School Days
Part XII
Our Evil Twin Planet
By KittyCaro
Disclaimer: Characters from the Adventures of Voltron and the New Adventures of Voltron are copyright 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1997 by WEP. Any and all new/original characters belong to the author.
Rating: R for some sexual situations, violence and bad language.
Author’s notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. The history of the kingdom of Pollux is loosely based on the Vikings and the Roman Empire.
According to Greek mythology, there were two brothers, Castor and Polydeuces (Pollux in Latin) their mother was Queen Leda of Sparta, who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan. The same night she also slept with her husband King Tyndareus. As a result she bore the Twins. Castor was mortal, and Polydeuces immortal. They were inseparable and devoted to each other. Both excelled in hunting and the arts of war.
Castor's life ended as a result of an encounter with another pair of twins, Idas and Lynceus. Pollux was inconsolable at the loss of his twin. He prayed to Zeus that he might share his immortality with his brother. Zeus took mercy on the twins and set them together eternally among the stars as the constellation of Gemini.
I want to thank Editor-in-Chief Lynne (Bonds 2 – The Ties That Bind) for her support and wonderful ideas. Esto es para ti, amiga.
I want to thank Jayme Lawson for letting me use her description of Doom Castle from her Lotor and Allura fic, "Trial by Fire." Lotor isn't such a bad fellow, if you give him a chance ;-)
As always, C&C are welcomed.
Originally Published 06/18/2001 - Revised 03/07/2015
Rating: R for some sexual situations, violence and bad language.
Author’s notes: This is an AU fic about Keith and Allura. The history of the kingdom of Pollux is loosely based on the Vikings and the Roman Empire.
According to Greek mythology, there were two brothers, Castor and Polydeuces (Pollux in Latin) their mother was Queen Leda of Sparta, who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan. The same night she also slept with her husband King Tyndareus. As a result she bore the Twins. Castor was mortal, and Polydeuces immortal. They were inseparable and devoted to each other. Both excelled in hunting and the arts of war.
Castor's life ended as a result of an encounter with another pair of twins, Idas and Lynceus. Pollux was inconsolable at the loss of his twin. He prayed to Zeus that he might share his immortality with his brother. Zeus took mercy on the twins and set them together eternally among the stars as the constellation of Gemini.
I want to thank Editor-in-Chief Lynne (Bonds 2 – The Ties That Bind) for her support and wonderful ideas. Esto es para ti, amiga.
I want to thank Jayme Lawson for letting me use her description of Doom Castle from her Lotor and Allura fic, "Trial by Fire." Lotor isn't such a bad fellow, if you give him a chance ;-)
As always, C&C are welcomed.
Originally Published 06/18/2001 - Revised 03/07/2015
Click on the following links to move along to that chapter.
Bandor came into my bedroom, hurling himself onto my bed. He proceeded to recite his plans for the day, which included four hours of academics and fencing lessons.
"After my classes, let's go to the beach!"
"Okay," I mumbled groggily. "That will give me enough time to oversee the ordering of supplies for the castle with Okir. And I'll ask the cook to prepare us a picnic basket."
"Great! I'll see you later then. Helveg must be waiting for me in the library."
After he left, I slowly pulled on my blue silk robe and entered the bathroom, yawning as I walked. I had certainly enjoyed more restful nights in my twenty-two years. I tried to sleep, but succeeded in snatching only a series of fitful catnaps. I kept dreaming of falling- falling into a pit and being hurt. Then I would see a light coming toward me and invariable jerked awake again.
I wished I could get pass that light to see who or what it was. I have become one of those people who believe in premonitions ever since I dreamed my mother's premature death when I was only eight years old.
When I returned to the bedchamber, I walked to the window and paused to enjoy the view, while my ladies in waiting prepared my things.
Several gardeners were hard at work in the yard, which sloped downward toward the North Sea. Half of the yard was terraced to accommodate a swimming pool, the other half held an enchanting garden, complete with a central gazebo and small tables and chairs hidden away among the shrubs and flowers.
"Will you be having breakfast at the gardens, Milady?" Helena asked.
"Yes, and then we're going to the village. I want to speak with Madam Kora."
"The fortuneteller," Octavia said brightly. "We haven't visited her in months. Do you want her to read you the tarot cards?"
"Not this time. I want her to interpret a dream I had last night."
"I don't believe in that sort thing," Helena remarked disapprovingly, as she helped me into a violet muslin gown.
Octavia narrowed her eyes at her. "Her Highness and I do," she retorted. "Besides, when Madam Kora told me that I would meet a tall, dark and handsome fellow, she was right."
A mischievous smile touched Helena's lips. "Unfortunately, he wasn't a prince, but a soldier."
"Not just a soldier- he's a tribuni (a staff officer)," Octavia said proudly.
"Calm down, ladies," I ordered. "It doesn't matter if you marry royalty, a member of the armed forces or a civilian. What matters is that the man you choose loves you and cherishes you, is that understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," they replied in unison.
"Please, Milady," Astrid said, motioning me to be seated before the dressing table. "Allow me to style your hair."
As she brushed and arranged my hair, she continued in her soft voice. "I'm honored to be allowed to come to Polydeuces Castle. My family is deeply grateful with His Majesty, Prince Avok for rescuing us from those space pirates. He's so brave and so-"
"Handsome," Helena said teasingly.
"Strong," Octavia sighed rather dramatically, clutching a huge blue pillow in her arms.
"And unattached," I finished, smiling.
A flush rose to Astrid's cheeks. "Yes, he's all that." She paused for a moment, concentrating on the thick plait she was braiding. She's a striking beauty. She has long, bluish black hair and chocolate brown eyes that are warm and friendly. She had joined the court a few weeks ago, and already had caught the fancy of many of Avok's tribunes. But she only has eyes for my dear brother; unfortunately, he's too preoccupied with work and his training that he hasn't noticed her.
Moments later, Astrid had fashioned my hair in a Roman style, with a braid as a headband, and the remainder of my hair falling down my back.
"It's lovely, Astrid," I said, shaking my head to feel the mass of hair swinging free. "I could never achieve this result on my own. Thank you."
I saw a gleam of pleasure light the girl's eyes, and added teasingly, "I must remember to thank my brother for bringing you here."
"After my classes, let's go to the beach!"
"Okay," I mumbled groggily. "That will give me enough time to oversee the ordering of supplies for the castle with Okir. And I'll ask the cook to prepare us a picnic basket."
"Great! I'll see you later then. Helveg must be waiting for me in the library."
After he left, I slowly pulled on my blue silk robe and entered the bathroom, yawning as I walked. I had certainly enjoyed more restful nights in my twenty-two years. I tried to sleep, but succeeded in snatching only a series of fitful catnaps. I kept dreaming of falling- falling into a pit and being hurt. Then I would see a light coming toward me and invariable jerked awake again.
I wished I could get pass that light to see who or what it was. I have become one of those people who believe in premonitions ever since I dreamed my mother's premature death when I was only eight years old.
When I returned to the bedchamber, I walked to the window and paused to enjoy the view, while my ladies in waiting prepared my things.
Several gardeners were hard at work in the yard, which sloped downward toward the North Sea. Half of the yard was terraced to accommodate a swimming pool, the other half held an enchanting garden, complete with a central gazebo and small tables and chairs hidden away among the shrubs and flowers.
"Will you be having breakfast at the gardens, Milady?" Helena asked.
"Yes, and then we're going to the village. I want to speak with Madam Kora."
"The fortuneteller," Octavia said brightly. "We haven't visited her in months. Do you want her to read you the tarot cards?"
"Not this time. I want her to interpret a dream I had last night."
"I don't believe in that sort thing," Helena remarked disapprovingly, as she helped me into a violet muslin gown.
Octavia narrowed her eyes at her. "Her Highness and I do," she retorted. "Besides, when Madam Kora told me that I would meet a tall, dark and handsome fellow, she was right."
A mischievous smile touched Helena's lips. "Unfortunately, he wasn't a prince, but a soldier."
"Not just a soldier- he's a tribuni (a staff officer)," Octavia said proudly.
"Calm down, ladies," I ordered. "It doesn't matter if you marry royalty, a member of the armed forces or a civilian. What matters is that the man you choose loves you and cherishes you, is that understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," they replied in unison.
"Please, Milady," Astrid said, motioning me to be seated before the dressing table. "Allow me to style your hair."
As she brushed and arranged my hair, she continued in her soft voice. "I'm honored to be allowed to come to Polydeuces Castle. My family is deeply grateful with His Majesty, Prince Avok for rescuing us from those space pirates. He's so brave and so-"
"Handsome," Helena said teasingly.
"Strong," Octavia sighed rather dramatically, clutching a huge blue pillow in her arms.
"And unattached," I finished, smiling.
A flush rose to Astrid's cheeks. "Yes, he's all that." She paused for a moment, concentrating on the thick plait she was braiding. She's a striking beauty. She has long, bluish black hair and chocolate brown eyes that are warm and friendly. She had joined the court a few weeks ago, and already had caught the fancy of many of Avok's tribunes. But she only has eyes for my dear brother; unfortunately, he's too preoccupied with work and his training that he hasn't noticed her.
Moments later, Astrid had fashioned my hair in a Roman style, with a braid as a headband, and the remainder of my hair falling down my back.
"It's lovely, Astrid," I said, shaking my head to feel the mass of hair swinging free. "I could never achieve this result on my own. Thank you."
I saw a gleam of pleasure light the girl's eyes, and added teasingly, "I must remember to thank my brother for bringing you here."
"What is history but a fable agreed upon?" ~ Napoleon Bonaparte.
I sat on a high-backed leather chair, one of four that stood about the wooden circular table, while my tutor, Morton Helveg wrote a few notes about today's lesson on the blackboard. He was a pleasant fellow of medium height, with black hair and brown eyes, and a round face that was edged with a beard and mustache that connected to his mouth. He wore high quality gray and blue garments and spectacles, which added to his scholarly appearance.
"Please turn to page fifteen of your history book, Your Highness," he said as he crossed the room, his steps noiseless on the dark blue carpet, and eased himself onto a chair.
I stared at him, and shook my head out of habit. "But Helveg, we have been through this a thousand times. Can't I read something else?"
He stared at me for a few moments. When he finally replied, his tone was measured. "When His Majesty, Prince Avok was about your age, he knew the history of our planet by heart. And he *never* got tired reading about it."
"All right you win," I sighed.
"On the year 2050, a Terran colony headed by Prince Aalfor Love (Black Lion), second cousin to King Frederick X of Denmark settled on Planet Arus. These new arrivals made their homes on the shores of the large lakes and along the mountains that formed natural boundaries around most of the settled areas."
"In time social life in the separate settlements came to be dominated by the aristocracy and eventually, by petty kings. Years later, the first successful attempt to form a united Arusian kingdom was made by Prince Aalfor, and he was crowned King of Arus. He managed to establish his supremacy and stayed in the throne close to twenty years."
"He got married to Lady Therese of Odense and had two sons: Marius, called Fairheart of Althea and Hakon, The Red of Rommedalh."
"Prince Marius continued his father's research in rocketry and space travel, while Prince Hakon took over the Arusian army. He was a great strategist and turned his attention to the recently discovered galaxy; ships were built and sent on raiding expeditions. He established settlements in Pollux and planetoid Zealand. In this era of expansion, the three worlds created the Lion's League, a commercial federation of trade, making the kingdom wealthier and powerful. But the young Prince's unorthodox methods aroused the enmity of the nobles, who thought he wouldn't be easy to control like his peace-loving brother."
"When King Aalfor became ill, he called up his sons. He knew that Hakon was better suited to be his predecessor, but fearing that his accession would disrupt the unity of the small kingdoms and cause a civil war, he drove the Prince into exile on planet Pollux with his supporters."
"After his death, Marius became ruler of Arus. He and his partisans didn't allow Hakon to attend the funeral nor make a claim to the throne, stating that dissension among the heirs would cause confusion and fear among the Arusians."
"Saddened that his efforts had meant nothing to the Arusians, Prince Hakon returned to Pollux, and declared it an independent kingdom. His people offered him the Crown and he became King Hakon I. He gave Pollux its own army, navy, customs and legislature and permitted full liberty and autonomy within its own boundaries. The move was disapproved by the two realms, but they couldn't persuade the Polluxian King to change his mind-"
I shut the book. "After forcing him to leave Arus and renounce to the throne, they still wanted him to heed to their demands."
"That's right, Your Majesty," Helveg said gravelly. "That was another insult to the young King. He never forgave them and neither his descendants- till this day."
"When my brother becomes a robeast, he will destroy their precious robot, and then they'll see who's better."
He nodded thoughtfully. "I hope so, Your Highness. I really hope so."
I sat on a high-backed leather chair, one of four that stood about the wooden circular table, while my tutor, Morton Helveg wrote a few notes about today's lesson on the blackboard. He was a pleasant fellow of medium height, with black hair and brown eyes, and a round face that was edged with a beard and mustache that connected to his mouth. He wore high quality gray and blue garments and spectacles, which added to his scholarly appearance.
"Please turn to page fifteen of your history book, Your Highness," he said as he crossed the room, his steps noiseless on the dark blue carpet, and eased himself onto a chair.
I stared at him, and shook my head out of habit. "But Helveg, we have been through this a thousand times. Can't I read something else?"
He stared at me for a few moments. When he finally replied, his tone was measured. "When His Majesty, Prince Avok was about your age, he knew the history of our planet by heart. And he *never* got tired reading about it."
"All right you win," I sighed.
"On the year 2050, a Terran colony headed by Prince Aalfor Love (Black Lion), second cousin to King Frederick X of Denmark settled on Planet Arus. These new arrivals made their homes on the shores of the large lakes and along the mountains that formed natural boundaries around most of the settled areas."
"In time social life in the separate settlements came to be dominated by the aristocracy and eventually, by petty kings. Years later, the first successful attempt to form a united Arusian kingdom was made by Prince Aalfor, and he was crowned King of Arus. He managed to establish his supremacy and stayed in the throne close to twenty years."
"He got married to Lady Therese of Odense and had two sons: Marius, called Fairheart of Althea and Hakon, The Red of Rommedalh."
"Prince Marius continued his father's research in rocketry and space travel, while Prince Hakon took over the Arusian army. He was a great strategist and turned his attention to the recently discovered galaxy; ships were built and sent on raiding expeditions. He established settlements in Pollux and planetoid Zealand. In this era of expansion, the three worlds created the Lion's League, a commercial federation of trade, making the kingdom wealthier and powerful. But the young Prince's unorthodox methods aroused the enmity of the nobles, who thought he wouldn't be easy to control like his peace-loving brother."
"When King Aalfor became ill, he called up his sons. He knew that Hakon was better suited to be his predecessor, but fearing that his accession would disrupt the unity of the small kingdoms and cause a civil war, he drove the Prince into exile on planet Pollux with his supporters."
"After his death, Marius became ruler of Arus. He and his partisans didn't allow Hakon to attend the funeral nor make a claim to the throne, stating that dissension among the heirs would cause confusion and fear among the Arusians."
"Saddened that his efforts had meant nothing to the Arusians, Prince Hakon returned to Pollux, and declared it an independent kingdom. His people offered him the Crown and he became King Hakon I. He gave Pollux its own army, navy, customs and legislature and permitted full liberty and autonomy within its own boundaries. The move was disapproved by the two realms, but they couldn't persuade the Polluxian King to change his mind-"
I shut the book. "After forcing him to leave Arus and renounce to the throne, they still wanted him to heed to their demands."
"That's right, Your Majesty," Helveg said gravelly. "That was another insult to the young King. He never forgave them and neither his descendants- till this day."
"When my brother becomes a robeast, he will destroy their precious robot, and then they'll see who's better."
He nodded thoughtfully. "I hope so, Your Highness. I really hope so."
After a two-hour workout in the Royal gymnasium, I sat alone in my study, reading the latest intelligence reports from Arus and pondering their implications for the success of father's plan.
According to my undercover team, the Voltron Force continues with their daily routine, which includes early morning practice with the Lions and patrolling the villages for enemy activity. Zarkon and Lotor have not attacked the planet in the past three weeks.
Arus has a force of about a hundred thousand men, including army, air and navy scattered through out the planet. But they have a weakness- they rely too much on their robot for their protection. I'm convinced that with Voltron out of the game, Arus will surrender in a matter of days.
Granted, they have faced Lotor and his robeasts a few times just using four of the Lions, but they have come victorious because of Lotor's inability to focus in actual battle, instead of trying to capture their leader, Princess Allura.
Our army is based on its legions just like the Terran Roman Army from the 3rd century, because of its proven efficiency. Each legion varies in strength from 3,000 to 5,000 men, and is subdivided on ten cohorts. Its leader uses the title of legatus. His staff officers are called tribuni. Senior non-commissioned officers are called centurions, who vary greatly in rank.
The Polluxian infantry is a feared force, because is well disciplined, well trained and heavily armed. The weapons currently used are the pila (javelin), a short trusting gladius or sword and a laser gun.
