Klance Omegaverse/Galtean AU

(8) The First Altean Kingdom

Keith's p.o.v:

    He and Lotor are currently on their way to the first Altean kingdom, already 20 vargas (hours) into their trip. "We're almost there, Keith." Lotor stated as he eased into the co-pilot seat. He simply nodded, not even glancing his friend's way. "Gods, you look tired. You really should let me pilot, at least for a little while." Lotor added with a long sigh. "Whenever you're the one piloting it makes me nervous- so no." Keith replied with a chuckle.

    Originally this trip was only supposed to be him and a few guards visiting the first Altean kingdom, he's going there to learn more about Altean customs while staying there as well as attend Princess Allura's birthday ball. This whole trip was Queen Ophelia's idea and he was simply ordered to go in Orion's stead. He had secretly hoped King Alfor would disagree with the idea but he hadn't- so here he is in this cramped spacecraft with four guards and Prince Lotor. Lotor had ended up tagging along on this trip to "simply discuss trade between the first Altean Kingdom and the first Galran Kingdom", but he knows that Lotor is truly only tagging along to look after him. Even though he is completely capable of looking after himself and has proven this fact multiple times, Lotor still seems to think otherwise. Maybe it's just an alpha thing?

    Even though he was pretty much forced to go on this trip because of Queen Ophelia's orders, he's still pretty excited about getting to see the royal family of the first Altean kingdom again. It's been quite a long time since he met with Princess Allura or had an opportunity to properly speak with King Alfor- Though he was most looking forward to seeing his new friend, Prince Lance. Even admitting that to himself is a bit embarrassing! He's only really ever been close with Lotor so maybe it's alright that he's this excited about meeting with his new friend... Maybe. Queen Ophelia had said that they'd be there for about a phoeb(month), maybe less depending on how things go.

. . .

    As soon as they had landed safely he felt dizzy, knowing that it was just Altea's gravity causing the issue and that he'd have to quickly adjust to it again. Anytime they had to attend events on Altea he'd dread it, all because of the difference in their planet's gravity. It also doesn't really help that he's currently exhausted. Keith watched as the guards exited the ship first, fully aware of the fact that Lotor was staring at him. "Are you feeling okay? You don't look so good." Lotor mumbled, slight concern etched on his face. "Yeah, I'm alright. I just need to get a good nap soon." He replied with a yawn, in turn making his friend yawn too. "Hah! Made you yawn!" He added, playfully punching Lotor's shoulder before heading out the ship's door.

    The two of them were met with a bunch of guards, including the four guards they had come with. It makes sense to have this many guards nearby considering there are five royals all in one place, two of which are heirs and one that is the current ruler of a kingdom- but this is a bit.. Too much. Alfor's children stood on either side of him, Allura on his left and Lance on his right. Lotor bowed before King Alfor, Keith doing the same quickly after. "Prince Lotor, Prince Keith, please make yourselves at home in my kingdom!~" Alfor announced, coming closer to shake both of their hands. Allura and Lance did the same a few moments afterwards. "It's nice to meet you again sir, it's been a while." He said with a slight bow of his head. "You too, Prince Keith! How is your mother doing lately?" Alfor asked, making casual small talk with ease as he usually does. "Queen Ophelia is doing well, your majesty." He replied stiffly, hoping the conversation wouldn't linger too long on this topic. "My apologies, your majesty, but it has been a very long trip. For this one especially." Lotor stated, resting his hand on the small of Keith's back. It was as if Lotor could sense how uneasy he was.. But maybe his friend just knows him too well. "Prince Keith piloted the full twenty vargas(hours) here, I think it'd be best if he gets some rest sooner rather than later. Would it be possible to have someone lead us to our rooms early?" Lotor questioned, using his 'polite tone of voice'.

    "Oh, my! You should've said so sooner! Of course you can!- Lance, could you be the best son ever and lead these two fine young gentlemen to their rooms?" Alfor asked, turning to his son who looked rather excited about his new task. "Alright you two, I will be your dashingly handsome tour guide this evening!~" Lance stated cheerfully, casually looping his arm with Keith's. Lotor was either ignoring them or was just too busy instructing the guards to notice them starting to leave, currently in the middle of informing said guards to follow them with their luggage. "Are you coming slow poke?" Lance called out over his shoulder. "Yeah. I am." Lotor replied with an unamused tone and a forced smile.

. . .

    Lance led them into the castle, passing by many colorful Altean plants that decorated the many hallways. It's quite aesthetically pleasing, honestly. Maybe he could walk around their royal gardens when he has some free time? The plants growing there are probably just as beautiful. Lance cleared his throat, abruptly dragging Keith out of his thoughts. "I see you went for another midriff presenting shirt." Lance stated with a grin, gesturing to Keith's outfit with his free hand. "Do you ever quit?" He asked jokingly, feeling a tad flustered that Lance had mentioned his clothing. "Nope!~" Lance replied playfully, wearing one of the smuggest grins he's ever seen.

    Lotor cleared his throat with a growl, perhaps it was an accident- but it also could be considered a warning of sorts if it was done on purpose. Lance parted from Keith, swiftly walking over to one of the many vases in the hall and then came right back to his side with a flower in hand. "Careful, it has thorns." Lance warned, gently handing over a white rose to him. Though he was given a warning only a few seconds ago... he already kind of accidentally pricked himself on the damned thing. He kept quiet about it as they continued walking, Lotor on his left side and Lance on his right. Suddenly his hand was snatched up by his friend, almost crushing the rose in the process. "We need to get that-" Lotor started but was cut off. "Ah, bah, bah! No more lecturing me today, damn it! And definitely not over a tiny cut like this!" He whisper-shouted, acting as if he was scolding a pup. He knows Lotor means well but he just can't take anymore of this today. Suddenly their guide stopped walking and turned to look at the two of them, seemingly just realizing what had happened and what the two were bickering about. "Oh, let me see that. I told you it had thorns!" Lance said as he took out a handkerchief, wiping the blood off of his hand with it. Keith glared at Lotor, knowing full well his friend was enjoying his suffering. All this fuss over a small cut, it's ridiculous.

. . .

    Their rooms are just a little ways down the hall from each other and they had separated awhile ago so that they could unpack their stuff. The sudden knocking at the door had made him jump a bit, it had caught him completely off guard. "I'll be right there!" He shouted, hiding his suppressants out of view first before opening the door just in case it wasn't Lotor. "I'm kind of surprised you're still awake. Are you settling in alright so far?" Lance asked as he stepped inside. "I'm settling in fine... Though a certain someone won't let me take a nap." He replied playfully. "I came at a bad time, didn't I?.." Lance questioned sheepishly. "No, no. I was just kidding. Did you need something?" He asked.

    "Okay.. so.. I know the trip was quite long but the weather is really nice right now and I wanted to know if you would like to go cloud gazing with me in the garden. Er- if you'd rather take a raincheck and get some rest instead I will completely understand!" Lance stated, fidgeting with his hands as he waited for a reply. "Alright, sounds fun.~ Will the 'dashingly handsome tour guide' from earlier be leading the way again?" He replied, watching with a smile as the face of the prince in front of him started to flush. "..Dashingly handsome tour guide, at your service." Lance finally responded, holding the door open for Keith. Truthfully.. He's exhausted and pretty much running on empty, but he'd feel bad if he had declined and turned this cute prince away at the door.