A few days after Allura’s appointment.

Allura came with an idea of how to tell Keith about the twins. She would get him away from Planet Arus and tell him then. She really wanted to get away from Nanny and Coran. Nanny was hovering over her after being sick the past few mornings, begging her to see Dr. Gorma. Allura eventually told her that Dr. Gorma said she had a very rare stomach virus that he hadn’t seen in years. It would take several months for it to go away. Rest and liquids were what she needed and she told Nanny to quit nagging her about it. Allura shook her head to clear it and left her bedroom to find Keith.

Keith was with Coran in Coran’s study going over battle strategies and Galaxy Alliance reports. Coran ideas were a little out dated and he didn’t want to expand Arus’ fleet. Keith really wanted the advisor to approve the purchase of more ships that could protect the planet if Voltron wasn’t there and couldn’t be there in time.

"Coran, this would strengthen Arus’ position within the Alliance and would help protect Arus against Planet Doom."

Keith was getting a headache trying to explain it to him. He realized now why Coran and Allura disagreed so much.

"It’s not in the budget, Keith," Coran replied. "We need that money to rebuild villages and cities."

"OK. Then how about we compromise: four command ships this year and the rest of the money to rebuild?"

"I don’t like that idea either. I think we should use all the money for the rebuilding project."

Keith’s headache intensified and he was ready for a break.

There was a knock on the door.

"Am I disturbing anything?" Allura said, poking her head in.

"No, Allura, you’re not," Keith replied. "We were just about to take a break. We’re miles apart on the issue."

"Is there something I can help you with, you highness?" Coran asked as she walked over to them.

"Actually, I’d like to speak to Keith," she said. "In private. Alone," she added for good measure.

"Very well," Coran replied. "Please use your study then, Allura. I have to catch up on some paperwork."

"Fine. Thank you, Coran." ,p>Keith and Allura headed for her study. Once inside, she locked the door behind them. She deftly went straight for her desk drawer and pulled out a bottle of aspirin, offering it to Keith with a glass of water. Keith smiled as he gladly took them from her. She had no idea how to start this conversation. He watched her fidget for a couple of seconds and realized there was something wrong. After downing the pain killers, she decided to ask her what.

"Allura? What’s bothering you sweetheart?"

She looked at him with apprehension.

"Keith, do you think we could get away from planet Arus? Just for a couple of days. There are things we need to discuss without the risk of someone eavesdropping."

"Does this have something to do with the fact that you wake up sick every morning and that you resigned from flying Blue Lion? A decision that I didn’t support. You were an outstanding pilot and yet you resigned so you could be a proper princess. You said you didn’t want to put yourself in danger. That doesn’t sound like the woman I fell in love with."

"I had my reason, Keith," she replied, moving to sit on her couch. "The other day I went to see Dr. Gorma and I found out why I’ve been awaking up sick every morning and having cravings."

"I heard Nanny say you have a rare stomach virus," he said, sitting next to her.

"Well, that was a lie. It’s not a stomach virus. We really need to go on a mini vacation. Just you and me. It’s really important." She moved to sit on his lap. "Please, Keith?"

He brought his hand up to smooth her hair. "I’ll see what I can do, sweetheart. Give me a few hours. I’ll talk to Sven and Lance and see if we an come up with a few ideas."

"Thank you, Keith. This is really important to me."

"I know. I know you wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t."

Coran was interrupted by a message from a guard at Castle Control. "Sir, there’s an incoming transmission from King Casey Sanders from Planet Anzo."

"Yes, I was expecting him. Please patch it through here."

In a few moments the King’s huffy face appeared on Coran’s view screen.

"Coran, about this trade agreement between out planets. It’s not a solid business plan."

"Yes, your highness, I agree. I do not know what Princess Allura was thinking when she signed that agreement."

"I thought my son, Warren, had better sense than to sign it as well. I wonder what they were thinking. The trade agreement is too innovative and includes too many new ideas that are untested. I think we need to have a meeting to come up with a new agreement."