Our army includes a number of specialists on its campaigns. One is the camp commander, who is responsible for the organization of the camp. We are very careful about our camps; we don't stop for a single night without digging up trenches and fortifying the camp. Another specialist is the quaestor, whose duty is to look after all the money matters. Then there are the engineers and all kinds of craftsmen and artisans, who are responsible for siege operations, like building moveable towers and scaling ladders.
My men win their battles just as much from their staying power as by their courage. They have to be strong and fit, for in addition to his weapons each soldier has to carry provisions and tools for pitching camp.
I'm also proud of our star fleet. It has five battleships and close to one thousand fighters. They are ready to go into battle at a moment notice. But I couldn't take all the credit though; my father worked so hard in gathering all that power after ascending to the throne at the age of twenty-five.
I gazed at the picture on my desk of my family. Father stands smiling down at us; Mother sits with two-year old Bandor in her arms; Romelle and I are standing next to her.
I felt a lump in my throat, as mental images swirled in my mind- mother was in the final trimester of a difficult pregnancy, and had been ordered to stay in bed because of the risk of a premature birth. Father tried to spend time at her side, but because of his royal duties he was frequently away.
She gave birth to a third healthy child, Bandor. Although she recovered from the pregnancy, she never regained her former energy and stamina. She spent most of her time in her chambers with Melle and Bandor, but sometimes she ventured to the royal gardens- she just couldn't stay away from her blue roses.
And then, the unthinkable happened.
I remember quite vividly stepping out my parent's bedroom and seeing Melle and Bandor sitting at the top of the stairs. They had been waiting for news about her condition. They walked over to me; their little faces filled with apprehension. I shook my head and swallowing back my own emotions said, "Mom died a few minutes ago."
The moment I told them, time seemed to stop; they wouldn't be playing with her anymore. She would never tuck them in bed and kissed them goodnight. We would never hear her laughter and loving, soothing words.
Bandor bolted out and tried to enter the room, but I caught him.
"I want my mommy!" he struggled within my arms. "Lemme go, Avok!"
"Hush," I said gently, fighting back the tears.
Romelle's eyes brimmed over with tears that rolled down her rosy cheeks. "Let me hold him," she asked huskily. I released him, and he ran into her arms and clung to her.
"We love you, baby brother," she murmured.
"You won't leave me like mommy, will you?" he sobbed.
She kissed the top of his head. "Avok and I will never leave you, I promise."
My gaze never left hers as I said, "You and I must help our father in raising our little brother."
She nodded silently, accepting that our lives would never be the same and I just lost it. She reached out and took my hand. I pulled them to me in a fierce embrace, wishing that I could erase the pain. Romelle rested her head against my shoulder, crying softly.
Our father suffered greatly for the loss of his Queen, for their marriage had been a love match, and without her he was lost. They were extremely close, and she played an important part in his decisions. She was deeply devoted to us and she displayed the virtues of a Polluxian matron, which included modesty, frugality, loyalty, and dignity.
He clung to life as best as he could. He devoted much of his energy to aggressive wars that extended Polluxian rule across the Emerald Quadrant, and till this day, he has made contributions that show his common sense, administrative skills, and genuine compassion.
There's only one thing that really could bring my father some happiness, a sense of completion- that our distant relatives from Arus pay for what their ancestors did to ours so many years ago. And that objective can only be achieved by destroying their most prized possession- Voltron.
I'm ready to face the robot, the royal physician has given me a clean bill of health and I keep myself in top condition with daily exercise that includes swimming, weightlifting and Greco-Roman wrestling.
When I'm not busy with my duties as commander of the Polluxian Army or attending meetings with father and our advisors, I spend time with my siblings and spoil them every chance I get.
Romelle says that I should be thinking about settling down, getting married and having at least half a dozen kids. But I want to follow my father's footsteps. He got married when he was thirty, so I have four more years to do as I please. But knowing Melle, she's probably looking for a sister-in-law among her ladies in waiting.
My sister is a sweet and extremely intuitive young woman. She artfully navigates politics and helps father in writing policies and laws. She also knows how to fly a spaceship and how to defend herself with a spatha (a small sword) that I gave her a few years ago.
Bandor is affectionate and bright, always eager to learn. Sometimes his impatience gets the better of him, but I don't doubt his fitness to be ruler of Pollux in case something happens to father and me. After this matter of Voltron is settled, he will begin his formal military training.
There was knock on the door.
"Come in," I said, rubbing my eyes.
Romelle peeked inside. "Hi!" she said happily. "Bandor and I are going to the beach, do you want to come?"
"I was planning on inviting you," I answered with a laugh, finding the interruption a welcome one. "But we have to be back by 1400. I have a meeting with my staff officers."
"Okay. We'll be leaving in fifteen minutes, so be ready."
"Very well," I replied, rising from my seat. "But I have a request."
"What is it?"
"I don't want an entourage; it will be just the three of us."
She gave a quick, pleased nod. "All right."
According to my undercover team, the Voltron Force continues with their daily routine, which includes early morning practice with the Lions and patrolling the villages for enemy activity. Zarkon and Lotor have not attacked the planet in the past three weeks.
Arus has a force of about a hundred thousand men, including army, air and navy scattered through out the planet. But they have a weakness- they rely too much on their robot for their protection. I'm convinced that with Voltron out of the game, Arus will surrender in a matter of days.
Granted, they have faced Lotor and his robeasts a few times just using four of the Lions, but they have come victorious because of Lotor's inability to focus in actual battle, instead of trying to capture their leader, Princess Allura.
Our army is based on its legions just like the Terran Roman Army from the 3rd century, because of its proven efficiency. Each legion varies in strength from 3,000 to 5,000 men, and is subdivided on ten cohorts. Its leader uses the title of legatus. His staff officers are called tribuni. Senior non-commissioned officers are called centurions, who vary greatly in rank.
The Polluxian infantry is a feared force, because is well disciplined, well trained and heavily armed. The weapons currently used are the pila (javelin), a short trusting gladius or sword and a laser gun.
Our army includes a number of specialists on its campaigns. One is the camp commander, who is responsible for the organization of the camp. We are very careful about our camps; we don't stop for a single night without digging up trenches and fortifying the camp. Another specialist is the quaestor, whose duty is to look after all the money matters. Then there are the engineers and all kinds of craftsmen and artisans, who are responsible for siege operations, like building moveable towers and scaling ladders.
My men win their battles just as much from their staying power as by their courage. They have to be strong and fit, for in addition to his weapons each soldier has to carry provisions and tools for pitching camp.
I'm also proud of our star fleet. It has five battleships and close to one thousand fighters. They are ready to go into battle at a moment notice. But I couldn't take all the credit though; my father worked so hard in gathering all that power after ascending to the throne at the age of twenty-five.
I gazed at the picture on my desk of my family. Father stands smiling down at us; Mother sits with two-year old Bandor in her arms; Romelle and I are standing next to her.
I felt a lump in my throat, as mental images swirled in my mind- mother was in the final trimester of a difficult pregnancy, and had been ordered to stay in bed because of the risk of a premature birth. Father tried to spend time at her side, but because of his royal duties he was frequently away.
She gave birth to a third healthy child, Bandor. Although she recovered from the pregnancy, she never regained her former energy and stamina. She spent most of her time in her chambers with Melle and Bandor, but sometimes she ventured to the royal gardens- she just couldn't stay away from her blue roses.
And then, the unthinkable happened.
I remember quite vividly stepping out my parent's bedroom and seeing Melle and Bandor sitting at the top of the stairs. They had been waiting for news about her condition. They walked over to me; their little faces filled with apprehension. I shook my head and swallowing back my own emotions said, "Mom died a few minutes ago."
The moment I told them, time seemed to stop; they wouldn't be playing with her anymore. She would never tuck them in bed and kissed them goodnight. We would never hear her laughter and loving, soothing words.
Bandor bolted out and tried to enter the room, but I caught him.
"I want my mommy!" he struggled within my arms. "Lemme go, Avok!"
"Hush," I said gently, fighting back the tears.
Romelle's eyes brimmed over with tears that rolled down her rosy cheeks. "Let me hold him," she asked huskily. I released him, and he ran into her arms and clung to her.
"We love you, baby brother," she murmured.
"You won't leave me like mommy, will you?" he sobbed.
She kissed the top of his head. "Avok and I will never leave you, I promise."
My gaze never left hers as I said, "You and I must help our father in raising our little brother."
She nodded silently, accepting that our lives would never be the same and I just lost it. She reached out and took my hand. I pulled them to me in a fierce embrace, wishing that I could erase the pain. Romelle rested her head against my shoulder, crying softly.
Our father suffered greatly for the loss of his Queen, for their marriage had been a love match, and without her he was lost. They were extremely close, and she played an important part in his decisions. She was deeply devoted to us and she displayed the virtues of a Polluxian matron, which included modesty, frugality, loyalty, and dignity.
He clung to life as best as he could. He devoted much of his energy to aggressive wars that extended Polluxian rule across the Emerald Quadrant, and till this day, he has made contributions that show his common sense, administrative skills, and genuine compassion.
There's only one thing that really could bring my father some happiness, a sense of completion- that our distant relatives from Arus pay for what their ancestors did to ours so many years ago. And that objective can only be achieved by destroying their most prized possession- Voltron.
I'm ready to face the robot, the royal physician has given me a clean bill of health and I keep myself in top condition with daily exercise that includes swimming, weightlifting and Greco-Roman wrestling.
When I'm not busy with my duties as commander of the Polluxian Army or attending meetings with father and our advisors, I spend time with my siblings and spoil them every chance I get.
Romelle says that I should be thinking about settling down, getting married and having at least half a dozen kids. But I want to follow my father's footsteps. He got married when he was thirty, so I have four more years to do as I please. But knowing Melle, she's probably looking for a sister-in-law among her ladies in waiting.
My sister is a sweet and extremely intuitive young woman. She artfully navigates politics and helps father in writing policies and laws. She also knows how to fly a spaceship and how to defend herself with a spatha (a small sword) that I gave her a few years ago.
Bandor is affectionate and bright, always eager to learn. Sometimes his impatience gets the better of him, but I don't doubt his fitness to be ruler of Pollux in case something happens to father and me. After this matter of Voltron is settled, he will begin his formal military training.
There was knock on the door.
"Come in," I said, rubbing my eyes.
Romelle peeked inside. "Hi!" she said happily. "Bandor and I are going to the beach, do you want to come?"
"I was planning on inviting you," I answered with a laugh, finding the interruption a welcome one. "But we have to be back by 1400. I have a meeting with my staff officers."
"Okay. We'll be leaving in fifteen minutes, so be ready."
"Very well," I replied, rising from my seat. "But I have a request."
"What is it?"
"I don't want an entourage; it will be just the three of us."
She gave a quick, pleased nod. "All right."
After telling Bandor that Avok was joining us, I went to my bedroom and changed into a one-piece bathing suit and a matching terry cover-up. The sky blue halter-necked suit plunged to the waist in the back and was cut high on the leg.
Moments later my brothers and I met in the hallway. Avok was wearing dark green trunks with a white stripe down each side. Bandor was clad in navy blue trunks; around his neck slung a white towel.
Avok drove us in the family car to Dagmar Beach, our favorite because of the blue-violet tones of the ocean and the gentle roll of the surf. A stone staircase led to the beach, which was partially screened out by the blooms of tropical trees, white, orange and fuchsia bougainvillea and lavender blue jacaranda.
Bandor ran off toward the water, while Avok grabbed his surfboard and headed toward the waves. I was content to sunbathe, leaning languidly back in a canvas chair. But later on, I joined my baby brother for a swim and then we sat cross-legged at the shoreline.
Avok returned just as Bandor was opening the picnic basket.
"Your timing is perfect," I said, handing him a towel. "How was the surfing?"
He dropped on his knees next to me. "Good for beginners. Boring for me," he replied with a smirk.
False modesty isn't a trait of the Rommedalh men I thought, suppressing a giggle. The picnic lunch turned out doubly delicious given the sunlit perfection of the weather and the calming effect of the sea. We had cheese, smoked salmon; fresh baked bread and grapes, accompanied by white wine.
Bandor then remarked that he was looking forward to his presentation before the senate. He had turned sixteen a week ago, and as sign of his passing into adulthood, a white, ceremonial tunic like Avok's would replace his clothes.
I forced myself to smile. I was happy because it meant he could accompany Avok in his campaigns if he wanted to. But I had taken care of him since he was four years old, and letting go was hard. He wasn't my baby anymore, I thought sadly.
I eased myself onto my stomach and began to question Avok about his own plans after defeating Voltron.
"I'll stay on Arus to make sure that our distant relatives and their supporters leave for good."
"We're going to miss you," I admitted softly. "You have stayed with us barely two months."
He smiled warmly at me. "You can come with me if you want to, I'm sure father won't mind."
"What else did you find out about those Arusians?" Bandor asked, reaching for another bunch of red grapes.
After taking a sip of wine, he replied, "Not much really, they seem to be very protective of their Princess."
"As it should be," I commented, winking at him.
Bandor grinned wickedly at me. "I bet she's ugly, that's why they don't show her around."
"Bandor!" I scolded him. "How can you say that!"
"Calm down, Mother Melle," Avok laughed, raising a placating hand. "His observation may have some merit. Don't be so hard on him."
I glared at him. "Do not encourage him," I ordered. But he just continued laughing at me. He enjoyed teasing me about how I spoke with ‘the spontaneity and affection of an experienced mother', quite accustomed to taking care of our younger sibling.
He placed his glass on the sand and reached for a piece of bread. "At this point, I'm only interested in their robot and defense systems. Maybe we could used them to improve our-"
The beeping of his comm unit interrupted him. "Bandor- I told you to turn the blasted thing off," he said, frowning.
Bandor swallowed a grape, and smiled sheepishly at him. "S-sorry, I forgot."
"Yeah, right," Avok said, reaching for the device from the picnic basket.
"Rommedalh here."
"Sire, His Majesty King Cova requests the presence of his family immediately."
"We'll be right there, Rommedalh out."
Avok dropped us off just in time for me to shower the sand from my hair and change into a blue gossamer gown. I was in the hallway when Bandor dashed out of his bedroom at his usual break-neck pace and went downstairs to the conference room. I followed at a slower pace, trailing my fingers over the carved oak railing.
Father and Avok were sitting at the table. Father glanced up from the computer printout he was reading and said, smiling, "Sit down, my children. I've got great news."
"What is it, dad?" Bandor asked.
"Zarkon has decided to listen to our plan regarding Voltron. We're leaving tomorrow at 0700."
"So soon?" I blurted out.
Dad raised a gray eyebrow at me. "Romelle, they took almost three months to grant us an audience."
"But couldn't you find another way to conquer Arus-"
He cut me short with a shake of his head. "No, child. This is the only way."
Avok leaned forward and gazed at me. "Romelle, don't worry. I'll be careful."
I was not reassured by his words. I still felt uncomfortable with the idea of Avok turning into a robeast; more so after the nightmare that I had last night. Madam Kora had told me that dreaming of falling into a pit and being hurt meant great sorrow and misfortune. But I couldn't confess to them that I was frightened because of a nightmare. So I straightened my shoulders and tried to force away my fears.
"Forgive my lapse. I'll ask the staff to prepare for our trip."
"Thank you, Romelle," father said, with an approving look.
They began to discuss the upcoming meeting, and I slipped away from the room. The castle steward tentatively approached bowing and bobbing his head, already listing the things that needed my attention.
I went to sleep that night listening to the waves lapping below, and wondering about Prince Lotor. Although I had read reports about him and his planet, I had never met him personally. That would soon change though, as the whole family is finally going to planet Doom.
Avok's warning to not become too friendly with the Prince of Doom came into my mind. I had promised to keep a safe distance from him. But he was a prince after all. He couldn't be all that bad… could he?
Moments later my brothers and I met in the hallway. Avok was wearing dark green trunks with a white stripe down each side. Bandor was clad in navy blue trunks; around his neck slung a white towel.
Avok drove us in the family car to Dagmar Beach, our favorite because of the blue-violet tones of the ocean and the gentle roll of the surf. A stone staircase led to the beach, which was partially screened out by the blooms of tropical trees, white, orange and fuchsia bougainvillea and lavender blue jacaranda.
Bandor ran off toward the water, while Avok grabbed his surfboard and headed toward the waves. I was content to sunbathe, leaning languidly back in a canvas chair. But later on, I joined my baby brother for a swim and then we sat cross-legged at the shoreline.
Avok returned just as Bandor was opening the picnic basket.
"Your timing is perfect," I said, handing him a towel. "How was the surfing?"
He dropped on his knees next to me. "Good for beginners. Boring for me," he replied with a smirk.
False modesty isn't a trait of the Rommedalh men I thought, suppressing a giggle. The picnic lunch turned out doubly delicious given the sunlit perfection of the weather and the calming effect of the sea. We had cheese, smoked salmon; fresh baked bread and grapes, accompanied by white wine.
Bandor then remarked that he was looking forward to his presentation before the senate. He had turned sixteen a week ago, and as sign of his passing into adulthood, a white, ceremonial tunic like Avok's would replace his clothes.
I forced myself to smile. I was happy because it meant he could accompany Avok in his campaigns if he wanted to. But I had taken care of him since he was four years old, and letting go was hard. He wasn't my baby anymore, I thought sadly.
