Ok, legal stuff. I do not own Voltron or its characters(Lotor, Allura, Zarkon, Haggar, Keith...you get the point.) Voltron and its characters and logos are owned by WEP(World Event Productions and Toei Animations. I do not make any profit from this work. This is fanfiction and is done strictly for personal enjoyment and sharing it with other Voltron fanfic fans. All original characters(characters not already known to be in the Voltron universe) for this story are mine.
Fire and Ice
Chapter 1
The royal court had gathered in the throne room of king Zarknon. He looked down at his only son, Lotor with a displeased expression upon his gruesome face. Lotor kept his head bowed as he kneeled before his father.
"I can't believe you're still wasting your time and my recources upon that woman!" Zarkon snapped. His face, as ugly as it was, twisted into an even more menacing scowl as he sopke.
"And you have the gall, no the audacity to beg me for yet another chance at her!" The old tyrant barked.
Lotor cautiously lifted his head to adress his father. While he tried to keep a calm demeanor, he inwardly shook. He knew all too well how vicious a temper his father had.
"Father, I beg of you, please give me this one last chance. I can bring her back be she willing or not.." He pleaded.
"How many times have I heard that before! You say you'lol bring her back, and everytime she slips away! How many chances for victory have you cost me Lotor? How many times have I tasted defeat because of you!" Zarkon roared.
"This time will be different father. I will capture her this time. I won't leave Arus without her." Lotor protested
"That's what you said the last time, and the time before that, and the time before that. Do you see a pattern emerging you idiot!" Zarkon barked mercilessly.
"I'll get her this time. Father, I beg you!" Lotor exclaimed as his hands formed tightly balled fists.
"Listen to you! My son, my only heir begging for a woman! Damnit Lotor! What do you see in her that you canot possibly find in any of the women I've chosen for you! What is so special about this wench!" Zarkon demanded.
"I... it's hard to explain. She just, she has this affect upon me that none of the other princesses have." Lotor stuttered.
"She is a problem is what she is! If not for the fact that you are my only heir, I'd have killed you and been done with it!" Zarkon raged. Lotor
swallowed nervously knowing his father meant every word. The tyrant king stopped his tirade long enough to rub his now throbbing head.
"Had I known you would be so much trouble I'd have had you killed the moment you entered this world. But your mother begged and pleaded that your life be spared. And what has it gotten me, nothing but dissapointment! Just why should I let you have this chance because I know you'll mess up again!"
"Think about it father. If I bring Allura back, she'll be Doom's prisoner! The people of Arus will do anything to ensure her saftey."
"And what about Voltron?" Zarkon growled.
"Without Allura, they'll be one lion short. Voltron won't even matter. The original blue lion pilot is on planet Pollux. We'd have Voltron defeated
before the pilot could even have a chance to rejoin his friends. " Lotor said trying to reason with his father.
"Against my better judgment, I am going to give you one more chance. But if you do not come back with the princess, so help me Lotor, I'll have
you executed the moment I see you! Now get out of my site whelp!"
Hearing his father's warning, Lotor quickly got to his feet and hurriedly walked from the throne room. He kept a stoic look upon his face until he reached his private chambers. The anger inside him kept at bay until the door to his bedroom swas closed.
"Bastard!" He spat.
"Who the hell does he think he is! I'm a disappointment? That fool wouldn't have the wealth and slaves he has if not for me! I conquored many
worlds in his name, and he has the nerve to threaten my life!"
He paused for a moment before his rant continued. "And he has the audacity to bring my mother into this. "he growled to himself.
That was what angered him most of all. The humiliation and threats toward himself, Lotor had learned to endure those long ago. He honestly
didn't care what Zarkon thought about him. But asides from Allura, there was one other person Lotor loved... his mother. And he did not like the fact that his father could speak so thoughtlessly of her. She had not loved his father. Lotor knew that. How could she or any woman love that
monster. Even if she had been an obedient wife, Zarkon killed her all the same. It didn't matter that she had tried to please him in any way possible, even if only to stay alive. Another man had been foolish enough to try courting her under the king's nose. And it had been lone of the royal court no less. And when the king found out, to say he was furious was an understatement. He had Lotor's mother tortured until she confessed the name of her would be lover. Despite the fact she had not acted in an inappropriate manner didn't matter. Even the smallest token given to her by her suitor was enough to suspect infidelity. She tried to keep quiet about it, but Zarkon knew how to make people talk. And she soon had no choice but to give the man's name.
If that had not been enough, the king demanded a trial to prove his wife's unfaithfullness. She ardently protested that she had been a faithful wife. But as far as Zarkon was concerned, she and the man whom had dared to love her were both found guilty. Both had been sentenced to die. And their deaths had not been kind. Both of them ahjd been placed on two heavy stone slabs and then brought against each other until theyd' been crushed to death. It had been her fainal request that her son not be forced to watch her die. It was the only mercy Zarkon ever granted her. He had been sent off to the military academy at the age of ten. It was only after he was there that he had learned of his mother's death.
