LOTURA WEEK 2018 Day 3

Leadership / Expectations

Almost Beyond Fulfillment

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Voltron: Legendary Defender.

NOTE: Another good set of prompts and one that I enjoyed writing for. This piece was heavily inspired by "Dance of the Robe" from the Broadway musical AIDA because it explores the same themes. It's really the perfect song for the topic and I just had to use some of the lyrics in this because they fit so well.

I'm halfway through season 6 and I have a lot of mixed feelings about this pairing now but I already drafted this and I started posting for this week so I will see it through. But now there's already a tinge of sadness about this piece.

Hope you still enjoy it though.

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Allura knew that look well, the unspeakable weariness behind the mask of confidence and reassurance. The burden of leadership.

The Altean princess had recognized this in the eyes of the Galran emperor as he finished another rousing speech to his subjects. He had been convincing, as always, but she knew that he was exerting a great deal of effort to maintain his composure amidst the chaos plaguing the empire.

There were still factions against him, still those determined to destroy him. And even with Voltron as his ally, he sometimes seemed uncertain about the future. He had his work cut out for him but he was not going to back down.

After everything that had happened, Zarkon's defeat, the lighting of the Kral Zera, and that momentous trip to Oriande, Allura had finally allowed herself to admire Lotor. He had overturned all of her expectations of him and proven to be a kindred spirit, as devoted to achieving peace as she was. She had never imagined that she could ever work together with a Galra. But then again, she reminded herself, he was also part Altean.

"That was a very effective speech," she commended him as he approached her.

"I only hope it worked," he said with a sigh, "But I doubt it will be enough to convince those who are still skeptical of me. The Galra have always followed leaders who have struck fear into their hearts. It will take a while before I can change centuries of such culture."

"But you've made a promising start," Allura said encouragingly.

"I'm glad you think so," he replied gratefully, "And I'm relieved to have someone who truly understands the pressures of ruling."

Allura nodded but this was followed by an uncomfortable silence as neither of them spoke of the stark contrast of their circumstances. He was in charge of a vast and thriving empire while she was the last of her kind.

"We bear different burdens," Allura said at length, "But we understand the importance of our roles, of this almost impossible duty we need to fulfill."

"We live our lives with their voices in our head," Lotor said, "They ask us for a lifetime of service, wisdom, courage, and nothing less will do."

"I need to keep their memory alive somehow," Allura said reverently, "And I need to uphold the values my people have stood for as best as I can."

"There is no one else more suited to the task than you, princess," Lotor praised her.

"I can only hope that whatever I do for them now will be enough," Allura said with a sigh.

"I'm sure it will be," he told her gently.

She looked into his eyes and saw sincerity and faith. And somehow the task did not seem so insurmountable anymore. She had the support of her friends as well as that of this most unexpected ally.

He truly believed in her. And she was fast growing to believe in him.

Allura hoped with all her heart that she would never find any cause to doubt Lotor.