"I agree," Coran said. "I will send Princess Allura to Planet Anzo immediately. She should be there in two days. We will notify you when she departs Arus."

"Excellent," the king replied. "I will have Prince Warren make the arrangements for her arrival."

Coran left his study to find Princess Allura and let her know about her trip. He decided to look in the rec. room first. Sure whatever she had to talk with Keith about was taken care of by now.

In the rec. room, Pidge and Hunk were watching pay-per-view’s World Wrestling Federation’s The Armageddon which was the sickest barrel match in the WWF’s history. It was called the Hell and the Cell,. The opponents in the match included Triple H the Game, The Rock. Stone Cold Steve Austin, Undertaker, Kurt Angle and Rikiski. Lance and Sven came running in.

"Did we miss anything?" Lance asked, slightly out of breath.

"Nah, man," Hunk replied. "They’re just getting started with the introductions."

"Where’s Keith?" Sven asked, looking around the room.

"He must be with Allura," Lance said. "We’d better record this for him or he’ll make us run laps."

The bell rang and the match started. Steve Austin quickly did the Stone Cold Stunner on Triple H the Game. This left Triple H flat on his back. Outside the ring, the action continued. Undertaker threw Kurt Angle into the cell and burst his head open. Rikiski grabbed a chair out from under the ring to hit Rock on top of the head. But it backfired. Rock hit Rikiski in the mid-section and took the chair away from him, hitting him on top of the head instead.

"Whoa! Did you see what Rock did to Rikiski? That was awesome!" Lance exclaimed.

As Coran neared the rec. room, he heard more and more yelling.

The Undertaker climbed to the top of the cell and Rikiski and Triple H followed. Triple H and Rikiski teamed up to try to get the Undertaker but it didn’t work. Rikiski got kicked in the midsection again and was dangerously close to falling off the edge. Triple H tried a flying body press and was caught by the Undertaker. He did a military press over Triple H’s head and threw him into Rikiski. This sent Triple H over the edge of the cell and down onto he floor.

Pidge’s eyes bugged out. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. They didn’t realize that in the mist of the craziness Kurt Angle had won the match. Rock did the Rock Bottom on Steve Austin. Kurt Angle had enough left in him to hit Rock with the chair and then fall on top of him. So winning the match. Hunk couldn’t believe that Rikiski lost the match. Lance and Sven were yelling at the top of their lungs. None of them noticed Coran had come into the room and was trying to ask them questions. Sven and Lance were still looking at the television.

"That ref needs glasses," Lance said. "The Rock clearly had his arm up before three counts."

Pidge and Hunk nodded in agreement.

Coran walked over and calmly tuned off the television to get their attention. It worked. They began swearing fluently and glared at Coran.

"What the hell did you do that for?!" Lance yelled.

"Do you know where the Princess is?" Coran asked, ignoring Lance’s swearing.

"The last time I saw Keith, he was heading toward your study. Since Allura hasn’t been feeling well lately, She’s probably taking a nap. She’s been doing that a lot lately."

"Lance, when was the last time you saw them together? Allura came to my study earlier asking to speak to Keith alone and in private. You wouldn’t have any idea what it was she wanted to talk to him about, would you?"

He looked at Sven for an explanation. He just shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea."

"Hmm," Coran said. "Where are Romelle and Farla?’

"I think they’re in the sunroom watching television."

"Thank you," Coran replied, turning to leave the room.

After the short walk to the sunroom, Coran asked the two women the same questions. Neither of them had the answers either.

Farla rolled her eyes. "Is that all, Coran? Romelle and I would like to finish watching the Galaxy Shopping Network. It’s fashion day."

Coran mumbled his thanks and left the sunroom. He headed for Allura’s study. Sven sent a distress signal to Keith’s waistcom to warn him that Coran was looking for Allura.

"I hope Keith is paying attention this time," Lance said. "Remember that one night at the Galaxy Alliance Peace Conference Ball? Keith cut off his waistcom completely. He even had the tracking device off."

