on both sides, and Lance also kept a dagger beneath his pillow.
It was Shiro. He looked entirely unapologetic. “There’s been an incident.”
Lance, who’d woken and had been readying for a fight, relaxed at the familiar voice. Keith was suddenly grateful to sleep closer to the door. Lance had wanted to, as the knight, but Keith was determined. Lance protected him through everything else, he got to do this for Lance.
Not that his knight couldn’t throw a dagger to save their lives, even in the darkness. He was the best bed companion a prince could have.
“Good morning to you too, Shiro,” Keith said, rolling his eyes. He relaxed his grip on his sword and Shiro noticed, eyes following the movement.
“The Altean’s have arrived. Their party was attacked by bandits.”
Keith was upright instantly, no chance of an easy morning lay in now. He grabbed the sheets, looking pointedly at his first knight.
Shiro rolled his eyes, though did turn to leave. “Good morning, Lance,” he called, practically singing, as he left.
Lance was beet red as Keith glanced down, his partner calling back a hello, sounding mortified. Shiro’s laughter followed him from the room.
“He’s going to kill me,” Lance groaned, pulling the covers over his head.
Keith leaned down, peeling them back so he could kiss him instead. “He’d better not, you’re too valuable alive.”
Lance smiled, following Keith’s lips. “Go run your kingdom, I’ll stand right beside you, my lord.”
“Not the king yet.”
Lance hummed, offering another soft kiss. This was exactly why Keith loved mornings. It was the only time Keith got to see Lance soft and real. He was so damn easy to love.
“You will be, someday. And I’ll stand wherever you put me.”
The shear sincerity in his words hit Keith. He hoped to earn the trust, be worthy of this man.
“In the meantime, I’m going to have my ass handed to me.”
He really didn’t want to go to training. With Keith locked up in meetings, he had no choice. He dragged himself to the training fields, each step feeling like a prison sentence.
“Ah, Lance. Nice of you to turn up,” Shiro was grinning at him. Smug bastard. Keith just had to make him his first knight.
He was Mamora’s finest knight, it made sense.
Lance nodded to Shiro, desiring little more then to blend in with the shadows.
“You’ll be sparring with me today,” as though Lance had expected anything else. He nodded. Steadied himself.
Shiro launched.
The problem was that they trained very differently. Shiro had been a prisoner, fought to survive in a fighting ring. He fought dirty. Lance fought with the knowledge of watching, preparing. He could read his enemies every move, if he was patient.
Shiro was testing that.
It was currently a draw, temporarily Lance was certain. The knights had long since given up their own fights, going over to see why Shiro wanted to murder Lance on this fine morning. Everyone knew, when Shiro was like this, it was personal.
Lance lost, just. Two out of three. He lay on the grass, looking up at the blue sky. He wanted little more then to blend into the grass.
Shiro extended a hand down to him, a small smile on his lips. “I’ll allow it.”
Lance blinked, staring at the first knight, Keith’s chosen protector. Leader of the knights. “Excuse me?”
Shiro nodded, brushing himself off and sheathing his sword. “You were ready to kill me this morning, yes?”
Lance’s fingers twitched at the memory. He’d grabbed the dagger before he’d heard Shiro’s voice. Keith hadn’t even noticed.
Shiro hummed, seeing the look on Lance’s face as confirmation. “Who better to protect the prince then one of our finest knights?” he bent in closer, expression changing and Lance swallowed. “If you hurt him, I’ll make you hurt more.”
Lance nodded. “I won’t, I swear it.”
“Then we’re good. Trainings over for the day, get ready for tonight.”
Lance could’ve passed out on the spot.
“You look unbroken,” Keith said, entering the room with drooping shoulders.
Lance stepped forwards, swooping his beloved into a hug. Keith went willingly, safe in those strong arms. “Shiro gave me his permission.”
“I don’t actually require it,” Keith said, but he did smile.
Lance shrugged. “I do, he’d kill me in training.”
Keith hummed, pressing close, gentle kisses trailing Lance’s neck. “I’d make him bring you back.”
The party was in full swing. Drinks flowing, merriment to be had. Lance stood behind the prince, watching him talk with the princess of Altea. They were good friends, a marriage potential once, aside the issue she was the sole heir for Altea.
Lance watched Allura’s servant, Romelle, flit around the room. She was a lovely young thing and a good friend to the princess.
He surveyed the room carefully, one hand clutched around his dagger. He’d gotten one of his bad feelings, much as Keith liked to make fun of it, they were usually right. He hadn’t told Keith, but the prince knew him well enough. If Lance was standing this close, it wasn’t to eavesdrop. Not when he could be with Pidge and Hunk, laughing over something clever and witty.
Lance kept his eyes open, watched all possible angles. The dance floor would be the perfect place to blend in. anyone could sneak in. sure, there were guards on all the doors, but people slide through the cracks constantly. Knights who attended were too drunk to help.
Something shiny glinted, but it was only a glass. Lance looked too tense, struggling to relax. He pulled Romelle into a conversation, keeping his full attention on Keith. Romelle, bless her heart, prattled on about something Allura had done for her people.
She was blissfully unaware of Lance’s attention.
And then, he saw it.
Shiny, sharp, glinting in the candlelit room. Lance kept his face to Romelle, muscles coiling. He needed to wait, there were too many people, too many variables. Easier to move the target once he knew who it was.