I eased myself onto my stomach and began to question Avok about his own plans after defeating Voltron.
"I'll stay on Arus to make sure that our distant relatives and their supporters leave for good."
"We're going to miss you," I admitted softly. "You have stayed with us barely two months."
He smiled warmly at me. "You can come with me if you want to, I'm sure father won't mind."
"What else did you find out about those Arusians?" Bandor asked, reaching for another bunch of red grapes.
After taking a sip of wine, he replied, "Not much really, they seem to be very protective of their Princess."
"As it should be," I commented, winking at him.
Bandor grinned wickedly at me. "I bet she's ugly, that's why they don't show her around."
"Bandor!" I scolded him. "How can you say that!"
"Calm down, Mother Melle," Avok laughed, raising a placating hand. "His observation may have some merit. Don't be so hard on him."
I glared at him. "Do not encourage him," I ordered. But he just continued laughing at me. He enjoyed teasing me about how I spoke with ‘the spontaneity and affection of an experienced mother', quite accustomed to taking care of our younger sibling.
He placed his glass on the sand and reached for a piece of bread. "At this point, I'm only interested in their robot and defense systems. Maybe we could used them to improve our-"
The beeping of his comm unit interrupted him. "Bandor- I told you to turn the blasted thing off," he said, frowning.
Bandor swallowed a grape, and smiled sheepishly at him. "S-sorry, I forgot."
"Yeah, right," Avok said, reaching for the device from the picnic basket.
"Rommedalh here."
"Sire, His Majesty King Cova requests the presence of his family immediately."
"We'll be right there, Rommedalh out."
Avok dropped us off just in time for me to shower the sand from my hair and change into a blue gossamer gown. I was in the hallway when Bandor dashed out of his bedroom at his usual break-neck pace and went downstairs to the conference room. I followed at a slower pace, trailing my fingers over the carved oak railing.
Father and Avok were sitting at the table. Father glanced up from the computer printout he was reading and said, smiling, "Sit down, my children. I've got great news."
"What is it, dad?" Bandor asked.
"Zarkon has decided to listen to our plan regarding Voltron. We're leaving tomorrow at 0700."
"So soon?" I blurted out.
Dad raised a gray eyebrow at me. "Romelle, they took almost three months to grant us an audience."
"But couldn't you find another way to conquer Arus-"
He cut me short with a shake of his head. "No, child. This is the only way."
Avok leaned forward and gazed at me. "Romelle, don't worry. I'll be careful."
I was not reassured by his words. I still felt uncomfortable with the idea of Avok turning into a robeast; more so after the nightmare that I had last night. Madam Kora had told me that dreaming of falling into a pit and being hurt meant great sorrow and misfortune. But I couldn't confess to them that I was frightened because of a nightmare. So I straightened my shoulders and tried to force away my fears.
"Forgive my lapse. I'll ask the staff to prepare for our trip."
"Thank you, Romelle," father said, with an approving look.
They began to discuss the upcoming meeting, and I slipped away from the room. The castle steward tentatively approached bowing and bobbing his head, already listing the things that needed my attention.
I went to sleep that night listening to the waves lapping below, and wondering about Prince Lotor. Although I had read reports about him and his planet, I had never met him personally. That would soon change though, as the whole family is finally going to planet Doom.
Avok's warning to not become too friendly with the Prince of Doom came into my mind. I had promised to keep a safe distance from him. But he was a prince after all. He couldn't be all that bad… could he?
"Any fool can make a decision, but a real man takes responsibility for the consequences of his decisions." ~ Prince Avok.
The Polydeuces and the rest of the Polluxian fleet moved into their standard formation. Before them, the depressingly gray rock of Planet Doom was in sight.
After receiving authorization from Castle Control, the ships landed a short distance from Castle Doom. It reared up before them, black and forbidding, a colossal shadow towering godlike over lesser shadows. Its tall central spires were curved inward and sharply pointed on the tips- resembling three giant sickles. Yellow lights glowed in many of the windows like eyes in the dark. The thin gray fog that covered Doom year-round wrapped its hazy shroud around the Castle, casting a deathly pallor over their already ominous surroundings.
King Cova, Prince Avok and their entourage met with Commander Cossack and a few of his men in front of the hangar. The visitors were expecting to be greeted by King Zarkon, but the official explained that His Majesty was tied up in a meeting with the Warlords of the Empire.
The Polydeuces and the rest of the Polluxian fleet moved into their standard formation. Before them, the depressingly gray rock of Planet Doom was in sight.
After receiving authorization from Castle Control, the ships landed a short distance from Castle Doom. It reared up before them, black and forbidding, a colossal shadow towering godlike over lesser shadows. Its tall central spires were curved inward and sharply pointed on the tips- resembling three giant sickles. Yellow lights glowed in many of the windows like eyes in the dark. The thin gray fog that covered Doom year-round wrapped its hazy shroud around the Castle, casting a deathly pallor over their already ominous surroundings.
King Cova, Prince Avok and their entourage met with Commander Cossack and a few of his men in front of the hangar. The visitors were expecting to be greeted by King Zarkon, but the official explained that His Majesty was tied up in a meeting with the Warlords of the Empire.
I stood by the window of the observation room of the Polydeuces, drawing in a deep breath as I gazed out at the craggy hills of this godforsaken planet. While Pollux has an abundance of hills and mountains, it also contains trees and lush valleys. I was glad I didn't have to live in this desolate place. We have been here for only a couple of hours, and already I longed for my castle with its protection.
Bandor was sitting on the couch. He was silent, not his usual pleasant self since father ordered us to remain behind, while he and Avok talked to King Zarkon. Wearing a thundering frown that distorted the fine lines of his face, he gazed at me. "I don't like being left out," he said sullenly.
I walked over to him. "Dad thought it was best that we stay in the ship," I said gently.
"But I wanted to go with them. I'm not a child anymore."
I raised my forefinger to smooth down a tendril of his red hair. "I'm quite aware of that. You wouldn't be wearing that magnificent blue tunic and white cape if you were."
At that moment father and Avok entered the room. Father wore a short-sleeved royal-blue tunic, gray leggings and cuffed black leather boots. A white cloak was thrown back over his broad shoulders. Avok wore similar clothes, but his tunic was brown, his leggings were sage-green and his cloak was off-white with yellow lining, and his boots were brown.
"How did the meeting go?" I asked anxiously.
Father beamed. "Zarkon wants to see your brother in action. Avok will fight his fiercest robeast this afternoon," he stated proudly.
"Great!" Bandor crowed. "I can hardly wait to see Avok turn that robeast into a bloody pulp."
"We must be careful, my son," father cautioned, "Zarkon is a tricky man. He will rant and rave and try to wear us down with his dramatics."
Avok forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. "I'm prepared to show him that I can defeat Voltron."
Father patted him on the back. "Well, I'm going to my chambers to rest for a while. I suggest you do the same."
"All the excitement has made me hungry," Bandor said. "I'm going to get something to eat."
As they left the room, Avok unfastened his sword and set it upon a table. He sat on the couch in front of the window and leaned back, closing his eyes.
"Are you all right? I asked, sitting next to him and touching his arm.
He opened his eyes. With a sudden stab of fear I could see the uneasiness stirring in their depths. He seemed to hesitate for a few moments before answering me.
"Father didn't want to tell you that our encounter turned out to be a very humiliating experience. Zarkon treated us like beggars, like simpletons-" He broke off and abruptly stood up.
He squinted into the gloom of the alien landscape for a few minutes, and then, after taking a deep breath, he related their conversation.
"We had to wait at least an hour to meet King Zarkon. He sat high above in his golden throne while his son, Prince Lotor stood to his right, and witch Hagar sat on his left, with her blue cat resting on her lap. We had to kneel down and bow before them all the time."
Word for word, my brother slowly revealed to me the ugly events and the true nature of how they had come to pass.
"Your offer is very tempting," Zarkon told us lazily. "You know how much I want to conquer Arus. Tell me more."
"It's very simple, Zarkon. Hagar will turn our greatest warrior- my son Avok, into a robeast."
Zarkon's lips curled up into a smile. "Cova– it's not that simple. Have you forgotten Voltron? He's the most powerful robot in the universe. Isn't he, Lotor?" He asked his son, looking back over his shoulder. The prince nodded in agreement, grunting his response.
"I have not forgotten him," father said through clenched teeth.
"Cova- your planet was powerful once- but no longer, or you wouldn't be here. I want to be sure of your son's strength. He will fight in the arena with my best robeast."
We raised our gazes to him, as father declared, "We welcome that challenge. My son will slaughter the robeast."
At that point Lotor leaped off the dais and landed in front of us. "Ha! I would like to see that. This weakling doesn't have a chance," he said, pointing at me. His reptilian eyes filled with ill-disguised sarcasm.
"Calm down, Lotor," Zarkon chuckled. "Cova says he's a great warrior, so let him prove it."
Lotor smirked. "It's going to be a short fight," he went on. "The robeast will crush him like an insect."
I stood up and glared at him. How I wanted to wipe that obnoxious smirk from his face.
"Avok, your father claims you are Pollux's greatest warrior. Does he merely exaggerate?"
"My father has a kind tongue, Lotor. Shall we finish this quickly?"
"Very well," he continued, raising an eyebrow. "The battle will begin at 1800."
"I'll be there," I told him firmly.
As soon as my brother concluded, I came to his side. "Please Avok, let's go home. We don't deserve to be treated like this."
"No, Romelle, we must remain here and prove those bastards wrong."
I winced at the coldness of his voice. It was the tone of a Polluxian when honor and duty were at stake.
"I'm sorry for what I'm about to say, but coming here was a foolish decision."
Avok turned his brown gaze toward me, and a thick brow winged upward. "Any fool can make a decision, but a real man takes responsibility for the consequences of his decisions."
Realizing that I wouldn't be able to change his mind, I decided to offer him my support. "My dear brother, I wish you good luck. Make us proud."
He smiled softly. "Thanks, little one," he said chucking me playfully beneath my chin.
Bandor was sitting on the couch. He was silent, not his usual pleasant self since father ordered us to remain behind, while he and Avok talked to King Zarkon. Wearing a thundering frown that distorted the fine lines of his face, he gazed at me. "I don't like being left out," he said sullenly.
I walked over to him. "Dad thought it was best that we stay in the ship," I said gently.
"But I wanted to go with them. I'm not a child anymore."
I raised my forefinger to smooth down a tendril of his red hair. "I'm quite aware of that. You wouldn't be wearing that magnificent blue tunic and white cape if you were."
At that moment father and Avok entered the room. Father wore a short-sleeved royal-blue tunic, gray leggings and cuffed black leather boots. A white cloak was thrown back over his broad shoulders. Avok wore similar clothes, but his tunic was brown, his leggings were sage-green and his cloak was off-white with yellow lining, and his boots were brown.
"How did the meeting go?" I asked anxiously.
Father beamed. "Zarkon wants to see your brother in action. Avok will fight his fiercest robeast this afternoon," he stated proudly.
"Great!" Bandor crowed. "I can hardly wait to see Avok turn that robeast into a bloody pulp."
"We must be careful, my son," father cautioned, "Zarkon is a tricky man. He will rant and rave and try to wear us down with his dramatics."
Avok forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. "I'm prepared to show him that I can defeat Voltron."
Father patted him on the back. "Well, I'm going to my chambers to rest for a while. I suggest you do the same."
"All the excitement has made me hungry," Bandor said. "I'm going to get something to eat."
As they left the room, Avok unfastened his sword and set it upon a table. He sat on the couch in front of the window and leaned back, closing his eyes.
"Are you all right? I asked, sitting next to him and touching his arm.
He opened his eyes. With a sudden stab of fear I could see the uneasiness stirring in their depths. He seemed to hesitate for a few moments before answering me.
"Father didn't want to tell you that our encounter turned out to be a very humiliating experience. Zarkon treated us like beggars, like simpletons-" He broke off and abruptly stood up.
He squinted into the gloom of the alien landscape for a few minutes, and then, after taking a deep breath, he related their conversation.
"We had to wait at least an hour to meet King Zarkon. He sat high above in his golden throne while his son, Prince Lotor stood to his right, and witch Hagar sat on his left, with her blue cat resting on her lap. We had to kneel down and bow before them all the time."
Word for word, my brother slowly revealed to me the ugly events and the true nature of how they had come to pass.
"Your offer is very tempting," Zarkon told us lazily. "You know how much I want to conquer Arus. Tell me more."
"It's very simple, Zarkon. Hagar will turn our greatest warrior- my son Avok, into a robeast."
Zarkon's lips curled up into a smile. "Cova– it's not that simple. Have you forgotten Voltron? He's the most powerful robot in the universe. Isn't he, Lotor?" He asked his son, looking back over his shoulder. The prince nodded in agreement, grunting his response.
"I have not forgotten him," father said through clenched teeth.
"Cova- your planet was powerful once- but no longer, or you wouldn't be here. I want to be sure of your son's strength. He will fight in the arena with my best robeast."
We raised our gazes to him, as father declared, "We welcome that challenge. My son will slaughter the robeast."
At that point Lotor leaped off the dais and landed in front of us. "Ha! I would like to see that. This weakling doesn't have a chance," he said, pointing at me. His reptilian eyes filled with ill-disguised sarcasm.
"Calm down, Lotor," Zarkon chuckled. "Cova says he's a great warrior, so let him prove it."
Lotor smirked. "It's going to be a short fight," he went on. "The robeast will crush him like an insect."
I stood up and glared at him. How I wanted to wipe that obnoxious smirk from his face.
"Avok, your father claims you are Pollux's greatest warrior. Does he merely exaggerate?"
"My father has a kind tongue, Lotor. Shall we finish this quickly?"
"Very well," he continued, raising an eyebrow. "The battle will begin at 1800."
"I'll be there," I told him firmly.
As soon as my brother concluded, I came to his side. "Please Avok, let's go home. We don't deserve to be treated like this."
"No, Romelle, we must remain here and prove those bastards wrong."
I winced at the coldness of his voice. It was the tone of a Polluxian when honor and duty were at stake.
"I'm sorry for what I'm about to say, but coming here was a foolish decision."
Avok turned his brown gaze toward me, and a thick brow winged upward. "Any fool can make a decision, but a real man takes responsibility for the consequences of his decisions."
Realizing that I wouldn't be able to change his mind, I decided to offer him my support. "My dear brother, I wish you good luck. Make us proud."
He smiled softly. "Thanks, little one," he said chucking me playfully beneath my chin.
A few hours later…
"Hurry up, Romelle!" Bandor said excitedly, as we hurried down the stairs of the arena. "We don't want to miss the fight!"
I had planned on sitting with father and Frans to watch the fight, but Bandor had insisted on coming down to the arena. The practical side of me wanted to warn him that I couldn't run well in these sandals. I tended to twist ankles and bruise knees easily.
"You go on. I'll stay here."
He glanced back and frowned at me. "No, you won't. You're coming with me!"
Typical Rommedalh arrogance, I thought rebelliously. In ten years, Bandor would be every bit as overbearing as Avok. Nonetheless, at the moment he was only sixteen, and when I maintained a stony silence, his self-confidence seemed to desert him.
"C'mon, Melle! Let me help you- I'm liable to wind up in military school if I don't!"
I quirked an eyebrow at him. "Father wouldn't do that to you, he's very tolerant of you," I said, in a saccharine tone.
He winced. "But Avok would. He has threatened me with that prospect a few times. And I want to go with him in his campaigns around the galaxy. I know I can learn a lot from him, as much I've learned from you."
His confession was so irresistible that I found it impossible to remain angry with him. It was obvious that Bandor idolized his big brother, but I felt no jealousy. How could I, when the three of us spend such a delightful time together?
We reached the final step. By then Avok and Lotor had moved into the center of the arena. Dust swirled around them from the earth below as my brother took up his stance opposite Lotor. The Doom Prince wore a smile, which I couldn't quite interpret. What did he hope to gain from this challenge?
"Oh no!" Bandor gasped, realizing that Lotor had cornered Avok. "Come on, Avok- don't give up!"
Something had happened. My brother had allowed Lotor to best him, and that sent a panicked chill through my blood. Could Avok, with all his strength and skill be pierced by the clever thrust of a sword?
"Dear brother, win for us!" I cried.
Prince Lotor looked up, open-mouthed, and stared at us.
"My brother Avok is the greatest warrior of the entire universe. Nobody has a chance against him," Bandor said.
"He's the greatest warrior and the bravest prince," I agreed wholeheartedly.
"Hurry up, Romelle!" Bandor said excitedly, as we hurried down the stairs of the arena. "We don't want to miss the fight!"
I had planned on sitting with father and Frans to watch the fight, but Bandor had insisted on coming down to the arena. The practical side of me wanted to warn him that I couldn't run well in these sandals. I tended to twist ankles and bruise knees easily.
"You go on. I'll stay here."
He glanced back and frowned at me. "No, you won't. You're coming with me!"
Typical Rommedalh arrogance, I thought rebelliously. In ten years, Bandor would be every bit as overbearing as Avok. Nonetheless, at the moment he was only sixteen, and when I maintained a stony silence, his self-confidence seemed to desert him.