"We found out he and Allura were in his study and wanted to be alone," Sven added.

Hunk chuckled. "Keith had the biggest smile on his face. He was on cloud nine. But then he got a chewing out by Space Marshall Graham for not helping with the search to find the Princess. Coran grounded Allura for three weeks."

Coran was in front of Princess Allura’s study trying to get in. Inside, Keith was waking up with Allura in his arms still sound asleep. He noticed that his waistcom was beeping. That meant that Coran or Nanny was looking for them. He gently shook Allura to wake her up before Coran got there.

Coran pushed in the code to Princess Allura study and it said access denied. He then tried another code the same thing happened. As a last resort, he knocked on the door.

Keith was unable to wake Allura up. He gently moved away from her and lay her back down. Allura curled up and sighed and went back to sleep. Keith went to open the door for Coran.

"Is there a problem, Coran?"

"Yes, Keith, there is. King Casey Sanders from Planet Anzo wants to redo the trade agreement between his planet and Arus. I agreed to send Princess Allura to Planet Anzo to work out a new agreement."

Allura woke up at the tail end of the conversation and was trying to shake the effects of her nap off.

"Both Prince Warren and I agreed that it was a good solid way of doing things."

"King Casey and I feel you two didn’t really think things through. We will either need a new agreement or go back to the old one."

Allura groaned, think that Coran was not open to new ideas and was till sticking to the old ways.

"OK," she sighed. "How will I get there?"

Before Coran could comment Keith spoke up.

"I’ll take her. I’ll be her bodyguard. That way we will leave Planet Arus with four lions and the Arus fleet to protect it if Planet Doom decides to attack."

Allura was about to protest when Keith gave her an "I’ll explain later" look.

Allura gave him a slight nod. "When do I make my arrangements with Prince Warren?

"King Casey would like you to arrive in two days," Coran said. I told him I would see if you have any meetings to attend and then you would be there as soon as possible."

"I will contact Prince Warren immediately and make arrangements for our stay at the castle."

"Very well. I will leave you to that." Coran turned to leave and then turned back to Keith. "are you coming, Captain?"

"Oh, sure, Coran. I’ll walk you out."

As they walked sown the hall, Coran glanced at Keith.

"Keith, what was it that Allura wanted to speak with you about before?"

"She just asked me what I did with the reports I took from her study. She told me not to take them again without asking first. They stopped in front of the rec. room.

"Is that all you needed me for, Coran?"

"Yes, Keith, thank you."

Keith nodded to him and went into the rec. room. Lance turned around as he came in.

"Man, Keith, did you miss a great wrestling match!"

"It was totally awesome," Sven added.

"Who won?" Keith asked.

"Kurt Angle won," Hunk replied.

Keith smiled at them and held out his hand. "All right, pay up guys.’

There was an assortment of grumbles as money was slapped into Keith’s palm.

"Did you guys records the match? I’d like to see it."

"Yeah, Keith," Pidge said. "The DVD’s still in the player."

"Did you get the warning I sent you?" Sven asked.

"Yes, I did. Thanks. By the way, do you remember the name of that little bed and breakfast you and Romelle stayed at on Planet Anzo on your honeymoon?"

"It’s called the Holiday Pleasures. There was a little inn and also several cottages you could rent. I still have all the information."

"I’d like to call them and make reservations."

"What’s this about, Keith?" Lance asked.

"Well, Allura wants to tell me something. She says it’s really important and she can’t risk it being overheard by Nanny and Coran. Plus, King Casey Sanders wants to redo the trade agreement between Anzo and Arus. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for the two of us to get away. I’m pretty sure I could get Prince Warren to go along with it."

"How about going under a different name?" Sven suggested. "You could go to the Bed and Breakfast Inn as a honeymoon couple and leave Black Lion hidden at the castle."

"That’s a great idea! I’ll run it by Allura and see if she likes it. If she does, that’s what we’ll do."

