Mindt: Hall of Scholars. That evening.
Lotor did not miss the hard stare shot towards him by the leader of the Paladins of Voltron. Honestly, he would have been disappointed if Shiro had not shown some sort of reaction to seeing him, here alone with the princess managing the locals as a singular entity.
The princess beside him was tense and focused on the speech to be given. Their small moment nearly an hour ago presently bonded Lotor and Allura; Shiro could sense it. Lotor idly wondered why the paladin showed such distaste of late.
Because he cannot control you anymore. Unless perhaps, he wants your princess. Lotor frowned at the return of the voice of reason.
He is possessive and controlling but not that far gone. He fears the former. Lotor's gold eyes sidled over to Allura. She met them warmly and scooted closer to him. "It is beautiful," she whispered.
Lotor nodded turning to watch the concourse fill with myriad doctors, scholars, and professors: the world leaders. A massive crescent shaped stage dominated the large space. It opened towards the mouth of a semi-circle of fantastic pillars. A large dome of stained glass filtered the dying sun's orange rays into the arena.
The paladins were situated on the north western wing of the arc. A steady hum of conversation rose high into the dome. After sundown, the panes would cycle open to let the night breezes waft into the room.
"These people are some of the most creative engineers in the galaxy," Lotor commented. "Working with the harshness of their environment, that is one of the reasons why the Galra deemed them a worthy," he hesitated. "Asset."
Pidge leaned over Hunk to join the conversation. "Imagine the possibilities of a Mindt-Olkari relationship?"
"After settling their differences, I am certain the Nahook and Shadi would be keen on opening doors. Long have the Galra kept them locked from the rest of the universe," Lotor encouraged. He felt an inkling of kinship which he did not expect when the littlest paladin's eyes lit up.
Hunk slapped Lotor strangely on the shoulder. "Man, this partnership is sounding pretty good."
"Indeed," Lotor agreed.
Once again that strange warmth fluttered on the edge of Lotor's spirit. He marvelled suddenly at the boldness the yellow paladin unknowingly showed. Lotor smiled and leaned back in his chair giving off a poised air as he struggled to filter the emotions swirling around him. An odd contentedness was coming over him. If he were not in public, he would have possessed the bravery to take Allura's hand and simply enjoy the company of his colleagues. His smile broadened into one of genuine feelings.
It had been a long time, or maybe never, since he had felt this way.
It is a dangerous game you're playing.
Perhaps it was a game of roulette, but he presently did not care. The passion of youth flowed easily here.
Do not grow reckless with your emotions. The princess may care but these paladins are only a means to the end. Remember what I have said.
Lotor almost physically nodded to the defensive thoughts. Fortunately, Naigus interrupted the internal chastisement.
The large silver-tipped galra politely weaved his way to the chair on Allura's right. He was dressed in an elegant maroon waistcoat with silver markings very similar to the ones ornamenting Lotor's breast. His glossy coated claws wrapped around a gnarled wood walking stick which was carved in a horrific visage roaring with tongue spiralling down the length. Lotor did not scrutinise the sculpting's finer details but caught a petrified face carved between the dagger teeth.
Naigus met Lotor's eyes pointedly. "Whom did you decide to speak, Lotor?"
"The princess will speak. She is the voice of Voltron here," Lotor replied giving Allura a comforting glance. "She holds her father's eloquence."
"I hope so," Naigus hummed. "The sun is set. I will begin the address, princess," he added exuding palpable respect.
Stepping lightly onto the stage he raised his staff. "A new day begins!" His grand voice boomed through the dome silencing the remainder of guests. Above their heads, the windowpanes opened to the night like a bud flowering.
"Long ago, the people of Mindt, comprised of the Shadi and Nahook, stood in this place. Amidst the desert rocks they fought together to destroy the infamous Krakoon! The beasts withered under the combined strength of the fierce peoples. With Shadite blades and Nahook sciences, these people were united."
Naigus' ears drooped slightly, and his voice took on a forlorn tone. "The Galra came soon after. My own blood, dazzled by the peaceful knowledge of this planet, sought to utilise this greatness for the good of the universe! But alas! We all know what tore us apart. Our hearts still grieve for the utter loss for a unique ecosystem, one which can never return."
He straightened suddenly to his full, imposing height. Naigus' eyes hardened to those of a former warlord. His voice, weighed down by age but empowered through its wisdom, shook the room. "Yet, the universe moves on! The galaxy has grown past us, yet destiny will eclipse our failure! Unlimited quintessence is within our grasp and with such prosperity comes rebirth!" His fist shook. The knuckles of his other hand, grasping his staff, strained.
A wave of applause erupted within the chamber. The ferocity of Naigus' words was unmistakable and Lotor was reminded why the galra had been successful as a general on the front lines.
Naigus waited the interruption out before gesturing flamboyantly towards the paladins and Lotor. "Please, fine people. Hail your Emperor! Lotor!"
The prince stood and made his way onto the center of the stage. A welling sense of pride came over him. Suddenly, he was struck unlike any other time he had addressed a multitude.
This is the beginning. Savour this moment.
The applause carried over for another thirty ticks. Finally, he was able to quell the crowd, raising his hands for silence. The mounting euphoria within him rose, gaining strength with every word.
This is yours.
"Together, the Galra Empire and Voltron will bring a new age of prosperity to the mixed peoples of Mindt. As many know, this was my home for decades while I was in my youth. Here, now, I stand as your leader. You, a cherished part of my past, are hearing the first address from the new Galra Empire!"
It can be 'ours'.
Lotor rode out the cheers of sickly-sweet adoration. "How fitting that such an honourable, powerful people should hold that privilege. Now, I am pleased to give Voltron the floor. Princess Allura of Altea."
He swept his cape aside as Allura stood and came beside him. Taking a risk, he took her hand gracefully and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "Good luck, Allura," he whispered before taking a step back and clasping his hands respectfully. The unmistakable taste of victory was addictive.
What do you gain from sharing power?
She held the entire room's attention then. Time seemed to slow for him as she spoke. The solid conviction in her words was striking.
I don't know.
"People - Nahook, Shadi - I am Princess Allura. With the paladins of Voltron, I have set my path towards the bringing of peace and lifegiving. We are here to roll back the centuries of stifling imprisonment and cruel war waged by the old regime under Zarkon. Together, we promote peace throughout the universe. Great people, I call on you to put aside your differences and join this alliance of your own free will. There is much left of the universe for us to liberate, but with the mighty knowledge of this planet, we can further the freedom of the Voltron Coalition. Now is the time to enter the galactic stage once more. I call on you, pledge loyalty and fight alongside the Defender of the Universe. We will win and all will taste liberty!"
The half-blood found himself smiling. He had not heard one of her speeches in person until now. It introduced him to something that could only be identified as 'hope'.
Naigus entered the arena. Lotor only focused on the blushing princess now moving beside him as the old Galra concluded the address. The professor spoke resolutely. "I urge all present to consider this proposition. The Lions of Voltron sit within our city. We can make a choice."
For some reason the last statement resounded within Lotor. He felt Allura's hand brush his for a fraction of a second. He took it. Pride and satisfaction sparked through him. White tips of sharp canines showed themselves. His spirit soared, hardening into iron.
A dangerous game, indeed.
All formalities would occur before sunrise. The ultimatum was given. He and Allura held no other use here. The prince suddenly wished to be alone with her. Instead, he entangled his fingers amidst hers. "Well done princess."
Footnote from author- The planet's name 'Mindt' was named for Mintdr on DeviantArt. Go check out her amazing pastel pieces. I would have never been introduced to her art without this story's beginnings so her name is forever incorporated into this.