"C'mon, Melle! Let me help you- I'm liable to wind up in military school if I don't!"
I quirked an eyebrow at him. "Father wouldn't do that to you, he's very tolerant of you," I said, in a saccharine tone.
He winced. "But Avok would. He has threatened me with that prospect a few times. And I want to go with him in his campaigns around the galaxy. I know I can learn a lot from him, as much I've learned from you."
His confession was so irresistible that I found it impossible to remain angry with him. It was obvious that Bandor idolized his big brother, but I felt no jealousy. How could I, when the three of us spend such a delightful time together?
We reached the final step. By then Avok and Lotor had moved into the center of the arena. Dust swirled around them from the earth below as my brother took up his stance opposite Lotor. The Doom Prince wore a smile, which I couldn't quite interpret. What did he hope to gain from this challenge?
"Oh no!" Bandor gasped, realizing that Lotor had cornered Avok. "Come on, Avok- don't give up!"
Something had happened. My brother had allowed Lotor to best him, and that sent a panicked chill through my blood. Could Avok, with all his strength and skill be pierced by the clever thrust of a sword?
"Dear brother, win for us!" I cried.
Prince Lotor looked up, open-mouthed, and stared at us.
"My brother Avok is the greatest warrior of the entire universe. Nobody has a chance against him," Bandor said.
"He's the greatest warrior and the bravest prince," I agreed wholeheartedly.
I could hear Romelle and Bandor cheering me on. Lotor appeared to be distracted by something or someone. It was then that I tried a particularly deft move, and he seemed so surprised that he was unable to deflect the blow.
He stumbled back in horror, as his lazon sword flew away from his hands, impaling itself in the earth. The crowd gasped as I pressed my advantage, only inches from his throat. And for one instant, it seemed that I would kill him. I saw to my delight beads of perspiration forming on his forehead.
"You were lucky," Lotor croaked. "Could you give me another chance?"
I chuckled softly. It would be so easy- slashing his throat and ridding the galaxy of one demon. But then his father would not keep his part of the bargain.
"Help me with my plan and you will live, Lotor."
"It's a deal," he said, a smile touching his lips. "Hagar, come here!"
I lowered my sword and glanced back. The witch had entered the arena and was walking toward us.
"Take this brave warrior to your laboratory." Then turning his attention back to me, he said, "And fare well."
"Likewise."
"If you want to become a robeast, please follow me," the old hag offered.
"How exciting!" Bandor quipped. "Avok will become a robeast."
"More exciting will be when he destroys Voltron," I said. ~And we can leave this revenge behind us once and for all.~
"Voltron will be a mere toy before him," Bandor went on.
He stumbled back in horror, as his lazon sword flew away from his hands, impaling itself in the earth. The crowd gasped as I pressed my advantage, only inches from his throat. And for one instant, it seemed that I would kill him. I saw to my delight beads of perspiration forming on his forehead.
"You were lucky," Lotor croaked. "Could you give me another chance?"
I chuckled softly. It would be so easy- slashing his throat and ridding the galaxy of one demon. But then his father would not keep his part of the bargain.
"Help me with my plan and you will live, Lotor."
"It's a deal," he said, a smile touching his lips. "Hagar, come here!"
I lowered my sword and glanced back. The witch had entered the arena and was walking toward us.
"Take this brave warrior to your laboratory." Then turning his attention back to me, he said, "And fare well."
"Likewise."
"If you want to become a robeast, please follow me," the old hag offered.
"How exciting!" Bandor quipped. "Avok will become a robeast."
"More exciting will be when he destroys Voltron," I said. ~And we can leave this revenge behind us once and for all.~
"Voltron will be a mere toy before him," Bandor went on.
After dispatching Prince Avok, I jumped back onto the aisles and ran toward the Princess and her young companion. I stopped before her and gave her a quick bow. I couldn’t keep my gaze wandering down her body in frank admiration. She had beautiful honey blond hair. Her azure gown was a bit tight. Her breasts blossomed above the tiny row of pink lace that gathered above the bodice. Her waist was elegantly trimmed and adorned with a thin red ribbon. Her arms were delicate and her exposed feet were tiny.
I raised her hand to my lips and lightly kissed her palm. “Do you think your brother is the bravest man of the universe?”
She raised her gaze and I was struck mute. Those vivid, storm-blue eyes! They reminded me of the object of my obsession.
“Of course. I’m Princess Romelle,” she said in a husky, sensual voice. Then turning to the smiling red-haired boy, she added, “And this is my brother, Bandor.”
He gave me a quick nod.
“Please to meet you.” I proffered the young prince a mock bow; my eyes still on Romelle. “You’re as beautiful as your brother is brave.”
She offered me an engaging smile. “Bravery is something that you speak with authority, I’ve heard.”
I chuckled softly. “Fame follows me a like a bucket tied to a robeast’s tail. It makes a great deal of noise, but is damn inconvenient.”
The boy burst out laughing and Romelle giggled softly. “Milord- it’s been a pleasure meeting you…” she said, “but we must go back to father. He’s waiting for us.“
“How about a little stroll?” I blurted out, my hand closing over her slim fingers.
She hesitated for a few moments, and then looked searchingly at her brother.
“Don’t worry, Romelle. I’ll tell dad that you are with Prince Lotor.”
“Oh, all right,” she replied smiling. She picked up the skirts of her gown and we walked down the steps of the arena.
“You look so much like Princess Allura.”
“Excuse me?”
I cursed myself for my loose tongue. I whirled around and saw her questioning eyes. “Nothing. I was just thinking out loud.”
I raised her hand to my lips and lightly kissed her palm. “Do you think your brother is the bravest man of the universe?”
She raised her gaze and I was struck mute. Those vivid, storm-blue eyes! They reminded me of the object of my obsession.
“Of course. I’m Princess Romelle,” she said in a husky, sensual voice. Then turning to the smiling red-haired boy, she added, “And this is my brother, Bandor.”
He gave me a quick nod.
“Please to meet you.” I proffered the young prince a mock bow; my eyes still on Romelle. “You’re as beautiful as your brother is brave.”
She offered me an engaging smile. “Bravery is something that you speak with authority, I’ve heard.”
I chuckled softly. “Fame follows me a like a bucket tied to a robeast’s tail. It makes a great deal of noise, but is damn inconvenient.”
The boy burst out laughing and Romelle giggled softly. “Milord- it’s been a pleasure meeting you…” she said, “but we must go back to father. He’s waiting for us.“
“How about a little stroll?” I blurted out, my hand closing over her slim fingers.
She hesitated for a few moments, and then looked searchingly at her brother.
“Don’t worry, Romelle. I’ll tell dad that you are with Prince Lotor.”
“Oh, all right,” she replied smiling. She picked up the skirts of her gown and we walked down the steps of the arena.
“You look so much like Princess Allura.”
“Excuse me?”
I cursed myself for my loose tongue. I whirled around and saw her questioning eyes. “Nothing. I was just thinking out loud.”
Darkness had already come to the lower elevations, and the sun's rays crept up toward us bringing the promise of a cold night. Lotor and I had visited a barren cliff, chiseled by the winds that blew off the peaks. The site was ugly, detached and hard, just like the drones that were guarding it.
I did not intend on telling him that, so I glanced up at him and smiled. He smiled back, but then looked awkwardly away.
"I know my planet isn't as beautiful as yours," he said thoughtfully.
I gazed at him for a few moments; it was like he had been reading my thoughts. "Your planet is beautiful in its own, special way."
"We don't have too much vegetation or wildlife. But we're happy to live here."
Then we saw a flock of vultures crossing the sky and I said aloud an inconsequential thought. "What is the first thing you notice about nature?"
"The stronger animals survive and the weak die. Survival of the strongest is the principal on which I command my fleet. Those who can keep up are promoted; those who can't are left behind."
I marveled at his sudden dispassionate tone, as If I was a soldier under his command. "What about the wounded?"
He shrugged. "They are a burden."
"And what happens to them?"
"They're left behind. This is war, and war is no place for the weak." He paused for a moment and then said, "Did I shock you?"
I shook my head. "No, my father and brothers feel the same way, Milord."
"Please, call me Lotor." His voice was low and pleasant, his manner courtly, his looks as handsome as I remembered from the holopics.
And yet- there was something mysterious, unsettling in his golden eyes, like those of a feline ready to pounce.
"Why did you challenge my brother, Lotor?"
His eyes lit up with amusement. "I guess I got caught in the excitement, Princess. We were merely grown boys playing. I never meant to hurt him. Your brother has proven his prowess. He will become a robeast."
"You must be tired after that fight."
He looked down at me, and his mouth curved into a devastating smile. "I was, but seeing you has renewed my spirits."
I blinked. "Thank you, that's very kind of you," I replied, feeling my lips twitching with nervousness under his intense gaze.
We walked back to Doom Castle. Twin towers flanked the gatehouse and appeared to stand in judgement as they looked down upon us. The drones in front of them stood quietly as we crossed the dark tunnel of the gatehouse. I wondered if father was angry with me for accepting Lotor's invitation.
King Zarkon, father and Bandor joined us in the courtyard. They informed us that they had agreed on using their fleets to occupy Arus and deter any of its allies from giving them support. And because of his strength and excellent health, the process of turning Avok into a robeast would only take a couple of weeks.
"Princess," Lotor said, taking my hand. "Will you be staying while your brother prepares to be a robeast?"
I glanced at father and then back at him. "I don't know. Why?"
"Because I'm planning a dinner party this Friday. Come to the party with me and meet my friends. Please, say yes."
I winced slightly. "I'm sorry, but-"
"Excuse me, Zarkon," father broke in, turning to him. "May I speak with my daughter in private?"
"Of course, Cova," he replied smiling. "You can use my study."
I did not intend on telling him that, so I glanced up at him and smiled. He smiled back, but then looked awkwardly away.
"I know my planet isn't as beautiful as yours," he said thoughtfully.
I gazed at him for a few moments; it was like he had been reading my thoughts. "Your planet is beautiful in its own, special way."
"We don't have too much vegetation or wildlife. But we're happy to live here."
Then we saw a flock of vultures crossing the sky and I said aloud an inconsequential thought. "What is the first thing you notice about nature?"
"The stronger animals survive and the weak die. Survival of the strongest is the principal on which I command my fleet. Those who can keep up are promoted; those who can't are left behind."
I marveled at his sudden dispassionate tone, as If I was a soldier under his command. "What about the wounded?"
He shrugged. "They are a burden."
"And what happens to them?"
"They're left behind. This is war, and war is no place for the weak." He paused for a moment and then said, "Did I shock you?"
I shook my head. "No, my father and brothers feel the same way, Milord."
"Please, call me Lotor." His voice was low and pleasant, his manner courtly, his looks as handsome as I remembered from the holopics.
And yet- there was something mysterious, unsettling in his golden eyes, like those of a feline ready to pounce.
"Why did you challenge my brother, Lotor?"
His eyes lit up with amusement. "I guess I got caught in the excitement, Princess. We were merely grown boys playing. I never meant to hurt him. Your brother has proven his prowess. He will become a robeast."
"You must be tired after that fight."
He looked down at me, and his mouth curved into a devastating smile. "I was, but seeing you has renewed my spirits."
I blinked. "Thank you, that's very kind of you," I replied, feeling my lips twitching with nervousness under his intense gaze.
We walked back to Doom Castle. Twin towers flanked the gatehouse and appeared to stand in judgement as they looked down upon us. The drones in front of them stood quietly as we crossed the dark tunnel of the gatehouse. I wondered if father was angry with me for accepting Lotor's invitation.
King Zarkon, father and Bandor joined us in the courtyard. They informed us that they had agreed on using their fleets to occupy Arus and deter any of its allies from giving them support. And because of his strength and excellent health, the process of turning Avok into a robeast would only take a couple of weeks.
"Princess," Lotor said, taking my hand. "Will you be staying while your brother prepares to be a robeast?"
I glanced at father and then back at him. "I don't know. Why?"
"Because I'm planning a dinner party this Friday. Come to the party with me and meet my friends. Please, say yes."
I winced slightly. "I'm sorry, but-"
"Excuse me, Zarkon," father broke in, turning to him. "May I speak with my daughter in private?"
"Of course, Cova," he replied smiling. "You can use my study."
One of the guards led us to the study, located on the far side of the entrance hall. He opened the doors and we stepped past him into a large room, nearly the size of a ballroom. Portraits giving the room an even greater feeling of airiness and space only rarely broke the dark walls. Gold brocade curtains lined the opposite wall. At the end of the room was a huge black marble fireplace, adorned with winged robeasts. The heavy leather chairs and imposing mahogany desk added a somber look.
Father stood against the desk, folding his arms across his chest. He looked up, a welcoming smile softening his tanned features. "Romelle, I must go back to Pollux. You and Bandor shall remain here, to keep me informed about Avok's progress and as a show of my trust toward Zarkon and Lotor. I know it won't be easy; but you can do it."
I was touched by his words of praise. "You and my brothers mean everything to me." My voice caught and I bit my lip. "Please forgive me for my behavior of the previous days. I know how important it is for you to settle the score with our evil twin planet."
He leaned close to me and pressed a kiss to my forehead. At this unexpected display of affection, I looked up surprised. "What was that for?"
He smiled down at me. "For all the things you do for us, Romelle. It shames me that it took this trip to remind me. You're a good daughter," he whispered in a choked voice. "I wish your mother were here to see what a fine young woman you have become."
I felt tears stinging my eyes. "Oh, daddy-"
"There now, my child," he said gruffly, putting his strong arm around my shoulders. "We got work to do. You must not get yourself upset."
"I'm sorry," I murmured. "It's just that I'm so happy."
"Come, let's go back to the others," he concluded.
Father stood against the desk, folding his arms across his chest. He looked up, a welcoming smile softening his tanned features. "Romelle, I must go back to Pollux. You and Bandor shall remain here, to keep me informed about Avok's progress and as a show of my trust toward Zarkon and Lotor. I know it won't be easy; but you can do it."
I was touched by his words of praise. "You and my brothers mean everything to me." My voice caught and I bit my lip. "Please forgive me for my behavior of the previous days. I know how important it is for you to settle the score with our evil twin planet."
He leaned close to me and pressed a kiss to my forehead. At this unexpected display of affection, I looked up surprised. "What was that for?"
He smiled down at me. "For all the things you do for us, Romelle. It shames me that it took this trip to remind me. You're a good daughter," he whispered in a choked voice. "I wish your mother were here to see what a fine young woman you have become."
I felt tears stinging my eyes. "Oh, daddy-"
"There now, my child," he said gruffly, putting his strong arm around my shoulders. "We got work to do. You must not get yourself upset."
"I'm sorry," I murmured. "It's just that I'm so happy."
"Come, let's go back to the others," he concluded.
Two weeks later…
In the evening, as Princess Romelle and I ate dinner in a small-protected veranda that overlooked the botanical gardens, she lowered her fork to her plate and said in a soft voice, "Lotor, when do you think I will be able to see my brother?"
I sipped my wine before replying. "Avok has been receiving three daily doses of thermal laser rays for the past two weeks, and has become stronger and deadlier. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of the laser is a temporary loss of memory. Before leaving for Pollux this morning, Bandor went to the laboratory and approached him, but Avok just ignored him. I wouldn't want you to face the same awkward situation."
"I understand," she said calmly, her fingers closing about the stem of her wine goblet.
I paused for a moment, while peeling the skin off a succulent blue orange. "Most of our food is brought from the space colonies. But this fruit is an example of the wonders of Doom's genetic engineering."
I leaned forward and handed Romelle an orange slice, my fingers lightly touching the palm of her hand. She eyed the fruit suspiciously for a few seconds. "Don't pay attention to the color. It tastes quite sweet, just like Terran oranges."
I watched her nibble at the orange slice between her even white teeth and smiled as a drop of juice trickled down her chin that she quickly wiped with a napkin.
I sat back in my chair and continued, trying to sound pensive. "All our hopes are with your brother. Our kingdoms will not rest until Voltron has been neutralized, and Princess Allura admits she was wrong in not accepting a peace treaty with us."
In the evening, as Princess Romelle and I ate dinner in a small-protected veranda that overlooked the botanical gardens, she lowered her fork to her plate and said in a soft voice, "Lotor, when do you think I will be able to see my brother?"
I sipped my wine before replying. "Avok has been receiving three daily doses of thermal laser rays for the past two weeks, and has become stronger and deadlier. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of the laser is a temporary loss of memory. Before leaving for Pollux this morning, Bandor went to the laboratory and approached him, but Avok just ignored him. I wouldn't want you to face the same awkward situation."
"I understand," she said calmly, her fingers closing about the stem of her wine goblet.
I paused for a moment, while peeling the skin off a succulent blue orange. "Most of our food is brought from the space colonies. But this fruit is an example of the wonders of Doom's genetic engineering."
I leaned forward and handed Romelle an orange slice, my fingers lightly touching the palm of her hand. She eyed the fruit suspiciously for a few seconds. "Don't pay attention to the color. It tastes quite sweet, just like Terran oranges."
