The New Prince

Chapter 40

The princess walked over to MedTech after seeing Erin off, just to make sure that Keith was doing alright after the encounters.

As she opened the doors, Grace immediately went to her. The nurse's eyes told Allura that something worried her and what she would tell her, would not be good.

"Princess." Grace smiled nervously. "Perhaps you may want to visit the commander a bit later."

"What happened?" Allura asked worriedly.

"Well…for some reason he came back a bit anxious. He doesn't want to see anyone for the rest of the day."

"So much for a relaxing walk in the gardens." She sighed and shook her head. "I had a feeling this would happen. I'll be back after dinner. Would you call me if there is something that needs my attention?"

Nodding, the nurse smiled. "I'll call you from time to time to let you know how he is doing."

"Thank you, Grace."

Xxxxxxxxxx

The day grew richer with sunlight and light winds feathered the leaves of the trees. Keith watched the birds fly in the sky as others disappeared within the thick oaks that carried multitudes of leaves. He made himself comfortable as he watched the day pass, from the recliner he sat in by the window. So many things ran through his mind. He'd be leaving MedTech soon and strangely, that offered no peace of mind. Keith felt more stressed than anything else. What's going to happen after I leave this place? Will the Garrison ask questions I can't even begin to answer? Should I even tell the Garrison of the atrocious acts I committed under Zarkon's influence? If I do, will they dismiss me or demote me? Will they force me to leave Arus? And if I stay, will I ever be able to take command of Voltron again? His heart began to pound so hard and fast that he unconsciously put his hand over his chest.

The idea of returning to Earth had sounded ideal initially. Erin made it sound so enticing, even comforting, but now…now really thinking about it, it sounded like the worst possible fate. Keith had to admit to himself that he would hate to leave Arus; he would hate leaving Allura.

"Allura." He stated her name aloud as he rubbed his chest some more. "What were you going to tell me?" Keith suddenly wondered.

She looked nervous, that he remembered. It was still hard to believe he had allowed her to touch him. After all the things I did to her. He didn't understand. Allura was too forgiving for her own good. That's why he loved her. He loved her so much he couldn't believe he had been such an asshole to her.

Keith still wondered why she even looked at him with the softest eyes. He could still picture in his mind those soft blue eyes staring at him with such kindness and passion. "There was love in her eyes." He whispered to himself in amazement. Then, he immediately shook his head in disbelief.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" Keith said to himself with disgust. "You mean nothing to her. Accept it." He told himself.

No, it wasn't love. Maybe disappointment, pity, but not love. How could Allura love someone like him? Keith sighed and took a deep breath trying to calm down the beating of his heart, which seemed to beat even faster each minute.

Moments later, Grace came in, "The princess came to see you. She said she'd stop by after dinner."

Keith turned to look at her and curtly nodded, then quickly turned his gaze back at the window.

She noticed his rigid body and tense stare. "Commander, are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine." He told her without looking back at her.