This is a short story written for the Hunk's Corner Drabble Challenge. A word or theme is given to use in a story with a 500 word limit about the Voltron universe.
More info can be found at:
thenewhrh dot weebly dot com backslash drabblefic dot html
Life Lessons: Perspective
By Shannon (AKA KittyShan, LancesKitten
Word/Theme: Lonely Walk
Word Count: 500
Voltron: Defender of the Universe
Warning: violence
Disclaimer: Voltron and all associated characters are owned and copyrighted by WEP. Original/new characters belong to the author
Allura giggled as her mother tucked a sweet-smelling blossom behind her ear and kissed her nose.
"You look beautiful," the Arusian Queen beamed. "Now, are you ready to join father?"
"Yes, Mama!"
The queen took her daughter's hand and they made their way to where King Alfor was currently meeting with his cabinet. Coran, his oldest friend and most trusted advisor was just finishing up a presentation; he smiled widely when the young princess climbed into her father's lap and kissed his cheek.
"Brilliant idea, Coran," Alfor's voice was filled with admiration and appreciation. "I'd like to see more research before beginning such a massive undertaking. We will meet again tomorrow, I want everyone to bring their findings so we can make a decision about how best to proceed."
The room was filled with the hum of excitement as its occupants bade their Royal Family farewell for the afternoon and returned to their work.
Once the room was empty, Allura tugged on her father's sleeve. "Papa?"
"Yes, darling?"
"You're the King."
"I am."
"You don't have to talk all the time, Papa, you can do what you want."
"You must understand being King is a great responsibility, and no one should ever be given absolute power," Alfor hugged his child close. "You must turn to those you trust to help guide and advise you, for when you are Queen, you must govern justly, and there will be times when that is a difficult task. Be sure, daughter, everything you do is touched with love, for that will ensure your life shall never be a lonely walk."
"Lotor, my boy, it's important you learn this lesson now, I know it's hard but you'll thank me later."
"B-b-but Father," the ten year old prince fought to hold back his tears - he knew it would be an unforgivable sin to cry in front of the members of his father's court, yet he couldn't stop his protestations. "My Mother-"
"Your mother had outlived her use," Zarkon spared a moment to eye his young son. "You'll understand when it's your time to take my place as king. Love is a liability for anyone who rules."
There were murmurs of agreement throughout the crowd, who now stood around the body of the once Queen of Doom, watching as her life's blood ran onto the cold stone floor. Lotor fell to his knees, reaching out for his mother's hand.
"Get up, boy," Zarkon's voice was cold as he cleaned his wife's blood from the blade of a miniature sword before handing it to the prince. "This will serve as a reminder, son. Whenever you start believing you can have love and power, remember the day your mother forced me to slit her throat because she was foolish enough to believe the same."
When the boy stood and reached for the blade, his father offered one last piece of advice.
"Never forget, Lotor, being king is a long and lonely walk."
End