I watched her nibble at the orange slice between her even white teeth and smiled as a drop of juice trickled down her chin that she quickly wiped with a napkin.
I sat back in my chair and continued, trying to sound pensive. "All our hopes are with your brother. Our kingdoms will not rest until Voltron has been neutralized, and Princess Allura admits she was wrong in not accepting a peace treaty with us."
When Lotor mentioned that name, I looked up, startled. It was the same name he had said when we met for the first time.
"You have dealt with the Princess a few times. Is she really as evil as everyone says?"
He frowned slightly. "I don't think she's evil, just misguided," he replied. He uncrossed his long legs and stretched them out in front of him. My eyes were drawn momentarily to his thighs, encased in black breeches, which matched his black tunic.
"She's under the bad influence of the Galaxy Alliance," he said, handing me another orange section. "They don't understand that Pollux and Doom just want to live in peace."
After I ate the last bit of fruit, he leaned forward and gently wiped my mouth and chin with a white linen napkin.
"It's very sticky, but I hope you liked it."
"I liked it very much, Lotor. It tasted very sweet." His gentleness confused me, but I didn't draw away from his caressing fingers. He had been attentive and courteous with Bandor and me; he had taken us in various expeditions across the planet and had let him fly his cruiser at one time. He talked about his people's struggle to survive in this barren planet and the many lives that were lost fighting against the Arusians.
Bandor had shared some of our beliefs regarding honor and duty and Lotor had wholeheartedly agreed. I guess that's why our fathers had reached an understanding about Voltron.
"Let's talk about more pleasant things, Milady." He tossed down the napkin and gently wrapped his fingers around a thick strand of hair lying on my shoulder. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?"
I gasped softly. "I wish you would stop being so nice to me," I murmured, and pulled away from his hand. He grinned at me then- a boyish grin so engaging that I couldn't help but smile in response.
"But, Princess, it comes naturally to me. I'm not really such a bad fellow, you know, if you give me a chance."
I lowered my gaze, and felt my face warm. "You have done so much for my family, that I don't know how to thank you…"
"You have dealt with the Princess a few times. Is she really as evil as everyone says?"
He frowned slightly. "I don't think she's evil, just misguided," he replied. He uncrossed his long legs and stretched them out in front of him. My eyes were drawn momentarily to his thighs, encased in black breeches, which matched his black tunic.
"She's under the bad influence of the Galaxy Alliance," he said, handing me another orange section. "They don't understand that Pollux and Doom just want to live in peace."
After I ate the last bit of fruit, he leaned forward and gently wiped my mouth and chin with a white linen napkin.
"It's very sticky, but I hope you liked it."
"I liked it very much, Lotor. It tasted very sweet." His gentleness confused me, but I didn't draw away from his caressing fingers. He had been attentive and courteous with Bandor and me; he had taken us in various expeditions across the planet and had let him fly his cruiser at one time. He talked about his people's struggle to survive in this barren planet and the many lives that were lost fighting against the Arusians.
Bandor had shared some of our beliefs regarding honor and duty and Lotor had wholeheartedly agreed. I guess that's why our fathers had reached an understanding about Voltron.
"Let's talk about more pleasant things, Milady." He tossed down the napkin and gently wrapped his fingers around a thick strand of hair lying on my shoulder. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?"
I gasped softly. "I wish you would stop being so nice to me," I murmured, and pulled away from his hand. He grinned at me then- a boyish grin so engaging that I couldn't help but smile in response.
"But, Princess, it comes naturally to me. I'm not really such a bad fellow, you know, if you give me a chance."
I lowered my gaze, and felt my face warm. "You have done so much for my family, that I don't know how to thank you…"
As I looked at Romelle, with her eyes downcast, her rosy cheeks and sensuous mouth, I couldn't help think that she was an exquisite creature… just like her distant cousin. She's inexperienced and has been sheltered by her family. His father has allowed her to refuse the eligible suitors who have come courting her. She's perhaps a little too obsessed with her brothers and her planet, but her beauty makes it possible to overlook her behavior. Besides, once Avok destroys Voltron and I have control over Pollux, I will make her change her ways.
And I will enjoy sharing my bed with her.
My eyes fell to the white expanse of bosom that swelled above her pale blue silk bodice, and I suddenly felt a surge of lust passing through my veins. Since meeting Romelle, I have envisioned many times possessing her body. Her long legs wrapped about me, drawing me deep inside of her, while moaning my name in ecstasy. How I wanted to touch her, taste her secret softness with my tongue-
I closed my eyes and try to suppress the groan of sheer pleasure that threatens to escape me.
"Lotor?"
I quickly opened my eyes and looked straight into hers. "There's no need, Milady. My only wish is to please you." ~Besides, you will soon compensate me by letting me cross the pillars of your thighs.~
She blushed furiously at the suggestive manner in which I spoke. Pushing back her chair, she rose abruptly. "Excuse me, but I want to retire."
I rose leisurely and walked to her. I drew her hand through my arm and escorted her to her bedchambers. Her head came to my shoulder and I had to tilt my head in order to speak to her. I kept pointing out things in the corridors that I wished for her to see, and to keep her from noticing that I seldom took my eyes off her.
And I will enjoy sharing my bed with her.
My eyes fell to the white expanse of bosom that swelled above her pale blue silk bodice, and I suddenly felt a surge of lust passing through my veins. Since meeting Romelle, I have envisioned many times possessing her body. Her long legs wrapped about me, drawing me deep inside of her, while moaning my name in ecstasy. How I wanted to touch her, taste her secret softness with my tongue-
I closed my eyes and try to suppress the groan of sheer pleasure that threatens to escape me.
"Lotor?"
I quickly opened my eyes and looked straight into hers. "There's no need, Milady. My only wish is to please you." ~Besides, you will soon compensate me by letting me cross the pillars of your thighs.~
She blushed furiously at the suggestive manner in which I spoke. Pushing back her chair, she rose abruptly. "Excuse me, but I want to retire."
I rose leisurely and walked to her. I drew her hand through my arm and escorted her to her bedchambers. Her head came to my shoulder and I had to tilt my head in order to speak to her. I kept pointing out things in the corridors that I wished for her to see, and to keep her from noticing that I seldom took my eyes off her.
When Lotor and I reached my bedroom, he turned to me and said, "Princess, I have a surprise for you."
"What is it?"
"Avok is ready to face Voltron. Tomorrow we are going to Pollux to give your father and Bandor the great news."
"Oh, yes!" I sighed happily, "I miss them so much."
His thick white eyebrows drew together in a frown. "Does that mean that I've been a terrible host?"
I regarded him for a few moments; his expression appeared to be contrite, and I quickly shook my head. "No, it's just that I feel bad for taking you away from your duties."
His azure features softened. "My only concern was to make your stay as pleasant as possible. And I hope this is not the last time that you honor us with your beautiful presence."
I smiled at him. "Thank you, I had a great time. Well, I'm going to tell my ladies in waiting the wonderful news. Good-"
Suddenly, he placed one hand on each side of my waist and I instinctively stiffened, my hands flying up to push against his chest. Lotor bent his head and kissed me on the left temple, slowly trailing his mouth across my face to nuzzle my lips, and then continued across my right cheek to bestow a light kiss against my neck just below my right ear.
His teasing sensuality left me breathless and confused. There was no doubt that Lotor had deliberately sought to arouse me, and his triumphant smile told me that he knew he had succeeded. My hands had curled themselves into tight fists that clutched his tunic; he unfolded them into his own hands and eased them down.
"Good night, Princess," he murmured, and then strolled away.
I just stood there embarrassed by the intensity of my response to what I suspected was no more than impulsive teasing. Thank Goodness I was leaving this place and never coming back! I turned on my heel, punched in the password, and walked quickly into my room, closing the door behind me.
"What is it?"
"Avok is ready to face Voltron. Tomorrow we are going to Pollux to give your father and Bandor the great news."
"Oh, yes!" I sighed happily, "I miss them so much."
His thick white eyebrows drew together in a frown. "Does that mean that I've been a terrible host?"
I regarded him for a few moments; his expression appeared to be contrite, and I quickly shook my head. "No, it's just that I feel bad for taking you away from your duties."
His azure features softened. "My only concern was to make your stay as pleasant as possible. And I hope this is not the last time that you honor us with your beautiful presence."
I smiled at him. "Thank you, I had a great time. Well, I'm going to tell my ladies in waiting the wonderful news. Good-"
Suddenly, he placed one hand on each side of my waist and I instinctively stiffened, my hands flying up to push against his chest. Lotor bent his head and kissed me on the left temple, slowly trailing his mouth across my face to nuzzle my lips, and then continued across my right cheek to bestow a light kiss against my neck just below my right ear.
His teasing sensuality left me breathless and confused. There was no doubt that Lotor had deliberately sought to arouse me, and his triumphant smile told me that he knew he had succeeded. My hands had curled themselves into tight fists that clutched his tunic; he unfolded them into his own hands and eased them down.
"Good night, Princess," he murmured, and then strolled away.
I just stood there embarrassed by the intensity of my response to what I suspected was no more than impulsive teasing. Thank Goodness I was leaving this place and never coming back! I turned on my heel, punched in the password, and walked quickly into my room, closing the door behind me.
Father and I were on the hangar when the Doom destroyer carrying my siblings and Prince Lotor arrived. A Polluxian legion garbed in ceremonial yellow tunics and shiny helmets stood solemnly at the foot of the ramp. A big crowd had come to greet them. They had brought banners with messages for Lotor and the ground was covered with a carpet of rose petals.
The main hatch of the vessel opened. Lotor stood there imposingly, his hand on his hip as he looked at us. A smiling Romelle was behind him.
We kneeled before him, and bowed our heads. "Hail Prince Lotor, son of Zarkon, master of Planet Doom!" The crowd cheered repeatedly.
I sneaked a look at him. Lotor is great… but my brother Avok is greater, he's even greater than Voltron!
The main hatch of the vessel opened. Lotor stood there imposingly, his hand on his hip as he looked at us. A smiling Romelle was behind him.
We kneeled before him, and bowed our heads. "Hail Prince Lotor, son of Zarkon, master of Planet Doom!" The crowd cheered repeatedly.
I sneaked a look at him. Lotor is great… but my brother Avok is greater, he's even greater than Voltron!
"Well, King Cova," Lotor said. "Are you ready to face the greatest robeast of them all?"
"Yes, I'm ready," I replied, giving him a quick nod. "And eager to divide Planet Arus among us."
The Prince smiled. "Very well, let the fun begin! Witch Hagar has created a masterpiece with Avok." Then turning to Cossack, he shouted, "Bring him!"
"Yes, sire," he replied, placing a clenched fist to his chest and bowing.
We glanced back and saw a black casket being carried out from the destroyer. One of the Doom guards opened the box, and I was struck mute. My son looked completely different. He had cerulean features like Lotor and his eyes were golden and without pupils, like Cossack's. He wore a gorget to protect his neck; a breastplate and backplate were buckled to his torso. They had fastened padded plates around his arms and legs and locked his feet into steel boots.
"Hagar says that the robeast she made of your son is her greatest creation," Lotor volunteered. "He's bigger and quicker than Voltron, and stronger too."
The sunlight shone about him and reflected off his armor, until with squinted eyes I could only see him as a stranger bathed in light.
"Because Avok wanted to be a robeast," the Prince continued, "Hagar could do wonders with him. He was able to absorb ten million units of thermal laser rays. No human has being able to resist half that amount."
I nodded approvingly and then turning to my assistant, said, "Frans, did you send the ultimatum to Planet Arus?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Very well, in the meantime we'll continue with the program." Then turning back to my guest, I said, "Prince Lotor?"
But he didn't reply. He seemed to be deep in thought. And I guessed they were pleasant thoughts, because of the mischievous smile on his face. How does the old saying go? He, who laughs alone, is probably remembering his evil deeds… or planning new ones?
"Prince Lotor," I insisted, placing a hand on his shoulder.
He came out of his reverie. "Yes, King Cova?"
"We have prepared entertainment for you. After showing you to your chambers, we shall attend the Circus Maximus for the chariot races. Then we'll have a banquet at the castle."
He gave a quick nod. "That's very kind of you, Your Highness. I'm eager to see how the Polluxians entertain themselves."
"Yes, I'm ready," I replied, giving him a quick nod. "And eager to divide Planet Arus among us."
The Prince smiled. "Very well, let the fun begin! Witch Hagar has created a masterpiece with Avok." Then turning to Cossack, he shouted, "Bring him!"
"Yes, sire," he replied, placing a clenched fist to his chest and bowing.
We glanced back and saw a black casket being carried out from the destroyer. One of the Doom guards opened the box, and I was struck mute. My son looked completely different. He had cerulean features like Lotor and his eyes were golden and without pupils, like Cossack's. He wore a gorget to protect his neck; a breastplate and backplate were buckled to his torso. They had fastened padded plates around his arms and legs and locked his feet into steel boots.
"Hagar says that the robeast she made of your son is her greatest creation," Lotor volunteered. "He's bigger and quicker than Voltron, and stronger too."
The sunlight shone about him and reflected off his armor, until with squinted eyes I could only see him as a stranger bathed in light.
"Because Avok wanted to be a robeast," the Prince continued, "Hagar could do wonders with him. He was able to absorb ten million units of thermal laser rays. No human has being able to resist half that amount."
I nodded approvingly and then turning to my assistant, said, "Frans, did you send the ultimatum to Planet Arus?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Very well, in the meantime we'll continue with the program." Then turning back to my guest, I said, "Prince Lotor?"
But he didn't reply. He seemed to be deep in thought. And I guessed they were pleasant thoughts, because of the mischievous smile on his face. How does the old saying go? He, who laughs alone, is probably remembering his evil deeds… or planning new ones?
"Prince Lotor," I insisted, placing a hand on his shoulder.
He came out of his reverie. "Yes, King Cova?"
"We have prepared entertainment for you. After showing you to your chambers, we shall attend the Circus Maximus for the chariot races. Then we'll have a banquet at the castle."
He gave a quick nod. "That's very kind of you, Your Highness. I'm eager to see how the Polluxians entertain themselves."
[After the banquet, a secret meeting takes place in Polydeuces Castle. King Cova and the Polluxian Senate discuss their alliance with the Doom Empire]
"King Zarkon and Prince Lotor are fools if they think we will share Arus with them!"
"Your plan is brilliant, Your Majesty," Frans said admiringly. "Not only are we going to conquer Arus, but we'll finish Zarkon too."
Jesper leaned forward. "We must destroy Voltron," he remarked.
"That will be easy. My son is now the most powerful robeast of the galaxy, thanks to Hagar, Zarkon's witch. I will dominate Arus and Pollux, and then the entire universe!"
"Hail King Cova!" the Senate chanted. "Hail Prince Avok!"
"Gentlemen," I said, raising a placating hand. "I ask you to keep your enthusiasm to yourselves for the time being. We must hide this plan from Zarkon and Lotor."
"King Zarkon and Prince Lotor are fools if they think we will share Arus with them!"
"Your plan is brilliant, Your Majesty," Frans said admiringly. "Not only are we going to conquer Arus, but we'll finish Zarkon too."
Jesper leaned forward. "We must destroy Voltron," he remarked.
"That will be easy. My son is now the most powerful robeast of the galaxy, thanks to Hagar, Zarkon's witch. I will dominate Arus and Pollux, and then the entire universe!"
"Hail King Cova!" the Senate chanted. "Hail Prince Avok!"
"Gentlemen," I said, raising a placating hand. "I ask you to keep your enthusiasm to yourselves for the time being. We must hide this plan from Zarkon and Lotor."
"Don't believe everything Lotor tells you." ~ Princess Romelle.
I'm so tired. I had to sit next to Lotor in the royal box of the coliseum to watch the races- all three of them. Don't get me wrong, I like chariot racing, especially when Avok takes part in them. Chariots are pulled by four horses, and are driven seven times around the ring at extremely high speed. Great skill is needed and sometimes accidents happen, and drivers are often trampled to death. Today we almost lost the driver of the red team; fortunately, he was taken out of the arena just in time.
But what disturbed me the most was the evil glint I saw in Lotor's eyes, when Maximus lost control of the chariot and was dragged by the horses a few feet before releasing the reins. When I questioned Lotor about it, he said that the driver's red uniform reminded him of his worst enemy. I wonder whom he was referring to.
For these races there were five teams- black, red, blue, green and yellow, and their fans wore these colors. Lotor placed huge bets on the blue team and won a considerable amount. He laughingly mentioned something about being lucky in cards, but unlucky in love.
That's hard to believe, considering that he has a harem. I learned about it quite by accident, while I was in Doom. I was on my way to the botanical gardens with Helena, Octavia and Astrid, when we saw a group of scantily dressed young women running toward Lotor's chambers.
I know that in some cultures, princes and kings have harems, even though some of them are married. But here in Pollux, we follow traditional values typical of a conservative society with strong family networks. We are serious about our responsibilities and steadfast in the belief that all Polluxians owe loyalty to family, authority and to our God.
After checking tomorrow's schedule with the steward, I went to my bedroom. Bandor joined me moments later, saying that he couldn't sleep because of all the excitement.