Several days later on Planet Anzo...

Keith nudged Allura.

"We’re here, sweetheart. Totally away from Nanny and Coran’s reach." He was also glad that they were relatively safe since they weren’t that far from home.

Keith got out of the car. This was one of the few places in the galaxy that wasn’t too modern yet. It’s a beautiful place, Keith thought to himself. Then he remembered what Allura had said to him and began to worry again. She wanted to talk with him about it immediately. It was very important that they have the utmost privacy. Nanny and Coran could not find out about this. He was trying to figure just what it could be. He was pretty sure it had something to do with her being sick all the time. A thought suddenly crossed his mind. He looked over at Allura as she sleepily got out of the car. He shook the thought off. It was dangerous to jump to conclusions.

After checking in, Keith grabbed the bags to carry them into the cottage. He and Sven had come up with fictitious names for them. They were posing as a married couple celebrating their one year anniversary.

"Allura, why don’t we wait until tomorrow to have our talk. I think we’re both too tired from the journey." He set the bags in the bedroom.

She seemed not to hear him as she went straight to the refrigerator.

"Great!" she said. "We have some fresh fruit." She grabbed some and started snacking on it.

Keith came out of the bedroom chuckled at the sight of her. "Sweetheart, if I knew you were hungry, I would have stopped somewhere to get something to eat."

"Don’t worry, Keith. It’s just a little hunger pang."

Keith started doing a security sweep of the cottage. "Allura, you look dead on your feet. Why don’t you go on to bed. I’ll be in as soon as I’m finished checking the place out."

"Always the soldier. That’s one thing I love about you: you always make sure that I’m safe."

"Well, if there’s one thing my dad instilled into us boys it’s taking care of our woman and providing for them. Maybe at another time, I’ll tell you how my mom and dad met. It reminds me, and all of us, where we come from."

She gave him a small smile and walked into the bedroom. She looked into her bag and pulled out her nightgown to change for bed. Keith went outside to look around the cottage. After seeing nothing out of the ordinary, he went inside to finish. Then he took out his communicator and contacted Lance on their secure channel.

"Have Coran and Nanny found out we aren’t in the Anzo castle?"

"No, Keith. Don’t worry about it, I’ve taken care of everything."

"OK, Lance, but don’t screw up."

Farla voice then came across the line. "Don’t worry, Keith. I’ll keep him in line. You won’t screw up, will you, dear?"

"That’s right, honey. Lance out."

And the line went dead.

Keith put away his communicator with a smile. After feeling satisfied with the security of the cottage, he decided it was time to join Allura. He found her sound asleep. He decided to undress and crawl in beside her. He fell asleep almost instantly.

It was late morning before either of them stirred. They decided to sleep in a little longer. At about one o’clock Arus time, however, they had to get up to answer their growling stomachs.

"Good morning, Allura. Did you sleep well?"

"That was the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time."

"Good. What would you like for breakfast?"

"Let’s see. Hmm. Sausage, eggs, bacon, grits, toast, and orange juice."

"Is that all?!"

"Uh huh. Order whatever you want, Keith. I’m going to take a shower."

Keith phoned room service and placed their orders. It was to be delivered within thirty minutes. He then joined Allura in the shower. They finished dressing just in time. There was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Keith called.

"Room service."

Keith anxiously opened the door. "How much do I owe you?" he asked.

"Sixteen dollars."

"Here. Keep the change," Keith said, handing him a twenty.

They sat down to eat and Allura eagerly dug into the food.

"Oh, this is delicious!"

Keith sat and stared at her. He couldn’t believe how hungry she was. He had never seen her eat this much at breakfast. Allura pull out the prenatal vitamins Dr. Gorma gave her to take. "What are those for?" he asked after she took them.

"Just some vitamins. Nothing to worry about." She winced inwardly at her white lie. She finished the last of her orange juice and pushed out her chair. "That was wonderful. I think I’ll take a look out the window and enjoy the scenery.

