For two weeks they practiced in the daytime with the rest of the team and for a couple hours at night under Lance's watchful eye. The lack of sleep was beginning to show even though both Keith and Allura were used to strange hours, but it didn't seem to affect the Princess' flying ability because her skills were remarkable. Even Jeff had to admit that she might be a formidable foe.

"What do you think my chances are of staying?" he asked Lance one day after practice.

Lance watched the Princess and Keith make their way back to the castle, their dark and light heads close together as they talked in hushed tones about what time they would meet that night. He was glad to see that Keith was starting to act like his old self and he came to the conclusion that it was because of his practice sessions with the Princess. She gave him something else to think about other than his guilt over Sven's death. Keith never talked to him about it, but Lance knew what was going through his head. He knew Keith long enough to know about his overblown sense of duty and even bigger conscience.

"Lance?" Jeff said. "Arus to Lance."

"She has a very good chance of kicking your sorry butt if she continues on like this," Lance replied, still watching them. "Be afraid, Jeffy. Be very afraid."

Lotor watched Lion practice with disgust. He itched to attack them, but he was under strict orders from his father to back off. After having failed to destroy what they had built two times already, Zarkon was devising a better plan to ensure victory. He would not tell Lotor what was going to happen and the Prince was growing impatient. They had missed their chance when Blue Lion's new pilot arrived, but they could still be defeated because the pilot did no appear to have a steady skill in flying. His style flitted from cocky to careful, even unskilled at times. It was confusing.

"Hagar!" Lotor yelled. "Get in here."

The old witch appeared directly before him.

"What is it?"

"Is that spy of yours still in the castle?"

"I'm afraid not. That Nanny person smashed it when it flew near her blueberry muffins."

Lotor swore under his breath. A servant girl poured some more wine in his goblet. He waved her off.

"Do you have any new information regarding the Voltron Force?"

"No."

He glared at her. "Did my father order you to stay silent concerning them?"

Hagar smirked. "Maybe he did. In any case, you are helpless in this, Lotor. You lost your chance."

Lotor's cat-like eyes narrowed. "We'll see about that, Old Witch."

Allura removed her helmet and once again was grateful she got her hair cut. She wiped her forehead and beamed at Keith who was doing the same next to her. He smiled proudly.

"You're great," he said. "I've never met anyone who could learn this quickly."

"Not even yourself?"

"Not even myself."

"Good," she said, a bit smugly. "Are you hungry?"

"A little."

"Let's go raid the fridge. I'm sure Nanny won't mind. She only starts yelling when it's Hunk."

They made their way to the kitchen. Allura stuck her head in a huge refrigerator and handed him several dishes to place on the counter. The second he saw what Nanny had cooked, his mouth began to water. He was hungrier than he thought. He and Allura served themselves and waited as their food heated up. They then moved to sit at the counter. Allura rested her head on a cupped hand and her eyes began to drift shut. Keith watched her, waiting with baited breath for her head to fall and hit the countertop. Suddenly, he found her sky blue eyes focused on him inquisitively.

"Why don't you have that scar removed?" she asked, motioning towards the white line on his jaw.

He touched the scar unconsciously.

"It's a reminder," he answered softly. "I know I already have the plaque in the garden and pictures and memories. I've known--I knew him for nearly twelve years, since I entered the Academy when I was eight. I've known him for more than half my life. And..."

"It's not your fault, Keith," Allura said hesitantly. Her hand twitched as she checked her sudden movement to touch him sympathetically.

"I know," he said. "Deep down, I know, but I just can't convince myself of that right now." He touched the scar again. "I need to remember. I know it's hard to understand, but I can't explain it."

Allura stood and lifted her shirt slightly, exposing her lower back. His eyes widened when he saw the scar that cut across it. He reached out a hand and traced it lightly with his finger before he knew what he was doing. Partly because he wanted to make some kind of connection with her, but mostly because he wanted to touch her. Feeling his warmth against her skin, she unconsciously held her breath. She had never felt a man's touch before, she never had a reason to. But under Keith's gentle touch, she felt a warmth grow inside her and her breathing grew shallow. Then realizing what she was doing, she stepped away and turned around, her cheeks slightly flushed. He blinked, his hand still in midair. He lowered it when he realized it was still up.

"You're not wearing your armor anymore," he said hoarsely.

"No," she said, blinking rapidly and looking away from him. "I don't need it."

"That scar..."

"I got it when we were escaping to the underground base. I fell down a flight of stairs and cut my back open on the edge of a step. It was the same day my father died, so you see, I understand exactly what you're saying." She sat back down. "I probably know it better than you do."

They sat in silence, looking at everything but each other. Their food was ready by then and Keith stood to retrieve their plates. Allura picked at her food with her fork and Keith played with his. They had lost their appetites and exhaustion set in powerfully. They sat there, not saying anything or doing anything until Keith stood and dumped his food in the food dispenser.

"We should get some sleep. We'll have to get up in three hours."

"Yeah," she agreed.

They walked down the corridor, careful to keep from touching. There was a new uneasiness between them that stemmed from something neither wanted to face up to. Allura felt jumpy and when his arm brushed her by accident, she nearly screamed. Keith felt the tension between them, but for once did not know what to do about it. He couldn't even look at her without his mouth getting dry and to keep the words he was meaning to say from dying on the tip of his tongue. So, they opted for silence.

They stopped in front of her door.

"Goodnight, Keith," she said, meeting his eyes.

"Goodnight, Allura," he replied.