We stood in front of the open window, gazing at the brilliant constellations. The weather had turned glorious and warm after an early evening shower. I sniffed the tangy salt smell of the sea and enjoyed the wind slapping lightly at my cheeks.
"Since my brother turned into a robeast," Bandor said thoughtfully, "he doesn't recognize me. But after he defeats Voltron, he will be a person once again."
I was gazing into his freckled face, when suddenly it glowed. I looked up for the source of that light and saw our twin planet. "Oh look," I sighed. "That's Arus. What a beautiful sight."
Bandor frowned at the celestial spectacle. "By tomorrow we shall have conquered it," he said in a dismissing tone. "You should be happy."
"No," I replied, shaking my head. "War isn't something to be happy about."
"Oh, yes it is! Lotor promised me that after Avok finishes with Voltron, I will have my own castle."
Placing a hand on his shoulder, I said, "Don't believe everything Lotor tells you."
He grimaced. "Melle! That's not true. He promised me-"
He suddenly broke off and turned his attention to the door.
"What is it?"
"Someone is in the hallway," he replied, reaching for his sword. "I'll go and take a look."
"I'm coming with you."
"No, you'll stay here," he ordered, pressing a button on the control panel. "It's probably one of Lotor's soldiers in his watch. But I want to be sure."
"Okay, I'll be waiting."
I'm so tired. I had to sit next to Lotor in the royal box of the coliseum to watch the races- all three of them. Don't get me wrong, I like chariot racing, especially when Avok takes part in them. Chariots are pulled by four horses, and are driven seven times around the ring at extremely high speed. Great skill is needed and sometimes accidents happen, and drivers are often trampled to death. Today we almost lost the driver of the red team; fortunately, he was taken out of the arena just in time.
But what disturbed me the most was the evil glint I saw in Lotor's eyes, when Maximus lost control of the chariot and was dragged by the horses a few feet before releasing the reins. When I questioned Lotor about it, he said that the driver's red uniform reminded him of his worst enemy. I wonder whom he was referring to.
For these races there were five teams- black, red, blue, green and yellow, and their fans wore these colors. Lotor placed huge bets on the blue team and won a considerable amount. He laughingly mentioned something about being lucky in cards, but unlucky in love.
That's hard to believe, considering that he has a harem. I learned about it quite by accident, while I was in Doom. I was on my way to the botanical gardens with Helena, Octavia and Astrid, when we saw a group of scantily dressed young women running toward Lotor's chambers.
I know that in some cultures, princes and kings have harems, even though some of them are married. But here in Pollux, we follow traditional values typical of a conservative society with strong family networks. We are serious about our responsibilities and steadfast in the belief that all Polluxians owe loyalty to family, authority and to our God.
After checking tomorrow's schedule with the steward, I went to my bedroom. Bandor joined me moments later, saying that he couldn't sleep because of all the excitement.
We stood in front of the open window, gazing at the brilliant constellations. The weather had turned glorious and warm after an early evening shower. I sniffed the tangy salt smell of the sea and enjoyed the wind slapping lightly at my cheeks.
"Since my brother turned into a robeast," Bandor said thoughtfully, "he doesn't recognize me. But after he defeats Voltron, he will be a person once again."
I was gazing into his freckled face, when suddenly it glowed. I looked up for the source of that light and saw our twin planet. "Oh look," I sighed. "That's Arus. What a beautiful sight."
Bandor frowned at the celestial spectacle. "By tomorrow we shall have conquered it," he said in a dismissing tone. "You should be happy."
"No," I replied, shaking my head. "War isn't something to be happy about."
"Oh, yes it is! Lotor promised me that after Avok finishes with Voltron, I will have my own castle."
Placing a hand on his shoulder, I said, "Don't believe everything Lotor tells you."
He grimaced. "Melle! That's not true. He promised me-"
He suddenly broke off and turned his attention to the door.
"What is it?"
"Someone is in the hallway," he replied, reaching for his sword. "I'll go and take a look."
"I'm coming with you."
"No, you'll stay here," he ordered, pressing a button on the control panel. "It's probably one of Lotor's soldiers in his watch. But I want to be sure."
"Okay, I'll be waiting."
I stepped out of my sister's room. I turned to my right and saw a man in the far corner of the hallway; he was about my height, dressed in a pilot's ornate white and green uniform. He was standing next to an antique armor. The distance between us grew smaller and smaller, until his back made contact with my sword. He cursed softly and immediately raised his arms. Slowly, he turned around and gazed at me, all wide-eyed. He couldn't be older than sixteen.
"I don't know who you are, so you better start talking."
"I don't know what you want to talk about," the intruder squeaked. "Why don't you go first?"
I pointed my sword at him. "Very funny- don't play dumb with me. You must be a spy!"
"Uh," he uttered, his face draining of color.
"Pidge– why did you stop?"
I looked past him and saw a young woman coming toward us, followed by three men; two were of medium built, the third one was heavyset. They were also dressed in pilot's white uniforms, but ornate in pink, red, blue, and yellow.
I blinked a few times. My God, I must be imagining things, that girl looks just like my sister!
At that precise moment, Romelle appeared in the hallway and said, "Bandor– I couldn't wait any longer. What's wrong?"
Romelle and the girl stopped on their tracks, and stared at each other in shock.
"She looks just like Allura's sister," the man in yellow said, unable to hide his astonishment.
"Boy! Am I glad I have my glasses on," the one called Pidge blurted out.
"You must be the Princess of Pollux," the girl noted.
She gave a quick nod. "I'm Romelle."
"I'm Princess Allura, of Arus."
Romelle took a stumbling step backward, her eyes locked upon her reflection. Why didn't Lotor tell us that my sister and the Princess looked so much alike? This is so weird!
"They're distant cousins, but the resemblance is amazing," the one in red remarked.
The other men nodded in agreement, their eyes full of awe.
Allura turned to Romelle. "If there's going to be peace, we must begin here," she stated.
I stepped between them and glared at her. "Who said anything about peace?" I asked. "When the battle begins, not even Voltron will be able to save you!"
"You don't understand, we didn't come here to fight," Pidge said.
"Enough talk! All of you are my prisoners!" I shouted, and waved my sword at the Princess. But the guy in yellow leapt forward, yanking the weapon from my hand and throwing me to the floor.
"Ugh!"
"Hey!" He growled, giving me a menacing look. "What do you think you're doing?!"
"Romelle, between us we can achieve peace," Princess Allura said desperately, and a tear rolled down her cheek. The pilot in red immediately went to her side, and took control of the situation.
"Your Highness, my name is Keith. I'm the pilot of Black Lion, and commander of the Voltron Force. Please, listen to Princess Allura," he said urgently. "It's time to end this animosity between Arus and Pollux."
"I'm Lance," the man in blue volunteered. "Pilot of Red Lion. Your family is making a big mistake by joining Zarkon and Lotor. They're only using you."
"And I'm Hunk, pilot of Yellow Lion," the brawny one said, offering me his hand. "We're not your enemies. Lotor and his people are."
Romelle and I just looked at each other. We didn't know what to think. Could they be telling the truth? Was it possible that Lotor had ulterior motives?
While they were talking, I noticed that Pidge had walked to the window. He looked down and gasped loudly. "Guys!" he said in a tight voice. "I think we're surrounded."
I joined him at the window, and realized that it wasn't our infantry he was talking about. Lotor's army was sprawled in the courtyard. Witch Hagar stood there, with her blue cat in her arms. Then I heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching us quickly. Pidge and I turned around and saw Cossack and his men in the hallway.
"There they are," his voice a reptilian hiss. "Fire!"
We were caught in a flurry of lasers. I ran to my sister and shoved her hard to one side. "Romelle- let's get out of here! Cossack will take care of them!"
"But we must help them!" she cried out.
The Voltron Force responded to the attack with their laser guns, but was quickly outnumbered. I heard their leader shout, "Team! I want you to follow me. We must form Voltron!"
I took my sister's hand and began to pull. "C'mon Melle. We must tell father about this!"
"I don't know who you are, so you better start talking."
"I don't know what you want to talk about," the intruder squeaked. "Why don't you go first?"
I pointed my sword at him. "Very funny- don't play dumb with me. You must be a spy!"
"Uh," he uttered, his face draining of color.
"Pidge– why did you stop?"
I looked past him and saw a young woman coming toward us, followed by three men; two were of medium built, the third one was heavyset. They were also dressed in pilot's white uniforms, but ornate in pink, red, blue, and yellow.
I blinked a few times. My God, I must be imagining things, that girl looks just like my sister!
At that precise moment, Romelle appeared in the hallway and said, "Bandor– I couldn't wait any longer. What's wrong?"
Romelle and the girl stopped on their tracks, and stared at each other in shock.
"She looks just like Allura's sister," the man in yellow said, unable to hide his astonishment.
"Boy! Am I glad I have my glasses on," the one called Pidge blurted out.
"You must be the Princess of Pollux," the girl noted.
She gave a quick nod. "I'm Romelle."
"I'm Princess Allura, of Arus."
Romelle took a stumbling step backward, her eyes locked upon her reflection. Why didn't Lotor tell us that my sister and the Princess looked so much alike? This is so weird!
"They're distant cousins, but the resemblance is amazing," the one in red remarked.
The other men nodded in agreement, their eyes full of awe.
Allura turned to Romelle. "If there's going to be peace, we must begin here," she stated.
I stepped between them and glared at her. "Who said anything about peace?" I asked. "When the battle begins, not even Voltron will be able to save you!"
"You don't understand, we didn't come here to fight," Pidge said.
"Enough talk! All of you are my prisoners!" I shouted, and waved my sword at the Princess. But the guy in yellow leapt forward, yanking the weapon from my hand and throwing me to the floor.
"Ugh!"
"Hey!" He growled, giving me a menacing look. "What do you think you're doing?!"
"Romelle, between us we can achieve peace," Princess Allura said desperately, and a tear rolled down her cheek. The pilot in red immediately went to her side, and took control of the situation.
"Your Highness, my name is Keith. I'm the pilot of Black Lion, and commander of the Voltron Force. Please, listen to Princess Allura," he said urgently. "It's time to end this animosity between Arus and Pollux."
"I'm Lance," the man in blue volunteered. "Pilot of Red Lion. Your family is making a big mistake by joining Zarkon and Lotor. They're only using you."
"And I'm Hunk, pilot of Yellow Lion," the brawny one said, offering me his hand. "We're not your enemies. Lotor and his people are."
Romelle and I just looked at each other. We didn't know what to think. Could they be telling the truth? Was it possible that Lotor had ulterior motives?
While they were talking, I noticed that Pidge had walked to the window. He looked down and gasped loudly. "Guys!" he said in a tight voice. "I think we're surrounded."
I joined him at the window, and realized that it wasn't our infantry he was talking about. Lotor's army was sprawled in the courtyard. Witch Hagar stood there, with her blue cat in her arms. Then I heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching us quickly. Pidge and I turned around and saw Cossack and his men in the hallway.
"There they are," his voice a reptilian hiss. "Fire!"
We were caught in a flurry of lasers. I ran to my sister and shoved her hard to one side. "Romelle- let's get out of here! Cossack will take care of them!"
"But we must help them!" she cried out.
The Voltron Force responded to the attack with their laser guns, but was quickly outnumbered. I heard their leader shout, "Team! I want you to follow me. We must form Voltron!"
I took my sister's hand and began to pull. "C'mon Melle. We must tell father about this!"
We found father in the conference room talking with Frans, his faithful assistant.
"The Voltron Force is here?" Father demanded, hitting the table with his fist "How is it possible that our defense was breached so foolishly? No one has lay siege to us in one hundred years!"
Frans grimaced. "Your Majesty, they used the underground aqueduct system to gain entrance to the castle. The guards found a trail of hiking knives on the east wall of the castle. They lead to a window in the fifth floor, where Her Highness' chambers are located. Commander Cossack and his men are still looking for them."
"They won't get away," father said, his even tone betraying nothing of his anger.
I took a deep breath, then came forward and touched his arm. "Father," I said. "They want to talk about peace."
"Romelle, don't you understand? They had come with false pretenses. They know that Lotor will consider any form of alliance with them as an act of treason and he could retaliate against us!"
He stared at me as If I was his foot soldier and not his daughter. Never have I experienced his great anger, but still I refused to allow my father to overcome my determination.
"Princess Allura and her champions are not evil. When Cossack discovered us talking in the hallway, he ordered his men to shoot, not caring that Bandor and I were in the line of-"
A guard broke into the room. "Sire!" he cried. "His Majesty, Prince Avok is fighting with Voltron!"
Father jumped from his seat. "Who gave the order to release my son?!"
"Commander Cossack, Your Highness."
"They're making decisions without consulting me!" Father shouted, his grizzled face reddening. "That wasn't part of the deal."
We ran out the door, down the stairs, and through the common room. We quickly reached and descended the narrow stairs built into the wall beside the river and came to a halt. The courtyard was in an uproar as the two giants battled fiercely.
I held my breath. It was not a pretty sight watching Avok and Voltron bent on destroying each other, while father and Bandor shouted encouragement. I wanted to stop this confrontation, this anger, this confusion- and the treaty with Zarkon and Lotor.
Avok lunched forward and up, grabbing Voltron by the neck like an unwanted puppy. He gave him a vicious shake, and then tossed him against the wall. The robot crumpled to the ground and remained still.
"He got him! I knew he would!" Bandor said exhilarated. "Destroy him, brother. Destroy him!" he cried, cupping his hand around his mouth.
My brother leaned over and reached for Voltron's head, when suddenly, fire came out of Black Lion's maw, enveloping his face. He cried out and stumbled backwards. Voltron jumped to his feet and lunged at Avok. They crashed onto the concrete wall again, and rolled across the yard, ending up in the river.
They got to their feet, knee-deep in water. Avok took up his stance opposite Voltron. When he was about to strike, the robot was engulfed by a magnetic glow that reached my brother, making him shriek in pain, dropping to his knees.
"Son!" Father gasped loudly. "What have I done?"
My stomach tightened with dread as I heard his words. I clutched his hand and prayed to God that Avok would rise.
"Come on Avok," Bandor pleaded, "Get up!"
Slowly, Avok rose to his feet. His face had gone pale and hard with anger. Then we heard a humming sound. We looked up and saw a swarm of Doom fighters coming toward Voltron and Avok. Their lasers hit my brother repeatedly, but instead of faltering, he became furious and began batting at the ships, as if they were pesky insects. He caught some of them and crushed with his bare hands.
The attack intensified, and then a laser hit him on the back, making him fall to the water face down.
"Oh no!" I gasped, my hands flying to my face. "He's hurt!" Through a buzzing haze, I heard my father's hoarse oath, and Bandor's simple, "My God."
"Come back, Avok!" I screamed, but he floated like one dead. Was he gone from us, leaving us all alone to face a madman?
"Swim underwater!" Bandor shouted.
"I must help him," I declared, and ran to the edge of the river. "Swim toward the sea!"
"Romelle! Look out!" Father cried.
I glanced back and saw four Doom soldiers coming toward me.
"Run!" Bandor shouted, motioning me to the castle. I tried to escape, but two of the Drules clasped me by the arms, yanking me away.
"Let me go!" I demanded, struggling against my captors. One of them wiped a gloved hand across his mouth. "Calm down, Princess," he said mockingly. "We'll let His Majesty Prince Lotor decide what to do with you."
"I detest Lotor!"
"I'm sure His Lordship will change that," the other man said, leering at me. I felt my face flush with humiliation as they began to laugh at me.
"My father and brother will rescue me, and they will have all of you-" I struggled to think of the worst torture they could endure, but my sheltered experience left me at a loss. "-Severely punished!"
They continued laughing as they dragged me toward the destroyer. I heard my father and Bandor shouting my name, and a thought assaulted my mind- will I ever see them again?
"The Voltron Force is here?" Father demanded, hitting the table with his fist "How is it possible that our defense was breached so foolishly? No one has lay siege to us in one hundred years!"
Frans grimaced. "Your Majesty, they used the underground aqueduct system to gain entrance to the castle. The guards found a trail of hiking knives on the east wall of the castle. They lead to a window in the fifth floor, where Her Highness' chambers are located. Commander Cossack and his men are still looking for them."
"They won't get away," father said, his even tone betraying nothing of his anger.
I took a deep breath, then came forward and touched his arm. "Father," I said. "They want to talk about peace."
"Romelle, don't you understand? They had come with false pretenses. They know that Lotor will consider any form of alliance with them as an act of treason and he could retaliate against us!"
He stared at me as If I was his foot soldier and not his daughter. Never have I experienced his great anger, but still I refused to allow my father to overcome my determination.
"Princess Allura and her champions are not evil. When Cossack discovered us talking in the hallway, he ordered his men to shoot, not caring that Bandor and I were in the line of-"
A guard broke into the room. "Sire!" he cried. "His Majesty, Prince Avok is fighting with Voltron!"
Father jumped from his seat. "Who gave the order to release my son?!"
"Commander Cossack, Your Highness."
"They're making decisions without consulting me!" Father shouted, his grizzled face reddening. "That wasn't part of the deal."