It really was a beautiful planet. The green fields and rolling hills were a remarkable sight. But, in all honesty, Allura really didn’t see them. She stared out the window trying to decide how to tell Keith she was pregnant with twins.

Keith quietly finished his breakfast, glancing at Allura every so often. He was wondering what was on her mind. It must have been very hard for her to say. He walk over to the window and put his arms around Allura.

"Whatever is it that you are going through, we’ll get through it together," he said to her.

He picked her up and brought her to the loveseat, setting her down on his lap. She nestled her head against his should while he smoothed her hair.

"When ever you’re ready, just tell me about it"

Allura took a beep breath and sat up to look him in the eye. "Keith, I am six weeks pregnant with twins. I am due in November."

Whatever Keith thought she was going to tell him, this was the last thing on his mind. He was in shock. He sat staring into space for a few minutes, saying nothing.

"Keith, please say something," Allura pleaded.

"Babies. Just having babies together. That means I get to be a daddy."

"Aren’t you a little scared, Keith? We don’t know the first thing about being parents."

"But, Allura, their our babies."

"Oh, Keith! You don’t know how much it means to me that you said ‘our’."

"I promise you I will be there every step of the way. Even for 2 a.m. feedings."

"We have to tell Nanny and Coran."

He didn’t seem to hear her. "I’ll make sure you eat enough. An that you keep warm." He threw a nearby blanket around her. "I’ll make sure whatever pills you take are safe. We need to call my parents with the good news. And buy stuff for the twins."

"Keith, slow down," she said, putting her hands on his shoulders. "You’re not at all upset that I’m pregnant?"

"No. You’ve just made me the happiest man in the galaxy. Why would I be? I was always jealous of my brothers, Peter and Brad, because they had a wife and kids. I wanted the same thing. I want to take things one step at a time."

"Dr. Gorma told me I had to stop flying the Blue Lion." Allura started voicing her concerns. "Coran and Nanny are going to hit the roof when they find out I’m pregnant."

"Right. We’ll tackle those problems when we come to them. We have to come up with a plan. So that’s the reason you gave up Blue Lion and asked Sven to take over. Here I thought you were giving in to their demands to stop flying Blue Lion and start being a proper Princess of Arus."

"Keith, how can we keep this a secret until we get a replacement pilot from the Alliance?" "Well, I could see if we can get Pidge’s brother to be the replacement. This would reunite them for a little while and buy us some time until a permanent replacement arrives."

"Oh, Keith that’s a great idea."

"We wouldn’t have to train him too much, since he’s already used to flying a Voltron ship. And we could always use another computer wizard in the castle."

"Oh, before I forget. Dr. Gorma would like you to see him for some tests since this is the first set of twins in the royal family."

"OK. I’ll go. Now, are you sure you’ve had enough to eat? Are you getting enough rest?"

"Keith, I’m not an invalid. But I want you to know, even after the twins are born, I won’t go back to flying the Blue Lion. I will just be a backup pilot for the team. I want to be there at all times for the twins, in case they need me. Also, I still have to handle the issues of planet Arus."

"Just remember that you’re not alone in this. I’ll be there to help you with the twins and with everything. I can’t wait to tell the team."

"And Farla and Romelle, too. I can’t wait to tell everyone."

"We’ll need their help to help keep this quiet from certain people."

Allura sighed. "The only thing I regret is my mother and father won’t be there to see their grandkids. It’s times like this that I miss them most. Especially my mother. I could ask her questions about her experiences."

"Well, if it makes you fell any better, you could always ask my mother those questions. And my sister, Tiffany, too. Do you mind if I call my parents and tell them the good news?"

Allura tried to stifle a yawn without much success. "Go ahead, Keith. Give them a call. And say ‘hi’ for me."

The next thing Keith knew, Allura was sound asleep in his arms. Revealing her secret must have been a great relief for her, Keith thought. He carried her into the bedroom and placed her on the bed. He covered her with a blanket and kissed her forehead. The he went to the teleprompter to make his calls. The first one was to his parents. Both of their faces appeared on the screen.