Lotor knew his mother had not betrayed her vows to his father. At least she had not betrayed him physically. But among the druel, it didn't take
hard evidence. The most innocent of gestures was enough to raise suspicion, and only an accusation need be made for a trial. Perhaps if she
had gone to her husband and told him of the suitor her life may have been spared. But she would not jepardize the life of another to save her own. That was the kind of woman she was, kind and loving...even to a fault.
He sat down on his bed looking down at the floor. His thoughts going from sadness to anger and back to sadness. He closed his eyes thinking
of the beautiful woman who had been his mother. In so many ways, she resembled Allura, right down to her kind nature. His mother's life had
been unjustly taken away, all because another man had dared to love her. He wondered if Zarkon had not been so possessive of her and nerely allowed her to leave with the man, would she have been happy? Would Zarkon have allowed her to take Lotor with her and raise him away from the darkness and cruelty of the Doom empire?
"You fool..." Lotor cursed himself silently. He was right to think that. Of course Zarkon would never have allowed his mother to leave with her
suitor. Of course he would never have allowed her to take Lotor with her. As useless as Zarkon thought he was, Lotor was none the less his only heir. Zarkon hadn't loved Lotor's mother, but the king was a posessive bastard. If it was his, he intended upon keeping it be it material wealth or living slaves. And he would do with his property as he wished. No one dared to challenge him upon that, not even Lotor.
He was jolted from his thoughts by an insistant knock upon his door. He shook his head and with a frustrated growl he walked to the door and
opened it.
"What?" He growled.
"Forgive me sire, but your personal vessle has been made ready." The sentry answered nervously.
"Fine. I'll go to the hanger in a few minutes. I need to get a few things first." Lotor answered curtly.
The sentry quickly bowed and left. Lotor closed his door once more and walked over to his nightstand. He opened one of the drawers and
removed a tiny black and red velvet lined box. He tucked the container into the pocket of his tunic. He stood there for a moment thinking to
himself about the current situation.
"I will go to Arus and I will capture Allura. But...father, if you think I'm bringing her back to Doom you're sadly mistaken. You'll take her from me just as you took away my mother. I won't let you do that. I won't let you take Allura from me. I'll take her where she'll never have to worry about you again, and somewhere her friends won't be able to influence her against me." He said to himself.
He then took out a small vial and a soft cloth and put them both into his pocket as well. "I hope I don't have to use this, but better to have it if I need
it."
He closed the drawer to his nightstand and turned away from it. "Soon Allura, you and I will be together. We'll be somewhere my father can't
threaten you and your friends can't interfere with my plans."
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It was afternoon on planet Arus. Spring had begun and the people of the near by towns and cities were out celebrating the end of wa long cold winter. They were also celebrating the fact that Zarkon had left them in peace, though for how long no one was certain. For now; however, the
people would celebrate and be merry. It had been a long time since the people of Arus had been given a reason to celebrate anything. Not far from the castle of Lions a huge banquet was taking place. It was the feast given by the royal family to invite their subjects to help them celebrate the arrival of spring. It was also a time for couples to bring their children and any new additions that the family was blessed with. It was a time for feasting and coming together in the spirit of fellowship.
On a grassy field a huge table had been prepared with all manner of food. Meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts and breads covered the table. And
beside them were a variety of cakes, pies and other sweets. The table was decorated with fresh greenery and bright, vibrant colored flowers.
The center piece was a finely facedted crystal vase. The light refracted off the facets sending dazzling streaks of light and color in all directions.
In the center of the vase was a boquet of vividly colored flowers. many resembled Earth style flowers like tulips and marigolds. The petals were
all different shades of pink, lavender, blue and pastel yellows and greens.
Children ran around playing games or taking part in the massive feast with their families. Keith and the other members of the Voltron force also took part in the festivities. The children would sit listening to Hunk telling them of his adventures with the team battling against King Zarkon. Many people met and spoke with Princess Allura. The atmosphere was one of joy and jubiliation. It had been the first time in many years since the feast had been held. Allura was all smiles as she greeted her subjects. While she knew Zarkoncould choose to attack at any time, she would not let worry ruin the festive mood. Her people were happy for the first time since the fall of the royal family many years earlier. She looked up at the sky and smiled. She new her parents would be pleased to see at least one major tradition had been restored. She watched everyone having a wonderful time. She would laugh to see Hunk being tackled by the children. Lance and Keith played catch with many other kids and Pidge led yet more on a spirited game of tag. Everyone was having a wonderful time.
That evening Allura and her friends retired to the castle. After all the food they had eaten, no one was feeling very hungry.
"Man, now that is what I call a feast!" Hunk exclaimed.
"Yah, I'm suprised the people had so much food on one table." Keith said.
"I'm suprised there was any food left after Hunk got through eating." Lance replied jokingly.
"Come on guys, I didn't eat THAT much." Hunk said with a sheepish look.
"Of course not. Even after five helpings of that stew, you couldn't possibly eat another bite." Pidge said.
"It was good stew!" Hunk laughed feigning guilt.
"Young man! You must learn to control that beast you call a stomach! If you don't stop eating so much I'll put you on a diet." Nanny scolded.
