Zora's yellow eyes opened, and she found herself staring up at the ceiling. She glanced to one side, tightening her grip on Kiba's hand. Kiba was sitting next to her bed, his harsh yellow eyes gentle as he watched her. His left arm was in a sling, and he sat stiffly, as though some of his bones were broken. 

  She tried to sit up, and gasped out in pain, clutching her right side. Kiba stood up, putting his right hand behind her back and gently helping her sit up. 

"I'd take it slow, you've got three broken ribs"

Zora grimaced, it hurt to breathe. She remembered how horribly injuried Kiba had been, remembered seeing her father's bayard imbedded in his shoulder. He had to be in a lot more pain than she was right now. "How are you feeling?"

  "I'm fine Princess. You don't need to be worried about me."

That was just like Kiba. To be worried about Zora when he'd nearly died. Zora tightened her fingers on Kiba's hand. "Where are we?"

"In the Castle of Lions. The Paladins arrived shortly after you passed out, they brought us here to receive medical treatment."

  They were with Voltron. What was happening in the Galra Empire? They would be without a leader, and it would be chaos. "Kiba, we need to get back."

"I know Princess. But for now, you need to rest. The Blade of Marmora is taking care of keeping things in order, and they have decided that since you are the heir to the Empire already in addition to sympathizing with their views, that as soon as you are well, you will taking the throne." Kiba's yellow eyes glittered, "Unless of course, that is not what you wish to do Princess."

  Zora smiled sadly, "It's my duty. But what about you? I can free you, you can travel, see the galaxy. You won't have to fight anymore if you don't want to."

 She didn't want Kiba to go, she wanted him to stay right by here side forever, as he had always been. But she also didn't want him to feel forced to stay.

 "Princess," Kiba said, his eyes serious. "I would like to remain by your side for the rest of my life. If you will permit me to."

  "I'd love that."

 Kiba smiled, a real smile. It was strange to see Kiba smile, it changd his harsh, scarred features into something much softer. "As would I Princess."

 Zora pulled Kiba closer to her, pressing her lips to his. She could feel Kiba's good hand threading gently through her dark hair, gently pulling her closer to him. This wasn't the first time Zora had kissed Kiba, but this time they weren't surrounded by explosions. This time was gentler, calmer. Just like him, Kiba's kiss was calm and steady, bringing a sense of safety and peace to Zora. This wasn't their first kiss, but Zora hoped it would be one of many.