[ Good. Good. Game face on, Allura... As she heads to her door, Allura straightens her back, lifts her head, and wears the face of a girl who just got candy for the holidays. She totally doesn't mind her bruised forehead nor the nasty wound on her chin that required bandaging. As far as the act is concerned, she has a sweet treat that she is tugging by its chains.

Castle staff bow their heads low when she passes them. Guards salute and make no outward remark. Allura just gives them a passing glance and a self-satisfied smile, a quiet little show as if she were parading her conquered little toy around.

One person bids her to stop however: a tall Galra soldier, whose looks were less bestial than his counterparts. He gives Allura a curt salute. ] "Your Highness. What might bring you out and about?"

[ Allura inclines her head in greeting. ] Commander Thace. I do appreciate your kindness; but can't a queen be allowed to play outside her room?

[ His eyes trace to her hand holding the chains, then follows the line to Shiro's face. Allura's wounds do not escape his sharp eyes. ] "Your Highness plays with dangerous toys. Might I suggest... supervision?"

[ Giggles bubble up her lips, and she brings up her left wrist. ] This other toy has come in handy. I can handle myself well enough, thank you.

[ Allura hopes that Thace would leave it at that. But her blood freezes when he walks past her, stops in front of Shiro to make a grab of his chin to look into his face, threat in his voice. ] "What makes you think you can raise a hand to a queen of the Galra empire, slave? You may have been Champion, but your time ends here."

[ What Thace cannot see is Allura pursing her lips, willing her thoughts to fly over to Shiro except that she has no capacity for telepathy. Don't take his bait. Keep still. Don't even look at him...!]