"Aw come on Nanny." Hunk said with a shrug.
"We've all had a busy day. I think we should turn in for a good night's rest." Keith suggested.
"I agree. The princess needs to get some rest." Coran agreed.
"I am rather tired after all today's activities." Allura said.
"Come along princess. I'll help you get ready for bed." Nanny said as she ushered Allura to her bedroom. She could still hear her friends talking and laughing while she walked.
After Nanny had turned down Allura's bed and helped her out of her formal clothes, she left the princess for the night. Allura walked into her
bathroom and changed into her nightgown. She soon emerged and looked across at her bedroom window. "I forgot to close that. I'm suprised
Nanny didn't notice it." She said to herself. She walked over to her vanity and began brushing her hair. As she pushed the bristles through her long, golden hair it dropped out of her hand.
She bent over to pick it up. When she stood back up she gasped suddenly. Her eyes went wide as she saw the reflection of Prince Lotor in her mirror!
"What! Lotor! How did you..."
"You shouldn't leave your window open Allura. You never know who can just come into your room." Lotor said calmly flashing his infamous smirk. That left Allura both nervous and fuming at the same time. Her cheeks turned a bright shade of red when she realized that her most feared enemy was alone with her in her room. And she was in her nightgown. Nanny would have had such a fit!
"Wh...what are you doing here?" Allura demanded.
"I've come to ask you once more to consider being my bride." Lotor answered.
"And once more I will tell you the answer is no. There is no way I would ever marry you." Allura replied firmly.
"Now Allura, how long are we going to play this game? You know as well as I that my father will take Arus and make it part of the empire. If we are married, Arus would be part of it without force. Your people would become citizens of the empire. They would be well protected and no longer have to live in fear. And you would have a life free of worry and care. I would give you your every desire. You would want for nothing. You would have a husband who would be devoted to you and you alone."
"You really think I would trust you. You think I would serve my people up to your father on a silver platter?" Allura retorted.
"Would you rather my father crush Arus under his boot? Because he will if you don't give it willingly. You know he will. I don't want that for you
Allura. Believe it or not, I don't want him to destroy Arus. I, like you want to see your people prosper and thrive. Just say the word Allura, and all
that you desire will be yours." Lotor said as he approached Allura.
She frantically tried to back away and almost fell backwards. She caught herself against her bathroom door. Her eyes grew wide as Lotor
continued to advance toward her.
"Stay away!" She exclaimed in a choked gasp.
To that, Lotor frowned. "Why do you fear me Allura? Why do you always fear me? I want to make you happy, not run from me in terror. You have no need to fear me."
"I have every reason to fear you. My people have every reason to fear you." Allura protested.
"In the past, I don't deny that I was cruel to your people. But it won't be like that anymore. I can help you rebuild Arus. I could make you the queen you are meant to be." Lotor replied.
"Lies, all lies." Allura growled.
"No Allura. I'm telling you the truth. I mean what I say. I will love you as you deserve to be loved. I will give you a life of love and happiness. I
would worship and adore you. Your people would live in peace and prosperity. And all that I ask of you in return is to be my wife."
Allura was dumbfounded by what she heared. Had she heard right? Was Lotor actually professing love for her? She wanted to call him a liar and slap him in his face. But there was a form of sincererity in his voice that was not easily faked.
"Allura, I love you. I love you now and I will love you until the moment I die. I will love you and only you." He said. The tone of his voice was calm, almost pleading in a sense. For a moment the words seem to calm Allura's fears. But those fears reared up once more when she realized how
close Lotor was to her. Looking at her eyes he could sense the fear in her. Normally, he liked to feel the fear of others. It let him know just how much control he truly had over them. But it was something he didn't want to sense in Allura. He didn't want her to be afraid of him.
"Allura, you have nothing to fear from me. I would never hurt you." He said in a soft tone.
"Go, please just leave." Allura pleaded.
"Not without you Allura. I cannot and will not leave without you." Lotor replied firmly.
"I'll scream and my friends will come for me." Allura warned.
"And that is one thing I can't let happen." Lotor said and took the cloth from his shirt pocket. It was now damp with the substance from the vial.
"I'm sorry Allura, but you give me no choice."
Before Allura could react, the cloth was firmly pressed against her mouth and nose. She tried to scream but the cloth muffled the sound. She
tried to struggle, but the energy she'd exerted all day left her feeling too tired to put up too much of a fight. The inhalent took quick effect upon her tired body. Her eyes began to close and her body went limp. The moment she stopped struggling Lotor quickly removed the cloth from her face. He dropped it to the floor and didn't bother to pick it up. He carefully gathered Allura into his arms.
"In time Allura, you will learn to forgive me for this." He said as he left Allura's room with her in his arms.
to be continued...
Oy, I had no idea there were so many errors! That's the last time I compose something in Notebook. Uhg...my sincerest apologies for all the errors. My gratitude to Prince Lotor sincline for pointing this out to me or I'd have never caught it until much later. Hopefully things look much better now.
Christine