"It’s good to see you, son," his father said. "Now what is the reason for this unexpected honor."

Keith had the biggest smile on his face. He couldn’t hold it in any longer.

"Son, tell us why you are grinning like a fool."

Keith blurted out, "I’m pregnant with twins!"

"Son, men can’t have children," Bruce said with a straight face. Lindsay burst out laughing.

"No, no. I mean Allura is pregnant with twins. She’s due in November."

"Congratulations, son," Lindsay beamed. "You’ll make a great father. We’ll make sure to tell the rest of the family."

"Are you still going to ask her to marry you on her birthday, son?" Bruce asked.

"I sure am. Especially now. We’re gonna be a family. But, please, don’t tell anyone about the babies except for the immediate family. We’re not telling Coran and Nanny about this until we’re good and ready to."

"You know the Alliance will try to reprimand you for sleeping with your supervisor."

"I know, Dad. I plan on resigning from the Alliance."

"Are you sure you want to do that, son. You love being a space explorer."

"But I love Allura more than life itself. And the kids, too. I’ll still be involved with the Alliance. I’m planning on helping Allura with some of the issues with Planet Arus." Keith grinned. "Who said anything about giving up being captain of the Voltron Force, anyway. I’ll still get my thrills of space exploration but I’ll be able to come home every night to Allura and the kids. I have to go now, Dad. But first, can I ask you a favor, Mom?"

"Sure, hon, what is it?"

"Would you mind talking to Allura about your experiences with pregnancy? And ask Tiffany if she’ll do the same thing? Since Allura’s mother is deceased she really doesn’t have a woman she can talk to about these things. Well, except for Farla and Romelle, and neither of them are expecting. And Nanny doesn’t have any children."

"Of course, Keith. It would be my pleasure."

"Thanks a lot, Mom. I’ll talk to you guys soon."

"Take care son," Bruce said.

"We love you," Lindsay added.

"I love you, too. Bye."

"Bye, Keith," they replied.

The moment the screen went blank Keith used a special code to contact the castle. He sent a message saying that he and Allura would be leaving later today to head to the castle and see Prince Warren and King Casey. Sven sent back a message acknowledging Keith’s and adding that Coran was furious with him for taking the princess away from the castle yesterday evening. King Casey had contacted Coran asking where they were. Prince Warren had told him they hadn’t arrived yet and that he wasn’t sure if they were coming.

"Damn," Keith thought. "That blew our cover."

He sent a message back. Coran still thinks we’re going to re-negotiate that trade agreement. It doesn’t need any changing. I guess we’ll have to go back to the castle to fine tune it after all, to appease Coran.

Sven replied with: Did Allura tell you what’s been bothering her?

Yes. We’ll tell you when we get home. Tell Coran we’ll be home tomorrow and that the princess is safe and sound. Keith out.

Later that afternoon, Keith and Allura arrived at Castle Anzo. Prince Warren met them there.

"Princess Allura," he said, taking her hand, "it’s good to see you again." He nodded at Keith. "Captain Armstrong."

Keith nodded back.

"Prince Warren, why does your father want us to change the trade agreement?"

"To be honest with you, he didn’t fully understand it. I sat down with him last night went over the details with him. He understands it now and fully supports it. He wants to leave it the way it is. He also believes it will help our economy. We’re coming out of a recession right now and this agreement will help us immensely. My father is talking to Coran right now and explaining it to him. I’m terrible sorry you had to come all this way for nothing."

Allura smiled. "That’s quite all right. It wasn’t for nothing,. It gave me a much needed vacation."

Keith and Allura stayed a while longer to have a late lunch and a nice conversation with Prince Warren. Allura was sure to invite him to her birthday party. On their way home, Allura realized how much she liked the kind prince. She hoped she’d see him there. Then she looked over at Keith. But, like all the others, he’s nothing compared to my knight. I truly am a lucky girl. Then she drifted off to sleep.