We ran out the door, down the stairs, and through the common room. We quickly reached and descended the narrow stairs built into the wall beside the river and came to a halt. The courtyard was in an uproar as the two giants battled fiercely.
I held my breath. It was not a pretty sight watching Avok and Voltron bent on destroying each other, while father and Bandor shouted encouragement. I wanted to stop this confrontation, this anger, this confusion- and the treaty with Zarkon and Lotor.
Avok lunched forward and up, grabbing Voltron by the neck like an unwanted puppy. He gave him a vicious shake, and then tossed him against the wall. The robot crumpled to the ground and remained still.
"He got him! I knew he would!" Bandor said exhilarated. "Destroy him, brother. Destroy him!" he cried, cupping his hand around his mouth.
My brother leaned over and reached for Voltron's head, when suddenly, fire came out of Black Lion's maw, enveloping his face. He cried out and stumbled backwards. Voltron jumped to his feet and lunged at Avok. They crashed onto the concrete wall again, and rolled across the yard, ending up in the river.
They got to their feet, knee-deep in water. Avok took up his stance opposite Voltron. When he was about to strike, the robot was engulfed by a magnetic glow that reached my brother, making him shriek in pain, dropping to his knees.
"Son!" Father gasped loudly. "What have I done?"
My stomach tightened with dread as I heard his words. I clutched his hand and prayed to God that Avok would rise.
"Come on Avok," Bandor pleaded, "Get up!"
Slowly, Avok rose to his feet. His face had gone pale and hard with anger. Then we heard a humming sound. We looked up and saw a swarm of Doom fighters coming toward Voltron and Avok. Their lasers hit my brother repeatedly, but instead of faltering, he became furious and began batting at the ships, as if they were pesky insects. He caught some of them and crushed with his bare hands.
The attack intensified, and then a laser hit him on the back, making him fall to the water face down.
"Oh no!" I gasped, my hands flying to my face. "He's hurt!" Through a buzzing haze, I heard my father's hoarse oath, and Bandor's simple, "My God."
"Come back, Avok!" I screamed, but he floated like one dead. Was he gone from us, leaving us all alone to face a madman?
"Swim underwater!" Bandor shouted.
"I must help him," I declared, and ran to the edge of the river. "Swim toward the sea!"
"Romelle! Look out!" Father cried.
I glanced back and saw four Doom soldiers coming toward me.
"Run!" Bandor shouted, motioning me to the castle. I tried to escape, but two of the Drules clasped me by the arms, yanking me away.
"Let me go!" I demanded, struggling against my captors. One of them wiped a gloved hand across his mouth. "Calm down, Princess," he said mockingly. "We'll let His Majesty Prince Lotor decide what to do with you."
"I detest Lotor!"
"I'm sure His Lordship will change that," the other man said, leering at me. I felt my face flush with humiliation as they began to laugh at me.
"My father and brother will rescue me, and they will have all of you-" I struggled to think of the worst torture they could endure, but my sheltered experience left me at a loss. "-Severely punished!"
They continued laughing as they dragged me toward the destroyer. I heard my father and Bandor shouting my name, and a thought assaulted my mind- will I ever see them again?
The walk through the depths of the ship was one of the most humiliating moments of my life. Every guard and drone stared or smirked until I had no choice but to raise my chin and try to look defiant. Finally I was led me into the bridge. Lotor was there, and I felt a chill as I saw the deep frown and the taut line on his jaw.
"Romelle," he said, stretching out his hand toward me. "Come here."
"Go to hell," I replied for the first time in my life, and it felt pretty good. I took a step backward and lost my footing. My attention wavered from him as I struggled to regain my balance, and a strong hand clasped my arm and jerked me forward. I tried to raise my hand to strike him, but he twisted my arm and pulled me against him.
"Let me go!"
"Don't fight me, Princess," he stated grimly. "You're bound to lose."
I felt a numbing sense of disbelief sweep over me. I thought he was a gentleman- an arrogant, yet sophisticated man. I now realized through a haze of fear, that he was something completely different; an evil man I did not know.
I managed to break loose and run until I felt cruel fingers grabbing at the small of my back.
"Leave her alone, Cossack. She is not a fool," Lotor snarled.
"Yes, sire."
"What's the meaning of this?"
He narrowed his eyes at me. "Did you really think I was going to leave your miserable planet empty-handed?" He asked ominously, striding toward me. I forced myself not to move, and thrust my chin upward, unwilling to let him see how frightened I was.
"You're mad!"
He raised a mocking eyebrow at me. "Not mad- maybe desperate, for I was forced to employ some rather rough methods to secure your presence." Then he turned to the helmsman. "Morgill, lay course to Doom."
"Yes, Your Highness."
I drew a deep breath and swallowed the growing lump in my throat. "I'm not going with you," I said steadily.
He blinked at me, then threw back his head and laughed aloud, his white teeth contrasting with his azure face. "You don't have a saying in the matter, my dear Princess."
Suddenly, a flash of an explosion blinded me. The blast made my ears ring. The concussion of air sent us stumbling forward.
When I opened my eyes, I saw flames in the nearby consoles, causing its operators to run for cover.
I stole a glance at Lotor. His icy countenance had begun to turn purple with rage. "Damned Voltron Force!" he growled.
I tried to escape, but he slammed me down on my feet. "Try that again and I'll…" He took a long breath and let it out slowly. "Don't you understand? They're trying to demolish my ship!"
I didn't care about his blasted ship! I only wanted to go home to my family!
It was at that moment that Red Lion tore into the chamber. The Voltron Force was trying to rescue me, even though my brother had tried to destroy them!
"Lotor!" Their leader snapped. "Release Princess Romelle immediately!"
Without thinking, I rushed forward toward my saviors, but Lotor quickly stopped my flight by grasping my wrist in his large hand.
"Don't come any closer, or she will suffer the consequences!"
"Help me," I choked out.
The Voltron Force was silent for a few moments, and Lotor took the opportunity to order Cossack to prepare his cruiser.
"And now to Planet Doom!" The dark prince crowed triumphantly, and then began to laugh- a hideous sound that sent shivers up and down my spine.
Minutes after boarding the cruiser, we looked on as the destroyer burst into flames. Voltron had not been able to save me, but at least I had the satisfaction of seeing that Lotor had lost part of his fleet to them.
Cossack approached us. "Sire," he said nervously, "There's something I have to tell you."
"What?" He snapped.
"I forgot to fill the tank," he mumbled.
Lotor gave him a thundering frown. "Speak up, you idiot!"
The officer swallowed hard. "The cruiser doesn't have enough fuel to reach Planet Doom."
With a growl, Lotor rushed to Cossack and grabbed him by the collar; he kicked his legs from beneath him, slamming him to the floor, where his nose, making hard contact with the floor, began to bleed profusely.
"Because of your incompetence, I will have to stop for fuel in Planet Arus!" He spat venomously, pressing the heel of his black boot on Cossack's upper back.
"I'm sorry, sire," he choked out. "It won't happen again!"
"Romelle," he said, stretching out his hand toward me. "Come here."
"Go to hell," I replied for the first time in my life, and it felt pretty good. I took a step backward and lost my footing. My attention wavered from him as I struggled to regain my balance, and a strong hand clasped my arm and jerked me forward. I tried to raise my hand to strike him, but he twisted my arm and pulled me against him.
"Let me go!"
"Don't fight me, Princess," he stated grimly. "You're bound to lose."
I felt a numbing sense of disbelief sweep over me. I thought he was a gentleman- an arrogant, yet sophisticated man. I now realized through a haze of fear, that he was something completely different; an evil man I did not know.
I managed to break loose and run until I felt cruel fingers grabbing at the small of my back.
"Leave her alone, Cossack. She is not a fool," Lotor snarled.
"Yes, sire."
"What's the meaning of this?"
He narrowed his eyes at me. "Did you really think I was going to leave your miserable planet empty-handed?" He asked ominously, striding toward me. I forced myself not to move, and thrust my chin upward, unwilling to let him see how frightened I was.
"You're mad!"
He raised a mocking eyebrow at me. "Not mad- maybe desperate, for I was forced to employ some rather rough methods to secure your presence." Then he turned to the helmsman. "Morgill, lay course to Doom."
"Yes, Your Highness."
I drew a deep breath and swallowed the growing lump in my throat. "I'm not going with you," I said steadily.
He blinked at me, then threw back his head and laughed aloud, his white teeth contrasting with his azure face. "You don't have a saying in the matter, my dear Princess."
Suddenly, a flash of an explosion blinded me. The blast made my ears ring. The concussion of air sent us stumbling forward.
When I opened my eyes, I saw flames in the nearby consoles, causing its operators to run for cover.
I stole a glance at Lotor. His icy countenance had begun to turn purple with rage. "Damned Voltron Force!" he growled.
I tried to escape, but he slammed me down on my feet. "Try that again and I'll…" He took a long breath and let it out slowly. "Don't you understand? They're trying to demolish my ship!"
I didn't care about his blasted ship! I only wanted to go home to my family!
It was at that moment that Red Lion tore into the chamber. The Voltron Force was trying to rescue me, even though my brother had tried to destroy them!
"Lotor!" Their leader snapped. "Release Princess Romelle immediately!"
Without thinking, I rushed forward toward my saviors, but Lotor quickly stopped my flight by grasping my wrist in his large hand.
"Don't come any closer, or she will suffer the consequences!"
"Help me," I choked out.
The Voltron Force was silent for a few moments, and Lotor took the opportunity to order Cossack to prepare his cruiser.
"And now to Planet Doom!" The dark prince crowed triumphantly, and then began to laugh- a hideous sound that sent shivers up and down my spine.
Minutes after boarding the cruiser, we looked on as the destroyer burst into flames. Voltron had not been able to save me, but at least I had the satisfaction of seeing that Lotor had lost part of his fleet to them.
Cossack approached us. "Sire," he said nervously, "There's something I have to tell you."
"What?" He snapped.
"I forgot to fill the tank," he mumbled.
Lotor gave him a thundering frown. "Speak up, you idiot!"
The officer swallowed hard. "The cruiser doesn't have enough fuel to reach Planet Doom."
With a growl, Lotor rushed to Cossack and grabbed him by the collar; he kicked his legs from beneath him, slamming him to the floor, where his nose, making hard contact with the floor, began to bleed profusely.
"Because of your incompetence, I will have to stop for fuel in Planet Arus!" He spat venomously, pressing the heel of his black boot on Cossack's upper back.
"I'm sorry, sire," he choked out. "It won't happen again!"
After flogging Cossack ten times for ruining his plans, Lotor dragged me down the narrow corridors. I dug in my heels, trying to pull free.
"Release me, you fiend!"
He turned to face me, his golden eyes vibrant with anger. "You're not leaving this ship yet," he stated with grim determination. "Not until I get some satisfaction from you."
Panic pounded through my veins, when I realized he was taking me to his chambers. My stomach heaved and I could barely control my nausea. Finally he opened the door and threw me onto the huge bed. Dazed, I watched him press a button on the control panel of the night table and the lights were turned on. What was I doing, lying here, and waiting for the worst to happen? I sat up and he suddenly grabbed a handful of my hair, yanking back my head, and forcing my gaze to meet his. I cried out and clawed at his hands.
"You're going to pay for your brother's mistake!"
"Let me go!" I cried, feeling tears well from my eyes as strands of hair tore from my scalp.
"Your father was very foolish to believe that he could conquer Arus and Doom using your brother," he hissed.
"That's a lie!"
"I heard about his plans, thanks to a transmission device implanted on Hagar's Blue Cat."
I gasped as he pulled my head so far back I thought my neck would snap. The revelation that my father had planned on also conquering Doom made me feel a relief that lasted but a moment.
"The Voltron Force will rescue me," I said, without thinking.
His fist struck the side of my face, and I fell in a heap on the cold floor. I could feel a thin line of blood trickling from my mouth. I braced myself on my hands, trembling, trying to gather the strength to escape. There was no doubt in my mind that he was planning on raping me before reaching Arus.
He roughly seized me from behind, his hands clamping themselves around my upper arms. My instinctive struggles were short-lived; after a moment my head drooped down, and my eyes brimmed with tears.
"Please, Lotor," I said hoarsely. "You're hurting me."
He took a step forward, so that his body was pressed against my back. He snaked his left arm around my body, until it came to rest on my right shoulder, his forearm pressing lightly against my throat.
While his lips nibbled down the side of my neck, his right hand cupped my breast, lifting its fullness. I was so shocked that movement and speech seemed impossible. I felt my breasts swell and my nipples harden like little pebbles even before he slid his hand inside my gown.
A moan was heard, and I realized to my horror that it had come from my lips. I felt sickened, because it was impossible to ignore this method of arousal or hide the results.
"Relax, my sweet." His breath warmed my ear as his sharp teeth nipped the lobe. His left arm dropped from my shoulder to my hip, pulling me intimately against his body, and I could feel his insistent erection as he molded me against his hard, lean length.
"Please, Lotor. Don't…" I was so terrified, that several tears escaped my eyes. He slowly released me, backing away to permit me regain my composure. I started violently when, moments later, he again placed his hands on my arms, turning me around to face him.
He lowered his head again, his mouth touching my ear and cheek and finally my lips, stroking them seductively, and then lifting, only to descend and repeat the operation a second time. His arms stole around my body to hold me with a possessive firmness that repelled me. I went still, my chest struggling for air, my nose filling with his scent.
Moments later, he allowed the withdrawal. And then holding me away from him and gazing down at me with amusement in his saffron eyes, he said, "Much better, Princess."
"I hate you!"
He laughed in a low, hypnotic voice. "I did nothing you did not want me to do. I could feel your body responding to my touch."
"Liar!"
"My hands felt so right upon you," he said in a thick voice, and then pulled at my gown's neckline. I felt nauseous. Unable to control myself, I disgorged the contents of my dinner on him. The vomit splattered and spilled down his blue tunic.
Horrified, he stepped back, shouting curses that burned my ears.
"Bitch! You'll pay dearly for this insult!"
He stormed out of the room and barked at the guard to lock the door and get him a clean uniform. I dashed after him, and raising my fists, pounded at the door, blind to anything except my escape from him. But nobody came to my rescue. A defeated sob ripped from my throat, and sitting down on the floor, I clutched my knees to my chest and wept.
Avok was gone, and there was nothing I could do about it. All my skills were useless, and worse, I wished father had never asked Zarkon for help. I had been so naïve to believe in Lotor's kindness. How could he have managed to lie so convincingly? Would he try to rape me again before arriving at Planet Arus?
"Release me, you fiend!"
He turned to face me, his golden eyes vibrant with anger. "You're not leaving this ship yet," he stated with grim determination. "Not until I get some satisfaction from you."
Panic pounded through my veins, when I realized he was taking me to his chambers. My stomach heaved and I could barely control my nausea. Finally he opened the door and threw me onto the huge bed. Dazed, I watched him press a button on the control panel of the night table and the lights were turned on. What was I doing, lying here, and waiting for the worst to happen? I sat up and he suddenly grabbed a handful of my hair, yanking back my head, and forcing my gaze to meet his. I cried out and clawed at his hands.
"You're going to pay for your brother's mistake!"
"Let me go!" I cried, feeling tears well from my eyes as strands of hair tore from my scalp.
"Your father was very foolish to believe that he could conquer Arus and Doom using your brother," he hissed.
"That's a lie!"
"I heard about his plans, thanks to a transmission device implanted on Hagar's Blue Cat."
I gasped as he pulled my head so far back I thought my neck would snap. The revelation that my father had planned on also conquering Doom made me feel a relief that lasted but a moment.
"The Voltron Force will rescue me," I said, without thinking.
His fist struck the side of my face, and I fell in a heap on the cold floor. I could feel a thin line of blood trickling from my mouth. I braced myself on my hands, trembling, trying to gather the strength to escape. There was no doubt in my mind that he was planning on raping me before reaching Arus.
He roughly seized me from behind, his hands clamping themselves around my upper arms. My instinctive struggles were short-lived; after a moment my head drooped down, and my eyes brimmed with tears.
"Please, Lotor," I said hoarsely. "You're hurting me."
He took a step forward, so that his body was pressed against my back. He snaked his left arm around my body, until it came to rest on my right shoulder, his forearm pressing lightly against my throat.
While his lips nibbled down the side of my neck, his right hand cupped my breast, lifting its fullness. I was so shocked that movement and speech seemed impossible. I felt my breasts swell and my nipples harden like little pebbles even before he slid his hand inside my gown.
A moan was heard, and I realized to my horror that it had come from my lips. I felt sickened, because it was impossible to ignore this method of arousal or hide the results.
"Relax, my sweet." His breath warmed my ear as his sharp teeth nipped the lobe. His left arm dropped from my shoulder to my hip, pulling me intimately against his body, and I could feel his insistent erection as he molded me against his hard, lean length.
"Please, Lotor. Don't…" I was so terrified, that several tears escaped my eyes. He slowly released me, backing away to permit me regain my composure. I started violently when, moments later, he again placed his hands on my arms, turning me around to face him.
He lowered his head again, his mouth touching my ear and cheek and finally my lips, stroking them seductively, and then lifting, only to descend and repeat the operation a second time. His arms stole around my body to hold me with a possessive firmness that repelled me. I went still, my chest struggling for air, my nose filling with his scent.