The blade glinted. A small, decorative dagger. It would do the job, he knew. That blade was deadly. He watched, waited. Saw the exact moment the assassin took aim.
In one swift motion, Lance twirled Allura away from Keith, the blade free from it’s owner and soaring through the air. Lance grunted as the blade missed its intended, finding purchase in his soft side.
Panic spread through the room. Lance shot his own blade swiftly at the retreating would be assassin, hitting high on his chest. There would be no escape for him.
The dagger in his side was painful. Lance looked down, almost in shock. He’d never been stabbed before. He’d expected to be wounded in battle, or defending his prince, not the princess of another kingdom.
He pawed at the offending weapon, but soft, firm hands covered his. He blinked, looking up. Keith shook his head. He looked terrified. Lance frowned. Keith was too pretty for such a look. He stumbled forwards, blade jostling in his side.
It went dark.
When Lance came to, he was in the physicians’ chambers. He looked around, spotting Coran pottering about. He was talking with someone, who Lance realised was Shiro.
“He’ll wake soon, I assure you. The blade missed the important parts.”
Shiro looked ready to pace, glaring at Coran, fingers twitching. “He needs to recover. Prince Keith cannot handle another sleepless night.”
Coran put a hand to Shiro’s shoulder. “He will recover, Shiro. He saved the princess’s life, it’s the least I could do for him.”
“Thank you, Coran.”
Lance made a noise, unable to hide the wince as he tried to move. His side was bandaged, a wound cleaned and beginning to heal concealed beneath. Heads whipped around to Lance, both relieved to see him awake.
“I’ll let Keith know,” Shiro said, darting off from the room.
Coran swept closer, moving to change the bandages. Lance winced. “You’re lucky to be alive, my boy. The dagger was coated with a poison. Fortunately, that’s my area of expertise.”
Lance winced as the bandages changed. He didn’t feel very fortunate. Still, he was alive, and he was sure he owed that to Altea’s physician. “Thanks, Coran.”
“You saved my princess. Thank you.”
“It’s my job.”
Coran put a gentle hand on Lance’s shoulder, a smile on his face. “You did more than that, my boy. Allura is very grateful. And Keith refused to leave your side, but I forced him out.”
“How long was I out?”
“Three days.”
Lance winced. “Oh.” That was a long time.
“Not to worry, your prince is perfectly safe, just sleep deprived.”
Lance refused to blush, but Keith chose that moment to burst through the doors. An irritated Shiro followed behind, glaring at his prince. Keith had eyes only for Lance, relaxing when he saw Lance staring back. He did a once over, scanning the knight, before nodding and taking Lance’s hand.
“You’re awake.”
“I am,” Lance said, running a finger over Keith’s hand. “Sorry.”
“You saved Allura,” Keith said, fingers clenching around Lance’s hand. “But, there’s something you should know.”
Before he could say more, Pidge, Hunk and Allura spilled into the room. They saw Lance, wide eyed and awake, then looked down at the joined hands. They didn’t look surprised. Lance met Keith’s eyes, raising his eyebrow.
The prince flushed. Looked away. “So, we aren’t exactly a secret anymore. I may have over reacted.”
“Just a tad,” Pidge said, rolling her eyes. “He wouldn’t let anyone near you, not even Coran.”
Lance grinned, looking up at his prince. “Everyone knows, then?”
“Everyone,” Allura confirmed, looking positively delighted. “Thank you, Lance. I owe you my life.”
He smiled, unable to do much more. “I would always protect you, princess, you’re far too beautiful not to.”
Keith squeezed Lance’s hand, forcing his attention back. “I was so worried about you,” he admitted, voice low, quiet. Just for him.
Lance smiled, the corners of his lips curving as his eyes softened. It was something reserved for private moments, the one that said ‘I love you’. “I’m ok. I won’t leave you. You’d last two days without me.”
“That sounds right,” Shiro agreed. “Three was bad enough.”
Lance relaxed into the pillows. “And your mother?”
“She knows,” Keith agreed, wincing. “She’ll be by, later, I think. To thank you. And probably warn you. But, she’s happy.”
He winced.
“And, Acxa and Veronica are official.”
Lance’s eyes widened, head whipping to stare at Keith. “No way. That was fast.”
“They said life was too short, I imagine Veronica will be by shortly to tell you too.”
“Now you’re both dating McClains,” Lance said, grinning at the uneasy look on Keith’s face. He relaxed again, body lax on the pillow. This was no where near as comfortable as Keith’s bed. “And the assassin?”
“One of Zarkon’s, trying to pit us against each other.” Keith said. He shot a look briefly to Allura. “He knows we’re stronger together.”
“Good.” Lance said.
Keith agreed. He glanced back to Coran after another moment. “Can we move him now?”
Lance blinked when Coran gave the affirmative. “Where to?”
“My bed is far more suitable a place for you to recover.”
Lance smiled, feeling that easy love filling his chest. “You are overreacting.”
“You’re under reacting,” Keith said. “You almost died.”
“It’s my job, Keith.”
“I wish it wasn’t.”
Lance pressed a soft kiss to the wrist near him. “It’s who I am, who we are. I’ll always come back to you. Promise.”
“You better,” Keith said, pulling Lance into a soft kiss.
It didn’t matter that the others were in the room, this was theirs. Lance smiled into the kiss. Yeah, they’d be ok. The kingdom would have an incredible king someday, and Lance would be at his side, protecting, ruling, loving him. It would be ok.