Nights at the Kafa were usually peaceful, but Drundlo found himself unable to sleep that night; his mind going over the conversation he had with Wunrik earlier that evening. Wunrik and the others had reached the mouth of the tunnel where the Hauhet was supposed to be, and he was given Drundlo his normal report, but that night things were different. Lotor was with them, and Drundlo was still questioning himself for giving him the permission to go. He didn’t doubt Wunrik and Kolivan’s ability to keep him in check, but it was the first time that he wasn’t within close proximity of Lotor.

Prince Lotor hadn’t change much over the last several decades; he was still the same, ambitious and clever man Drundlo had met all those years ago, and that thought worried him. He had his doubts about Lotor then, and he had no reason to trust him now. Even with the Blade and Voltron on Eioa, Drundlo always thought it was better to expect the worst out of people like Lotor; he was a politician after all.

After pacing in front of his window for nearly an hour, Drundlo finally settled back into bed next to Zati. She rolled over and laid a hand on his chest.

“Did I wake you?” Drundlo whispered.

Zati laughed softly and snuggled into his shoulder. “You know I can’t sleep if you can’t… Everything will be alright with Lotor. I trust Wunrik to keep everyone safe.”

“I do too, but it’s not just that that worries me.”

“I know. You’re worried about meeting with the other district presidents too-”

“It’s been too long since we’ve all come together for something this important… And for some reason, I keep getting a headache whenever I think about Rashnek.”

“How do you think I’ve felt dealing with him after all this time!” Zati laughed. Drundlo chuckled and pulled her closer, running his fingers through her hair. His lips brushed against her cheek, leaving soft kisses until he reached her mouth.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about Viltri too,” Drundlo said after he pulled away from kissing Zati. “Do you really think she’s ready to join the Blade? I don’t want her to rush into this.”

“She’s always been one to push herself, so being part of Wunrik’s troops was never going to be a permanent thing for her.”

“She’ll be so far from us…” Wunrik said weakly. Viltri was no longer a child and had been trained to fight from a very young age, but she was still their only child and Drundlo sometimes had difficulty letting her grow up. She was still young and made mistakes; he didn’t want joining the Blade to be one.

Zati caressed Drundlo’s neck and rested her head against his. “Is that what’s been bothering you the most?”

“I am only so limited in protecting Eioa, but I feel like I should be doing more to protect my family.”

“Now Viltri’s going to be apart of something that will help protect us. I’m happy for her.”

“It’s not that I’m not happy for her, it’s just… A lot is happening at once and I can’t do much to control it.”

“You’re not supposed to,” Zati soothed. “You’re expecting too much out from yourself, but you’re doing everything you need to and more.” Zati shifted her body and propped herself up on one elbow, leaning next to Drundlo. “Trust Viltri to take care of herself. This is what she’s been training her whole life for.”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“She grew up faster than I wanted her to,” Drundlo sighed.

“They always do…” Zati smiled and smoothed Drundlo’s hair away from his face. “And I know that you’re worried about the other districts voting to join the coalition, but even if they don’t, you did something that everyone else afraid to do; you gave my people a chance for redemption. That’s why Olorin will always be a symbol of hope in Eioa because you never let fear stop you from doing what you think is best for your district.”

Zati’s eyes shined with what Drundlo knew only as pride. Zati had always been hopeful and optimistic, but never foolish. Without her, Drundlo wouldn’t have been able to effectively lead Olorin for this long. His fingertips traced the outline of her spine, his hand warm against her cool skin. “How are you so calm about all of this?” He asked with a smirk.

“I’ve had over fifty years to accept what will happen to me and the other Grangrint members if the Galra took Eioa,” Zati said solemnly.

“That just makes me more worried… Which is why Olorin won’t fall.”

“There’s no one I trust more to keep me safe.” Zati leaned her head down on Drundlo’s chest and wrapped her arms around him. Drundlo held her tightly, still not ready to fall asleep; he wanted to wait until her breathing was heavy and peaceful before he closed his eyes.

After a time, Zati raised her head and grinned at Drundlo. “What do you think about Lance?”

“Um…”

“I like him!”

Drundlo laughed and kissed the top of Zati’s head. “Hmm I don’t hate him.”

Zati chuckled. “So you do like him.”

*******

It had been a long time since Coran had genuinely been annoyed by someone, but Rashnek had done more than enough to earn Coran's intolerance. After putting up with his rude comments and sour attitude during a tour of the castle, Coran was ready to turn in for the night. After the paladins had gone to bed, he checked the bridge, knowing that Allura would still be awake. Sure enough, she was sitting on her podium with her head in her hands.

“You look as exhausted as I feel,” Coran smiled, sitting down next to her. Allura smiled weakly and nodded.

“If I have to spend one more quiznaking day with Rashnek, I may very well lose my mind.”

“He is a menace in every sense,”Coran agreed. “Just try not to let him ruin your time here in Olorin.”

“I'm trying not to let him get to me… I'll be grateful when we've met with the other presidents and a decision has been made. Even if Olorin is the only district to join, it will be good to just know.”

“I agree.” Coran patted Allura’s shoulder. “But, try to get some sleep tonight please. You need to rest.”

Allura nodded, but Coran knew her too well to know that she’d stay up out on the bridge longer. He reluctantly stood up and left for his room. The mice were waiting on his bed for him and he carefully sat down next to them.

“What I wouldn’t give to be a mouse right now,” Coran said. He scooped one mouse up and held it gently in his hand. “Have you had a chance to explore the place a bit? Eioa is quite beautiful… though I don’t know if you would fare well out in the jungle… perhaps it’s best if you just stayed in the Castle,” he chuckled, but the mouse stared at him blankly.

Coran sighed, his smile fading. “I have to be perfectly honest with you all, I’m a bit worried about this situation. Things are calm now, but that only seems to last for a brief moment before trouble strikes again. After a while it gets exhausting… but I suppose that is the life I have been given. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” He set the mouse back down with the others. “I just want to see the paladins and the Princess happy and safe. After everything, they deserve peace.

The largest mouse squeaked, as if in agreement.

“Will you keep an extra close eye on the Princess for me? I can see the stress of this trip is starting to take a toll on her.” All the mice squeaked in response and Coran patted them individually on the heads with his finger. “Thank you.”

The mice started to clamber off his bed, but Coran reach out to them. “Wait! Um… If I may, would you mind keep an eye on Shiro for me too?” The mice squealed in excitement and left Coran alone, but he could sleep a little better knowing that they were looking out for him.