DISCLAIMER :

VOLTRON AND ITS ELEMENTS ARE OWNED BY WEP.

Mystery of the Christmas Star

Chapter Twelve

Minutes later, just as Emily was about to move into the scene as Belle Fezziwig, an obviously drunk Helen and Danny showed up at Emily's dressing room door to talk with Ray.

"I'm ready to go! Get my dress off of the troop's tramp, and show me to my mark!"

"Yeah, the beauty that made her namesake fade away should be the one going on. Not some trailer trash bimbo!" This made them both breakdown into giggles.

Ray however was not amused in the least. "Emily, go to your mark while I take care of these two unemployed actors."

"There is no way that ugly little peasant is going to take my place! There's a real Princess in the audience, and now Lotor will see the beauty he should've gone with from the start." Helen barred Emily from the door with her body.

"Your only problem with me is that Lotor chose me over you! I was in the hall the night you tried to seduce him. He told you bluntly to remove your hands from him, because his heart belonged to me! And, when you tried to 'change his mind', he shoved you away." Emily could feel her blood start to boil.

When Danny reached for the back of Emily's costume, Ray shoved the man onto the small couch against the wall. Then he dragged Helen by the arm until she was seated next to her cohort. "Em, please go on to your mark. Like I said before, I'll take care of these two."

A moment before the scene began, she saw that the pair being carried off by security – both gagged and tied up with rope! It took everything Emily had to not giggle at the sight of it.

Still the sick woman's secret was out. Gloria, the head make-up artist, noticed that Emily was worn to near nothing. The actress only needed a light coating of make-up to make her look more alive. This was quickly reported to Ray, who told Emily to not worry about the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come part when he walked in on her taking her third dose before the irritants showed up yet again.

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Once Belle left the scene, Lotor wanted to slip down the balcony exit to the backstage area and snuggle with his true love. But, when he last talked of not finishing the show, Emily begged him to watch the entire performance. It was an interesting tale, but all around him could see that Lotor wished it would hurry to the end already. Emily had to be a very special person to have this kind of hold on their friend.

Beside him, Allura was absorbed in the play – especially with Emily. The Princess of Arus was so amazed by the young woman's performance and appearance.

Allura remembered well how she had looked after Alfor and his Queen died. The future Queen of Arus wondered just how the make-up mistress had made Emily's character look so realistic.

Keith was enjoying the show too. Seeing it live was better than on a telemonitor any day! He had noticed that some woman named Helen had the role of Belle. Obviously, Emily was put in at the last minute. To be able to pull off the part with such professionalism had to be a hallmark to Emily's career.

I know – short. But I have had very few reviews for this fic, and way too many classes to finish. Hope this will help. Any guesses on Emily's past? You will all love that twist!

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