Moments later, he allowed the withdrawal. And then holding me away from him and gazing down at me with amusement in his saffron eyes, he said, "Much better, Princess."
"I hate you!"
He laughed in a low, hypnotic voice. "I did nothing you did not want me to do. I could feel your body responding to my touch."
"Liar!"
"My hands felt so right upon you," he said in a thick voice, and then pulled at my gown's neckline. I felt nauseous. Unable to control myself, I disgorged the contents of my dinner on him. The vomit splattered and spilled down his blue tunic.
Horrified, he stepped back, shouting curses that burned my ears.
"Bitch! You'll pay dearly for this insult!"
He stormed out of the room and barked at the guard to lock the door and get him a clean uniform. I dashed after him, and raising my fists, pounded at the door, blind to anything except my escape from him. But nobody came to my rescue. A defeated sob ripped from my throat, and sitting down on the floor, I clutched my knees to my chest and wept.
Avok was gone, and there was nothing I could do about it. All my skills were useless, and worse, I wished father had never asked Zarkon for help. I had been so naïve to believe in Lotor's kindness. How could he have managed to lie so convincingly? Would he try to rape me again before arriving at Planet Arus?
{The next morning, two Doom guards came into Prince Lotor's chambers, and found Romelle curled up into a ball on the floor}
"Let's go, Your Highness. His Lordship requests your presence."
Romelle entered the cockpit area of the ship. Hagar and I turned to face her and then I ordered the pilot to open a communication link.
"Voltron Force, I will give you Princess Romelle in exchange for fuel."
A few minutes later, Keith replied, "All right, Lotor. But first, you must release her."
I gritted my teeth. "If only I had a robeast to keep them busy," I said, glaring at Hagar.
She pointed her staff at me. "Don't look at me. I wasn't the one who ordered Prince Avok to be shot," she snapped angrily.
I growled. The old witch was right. That hasty decision had cost me plenty. I turned back to the comm and said, "Very well, Voltron Force. Stand by."
"And no tricks!" Keith bit back.
"Yes- Captain," I mockingly replied. Gods! How I despise that stupid Terran! But I wasn't in any position to argue.
"Let's go, Your Highness. His Lordship requests your presence."
Romelle entered the cockpit area of the ship. Hagar and I turned to face her and then I ordered the pilot to open a communication link.
"Voltron Force, I will give you Princess Romelle in exchange for fuel."
A few minutes later, Keith replied, "All right, Lotor. But first, you must release her."
I gritted my teeth. "If only I had a robeast to keep them busy," I said, glaring at Hagar.
She pointed her staff at me. "Don't look at me. I wasn't the one who ordered Prince Avok to be shot," she snapped angrily.
I growled. The old witch was right. That hasty decision had cost me plenty. I turned back to the comm and said, "Very well, Voltron Force. Stand by."
"And no tricks!" Keith bit back.
"Yes- Captain," I mockingly replied. Gods! How I despise that stupid Terran! But I wasn't in any position to argue.
After securing fuel for his cruiser, Lotor turned to me and seized my arm. He dragged me to the back of the ship. The huge metal doors opened, to reveal the beautiful Arusian landscape. I stepped back, shielding my eyes against the bright sun.
I turned sideways to Lotor. He seemed restrained. I guess he was remembering my violent reaction to his nearness last night. I hoped this was the last time that I would see him.
"Romelle, before you go, I want to apologize for my earlier behavior," he said solemnly. "But no man who saw you would blame me for trying to take you. You're an exquisite woman."
"I was a fool for believing you were a man of honor," I replied tartly, glaring at him. "You're nothing but a beast."
His eyes flashed with anger. Then reaching out, he pulled me into his arms. "Princess, I will have Pollux," he said harshly. "And I will have you- whether you like it, or not."
I attempted to squirm from his grasp, but he held me too tightly. "You will never touch me again," I declared in my firmest voice.
I felt a shiver a fear down my spine at the expression on the Prince's face. His mouth, grim until this moment, curved into an awful smile, and his amber eyes glittered. "You're wrong, Romelle. I shall enjoy despoiling your virtue, and force you to my will. You will be taught how to use that soft mouth for more than idle threats. You will be taught how to kiss, to lick, to suck, and how to give me pleasure in ways you cannot even imagine. And when my lust has been sated, I will kill you myself."
I cringed, horrified by his dark remark. "Never," I gasped.
He dropped a light kiss upon my lips. "Until we meet again, my Princess," he whispered.
It was then that I took the opportunity to shove past him. His evil laughter assaulted my ears as I ran from the ship. I was dizzy, but I didn't stop in my flight. I kept running until I tripped over the hem of my gown, and fell onto the soft grass.
I started, terrified, as a body plunked itself down next to me. Then my eyes met Bandor's. Behind him stood Princess Allura and the Voltron Force. I sagged, visibly relieved. "It's you," I whispered, as he pulled me into his arms.
"The Voltron Force brought me here. Commander Keith was sure that Lotor would ask for fuel in exchange for your release."
"Where's father?"
"He remained on Pollux, leading the effort to find Avok. Keith and I gave him the news of your release a few minutes ago. He sends you his love."
I nodded silently against his shoulder and then he pulled me away from him. "Are you okay?" He asked anxiously, cupping my face in his hands. "Did Lotor hurt you?"
I gave him a tremulously smile. "I'm all right," I sniffed. "I vomited on him, when he attempted to have his way with me. I hope he keeps his distance for fear of a recurrence."
One of the pilots laughed. "I know I would steer clear of a girl who threw up on me," he chortled. The rest of the team burst out laughing.
"Me too, Lance," Bandor said smiling. Then he stood and, giving me a hand, pulled me up. "Melle, we were taught that Arus was our evil twin planet; that we should always hate them. But we were wrong; they want to be our friends. They're willing to help us in our fight against Zarkon and Lotor."
"Oh, cousins," Allura said teary-eyed, stepping forward and putting her comforting arms around us. "I'm glad we have come to an understanding. We are family and must stick together."
"I feel the same way, cousin," I stated, deeply touched by her words.
"Let's go back to the Castle," Commander Keith said. "I'm sure Princess Romelle wants to talk to her father, and then get some rest."
"Yes, thank you." And then we went to the Castle of Lions, my heart a bit lighter, for I had found new friends, willing to help us in our time of need.
I turned sideways to Lotor. He seemed restrained. I guess he was remembering my violent reaction to his nearness last night. I hoped this was the last time that I would see him.
"Romelle, before you go, I want to apologize for my earlier behavior," he said solemnly. "But no man who saw you would blame me for trying to take you. You're an exquisite woman."
"I was a fool for believing you were a man of honor," I replied tartly, glaring at him. "You're nothing but a beast."
His eyes flashed with anger. Then reaching out, he pulled me into his arms. "Princess, I will have Pollux," he said harshly. "And I will have you- whether you like it, or not."
I attempted to squirm from his grasp, but he held me too tightly. "You will never touch me again," I declared in my firmest voice.
I felt a shiver a fear down my spine at the expression on the Prince's face. His mouth, grim until this moment, curved into an awful smile, and his amber eyes glittered. "You're wrong, Romelle. I shall enjoy despoiling your virtue, and force you to my will. You will be taught how to use that soft mouth for more than idle threats. You will be taught how to kiss, to lick, to suck, and how to give me pleasure in ways you cannot even imagine. And when my lust has been sated, I will kill you myself."
I cringed, horrified by his dark remark. "Never," I gasped.
He dropped a light kiss upon my lips. "Until we meet again, my Princess," he whispered.
It was then that I took the opportunity to shove past him. His evil laughter assaulted my ears as I ran from the ship. I was dizzy, but I didn't stop in my flight. I kept running until I tripped over the hem of my gown, and fell onto the soft grass.
I started, terrified, as a body plunked itself down next to me. Then my eyes met Bandor's. Behind him stood Princess Allura and the Voltron Force. I sagged, visibly relieved. "It's you," I whispered, as he pulled me into his arms.
"The Voltron Force brought me here. Commander Keith was sure that Lotor would ask for fuel in exchange for your release."
"Where's father?"
"He remained on Pollux, leading the effort to find Avok. Keith and I gave him the news of your release a few minutes ago. He sends you his love."
I nodded silently against his shoulder and then he pulled me away from him. "Are you okay?" He asked anxiously, cupping my face in his hands. "Did Lotor hurt you?"
I gave him a tremulously smile. "I'm all right," I sniffed. "I vomited on him, when he attempted to have his way with me. I hope he keeps his distance for fear of a recurrence."
One of the pilots laughed. "I know I would steer clear of a girl who threw up on me," he chortled. The rest of the team burst out laughing.
"Me too, Lance," Bandor said smiling. Then he stood and, giving me a hand, pulled me up. "Melle, we were taught that Arus was our evil twin planet; that we should always hate them. But we were wrong; they want to be our friends. They're willing to help us in our fight against Zarkon and Lotor."
"Oh, cousins," Allura said teary-eyed, stepping forward and putting her comforting arms around us. "I'm glad we have come to an understanding. We are family and must stick together."
"I feel the same way, cousin," I stated, deeply touched by her words.
"Let's go back to the Castle," Commander Keith said. "I'm sure Princess Romelle wants to talk to her father, and then get some rest."
"Yes, thank you." And then we went to the Castle of Lions, my heart a bit lighter, for I had found new friends, willing to help us in our time of need.
All was quiet in the hallway when Allura and I crept out of the rec room sometime after midnight, leaving Bandor and the Voltron Force enjoying a poker game. They believed that we needed some rest and relaxation before getting back to Pollux, to take part in the search for our brother.
Tonight Bandor and I had basked in the warmth found in the Castle of Lions, in the welcome and acceptance we had discovered among its people. Master Coran and Allura's Nanny were especially kind to us. It seemed that it had been a long time since we had felt so at ease. Even though it had been only months since our lives had been tipped askew.
"These are the tapestries of the history of Prince Aalfor and his crusade," Allura said, pointing to the colorful thick hangings that stretched from floor to ceiling along an entire side of the entrance hall.
"And these are all our Arusian ancestors?" I asked, nodding at the dozens of paintings, some life-size, that covered the wall.
"Yes. The Lyons and the Rommedalhs traced their history back hundreds of years, in Denmark. You will find their likeness all over the castle. That gentleman is my father, King Alfor, painted when he was about twenty-five years old."
I heard the softening of her voice and studied the man whose dark brown eyes seemed to mirror those of my own dear father.
"There are many similarities between your father and mine," I said. "The thick hair, the beard, the stern look on his face. How old would King Alfor be if he were alive?"
Allura sighed wistfully. "He would be fifty-five years old, next month."
I gave her a quick nod. "And your mother?"
"She's there," Allura said, pointing a delicate finger toward a portrait whose subject was a woman in her late twenties. Creamy white shoulders rose above a light blue gown. She had a serene, gentle expression.
"She was beautiful," I noted admiringly. "You look just like her."
Allura smiled at me. "Thank you. And what about my aunt, Queen Onivei?"
I raised my gaze, and envisioned my mother sitting peacefully in her garden. "She was beautiful. She had long, honey blond hair and dark blue eyes. And she had a light sprinkle of freckles across the bridge of her nose."
My cousin leaned closer and then broke into a grin. "Just like you," she remarked.
I grinned back. "That's what my father always says."
We continued entertaining ourselves by inspecting the family portraits in the hall. Afterwards, we stopped before the pictures of the members of the Voltron Force. Allura mentioned that she had asked Zarina, a local artist, to paint them as Christmas presents for the guys. After all they had done for Arus they certainly deserved the recognition.
The portrait of the pilot of Blue Lion captured my attention. He had a handsome face, a very masculine face. His hair was black; his brows were thick and dark. His eyes were a strangely beautiful shade of blue. There was something especial in his expression; seeing the determination the artist had captured in that penetrating gaze made you certain that nothing would happen to you under his protection. I suddenly realized that I had not met this Terran yet. He was probably on leave or special assignment, and Allura had taken his place.
"That's Sven," she remarked uneasily.
Still staring at the portrait, I said, "I would like to meet him. Is he on leave?"
She paused for a few moments. I turned around and saw that her eyes had glazed over. "No, he isn't coming back."
I frowned slightly, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Why? Was he promoted?"
She looked away and swallowed hard. "He was killed in an attack, five months ago."
"Oh, my God!" I gasped, placing a hand over my mouth.
She blinked. "He was on Planet Ebb, recovering from surgery. On the day he was scheduled to return to Arus, Zarkon's fleet attacked. The planet was not prepared to fight back. Many were killed; others were taken to Doom as slaves. The guys and I miss him so much." Unshed tears forced her to stop.
I wondered if Allura had been in love with him. She seemed to have everything a man could desire: warmth, charm, intelligence, and an ability to share in his work. And she was beautiful beyond words. But then I remembered the way she and Commander Keith had gazed at each other, when we were having supper. There were definitely some sparks between them.
"I have upset you," I said softly, placing my arm around her shoulders, and giving her a light squeeze. "It was thoughtless of me to ask you about him, when your loss is so recent. Please, forgive me."
Allura shook her head and managed a brief smile. "I'm fine, really. Sven was an excellent friend and a brave Space Explorer. I wish you could have met him."
I glanced back at the portrait and heaved a heavy sigh. "Me too."
The End.
06/18/2001
Revised 03/07/2015
Tonight Bandor and I had basked in the warmth found in the Castle of Lions, in the welcome and acceptance we had discovered among its people. Master Coran and Allura's Nanny were especially kind to us. It seemed that it had been a long time since we had felt so at ease. Even though it had been only months since our lives had been tipped askew.
"These are the tapestries of the history of Prince Aalfor and his crusade," Allura said, pointing to the colorful thick hangings that stretched from floor to ceiling along an entire side of the entrance hall.
"And these are all our Arusian ancestors?" I asked, nodding at the dozens of paintings, some life-size, that covered the wall.
"Yes. The Lyons and the Rommedalhs traced their history back hundreds of years, in Denmark. You will find their likeness all over the castle. That gentleman is my father, King Alfor, painted when he was about twenty-five years old."
I heard the softening of her voice and studied the man whose dark brown eyes seemed to mirror those of my own dear father.
"There are many similarities between your father and mine," I said. "The thick hair, the beard, the stern look on his face. How old would King Alfor be if he were alive?"
Allura sighed wistfully. "He would be fifty-five years old, next month."
I gave her a quick nod. "And your mother?"
"She's there," Allura said, pointing a delicate finger toward a portrait whose subject was a woman in her late twenties. Creamy white shoulders rose above a light blue gown. She had a serene, gentle expression.
"She was beautiful," I noted admiringly. "You look just like her."
Allura smiled at me. "Thank you. And what about my aunt, Queen Onivei?"
I raised my gaze, and envisioned my mother sitting peacefully in her garden. "She was beautiful. She had long, honey blond hair and dark blue eyes. And she had a light sprinkle of freckles across the bridge of her nose."
My cousin leaned closer and then broke into a grin. "Just like you," she remarked.
I grinned back. "That's what my father always says."
We continued entertaining ourselves by inspecting the family portraits in the hall. Afterwards, we stopped before the pictures of the members of the Voltron Force. Allura mentioned that she had asked Zarina, a local artist, to paint them as Christmas presents for the guys. After all they had done for Arus they certainly deserved the recognition.
The portrait of the pilot of Blue Lion captured my attention. He had a handsome face, a very masculine face. His hair was black; his brows were thick and dark. His eyes were a strangely beautiful shade of blue. There was something especial in his expression; seeing the determination the artist had captured in that penetrating gaze made you certain that nothing would happen to you under his protection. I suddenly realized that I had not met this Terran yet. He was probably on leave or special assignment, and Allura had taken his place.
"That's Sven," she remarked uneasily.
Still staring at the portrait, I said, "I would like to meet him. Is he on leave?"
She paused for a few moments. I turned around and saw that her eyes had glazed over. "No, he isn't coming back."
I frowned slightly, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Why? Was he promoted?"
She looked away and swallowed hard. "He was killed in an attack, five months ago."
"Oh, my God!" I gasped, placing a hand over my mouth.
She blinked. "He was on Planet Ebb, recovering from surgery. On the day he was scheduled to return to Arus, Zarkon's fleet attacked. The planet was not prepared to fight back. Many were killed; others were taken to Doom as slaves. The guys and I miss him so much." Unshed tears forced her to stop.
I wondered if Allura had been in love with him. She seemed to have everything a man could desire: warmth, charm, intelligence, and an ability to share in his work. And she was beautiful beyond words. But then I remembered the way she and Commander Keith had gazed at each other, when we were having supper. There were definitely some sparks between them.
"I have upset you," I said softly, placing my arm around her shoulders, and giving her a light squeeze. "It was thoughtless of me to ask you about him, when your loss is so recent. Please, forgive me."
Allura shook her head and managed a brief smile. "I'm fine, really. Sven was an excellent friend and a brave Space Explorer. I wish you could have met him."
I glanced back at the portrait and heaved a heavy sigh. "Me too."
The End.
06/18/2001
Revised 03/07/2015
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