Phoenix Rising
Chapter Nine
They were just outside the castle when Allura jerked her arm away from Lotor angrily.
She yelled, "I'm not going with you!"
Lotor snapped at her and said, "Oh, would you rather be wed to Devonn then? Come on! You're going! It's not safe here!"
He grabbed her arm and Allura kicked him in the shin. She started to run. Lotor, wincing in pain and limping, ran after her. Allura, holding her skirts up high, ran down the brick paths that led from the castle. If she could just get away and get to her shuttle somehow, she could get out of this crazy situation.
Suddenly, Allura's shoe heel snapped and she fell in a flurry of skirts. She cried out in pain as her right ankle gave out from under her. She lay there, stunned for a moment, when Lotor ran up to her and said, "Allura, are you all right? I saw you fall."
Allura looked up and snapped at him. "Yes! No thanks to you!"
She lifted herself and tried to stand, ignoring Lotor's hand. As she placed her weight gingerly upon her right ankle, she gasped in pain and nearly fell.
Lotor caught her and said, "You can't walk like that."
He gently swung her up in his arms and started to carry her.
Allura beat her fists against his chest and said,"Put me down, Lotor! Now!!"
Lotor ignored her and her fists. Allura sighed and gave up. Her ankle did hurt badly. She let him carry her back to the small palace where she was staying.
To her suprise, as he approached the door, he somehow managed to take a passkey similar to her own. He swiped the door. It chimed and let him in.
She said, "You got a key too.."
Lotor smirked at her and said, "Of course I do. Devonn gave it to me some years ago."
Allura thought..so that's why he's here! He didn't follow me.Devonn is his friend! No wonder they are much alike in character.
Despite her protests, Lotor carried her all the way into the back where the bedroom was. Lotor saw the look of apphrension on her face and said, "Don't worry, my sweet. I won't rape you - that is, unless you want me to..and then it wouldn't be rape..it would be enjoyable - for BOTH of us." he smirked.
Allura gave him a hateful look as he set her gently on the bed. Lotor knelt by her legs and said, "Now, let me see that ankle."
He took her right foot and held it, examining her ankle mefore she could fully react.
He said, "Allura, quit jerking your leg! "
Allura huffed, "Well, quit tickling me!"
Lotor grinned and tickled the bottom of her foot. Allura started to giggle, despite her holding back. Lotor tickled her some more and that's when her foot shot out and hit him in the nose!!
"Ooowwwww!!" both of them cried as Allura's foot made contact with Lotor's nose.
"My ankle! " Allura cried out.
"My nose!" Lotor groaned, "I think you're either trying to disfigure me or kill me, Allura."
Lotor ruefully wiggled his nose with his hand. Whew..no damage.
He reached out and took Allura's leg again, careful not to tickle her and said, "Well, your ankle's swollen - you've sprained it good."
Allura sarcastically replied, "Thank you for the diagnosis, Dr. Lotor."
He smirked and said, "I'm told I have a good bedside manner, my love..would you like to test that theory?"
Allura snapped, "I rather kiss a roebeast!"
Lotor chuckled and said, "Wait here, my tempermental princess. I will see if there is some compresses and a first aid kit in here."
Before she could stop him, he kissed her on the forehead and left.
Allura was still angry. Angry at Lotor for ruining her time off and even more angrier at Devonn for trying to trick her into marriage! What is it with princes? So arrogant, so sure of themselves! The only prince she ever met that was normal was Bandor. She sighed. Now she had a twisted ankle and she had to suffer Lotor caring for her! What could be worse?
Lotor came in and expertly dressed her ankle without hurting her too much. Allura was suprised at how gentle and patient he could be. She had never seen him that way. Every time she faced him in battle, it was always an arrogant, impatient Lotor,demanding his own way or no way at all. This was what she hated about him. This Lotor was different to her, a gentleman. Perhaps since he showed such kindness, he would leave her alone now. She could hobble about and get a shuttle out of her and go home. Cut her losses.She could go visit her Aunt Orla on Atair and rest up. She didn't need to be here with two sneaky princes!
Lotor got up from his kneeling postion on the floor and said, "There.You should be all right with that.I haven't dressed an ankle in awhile, but it should suffice. You need to keep off of it though."
Lotor yawned and said, "Well, it is late."
Allura said, "Yes, it is." leave already!
Lotor grinned and started to take off his jacket.
Allura gasped and said, "Just what do you think you're doing, Lotor?"
He hung his jacket up and proceeded to unbutton his shirt. He said, "I am getting ready for bed."
Allura stood up abruptly and said, "Not here, you're not!!Owww!!"
She fell back on the bed in pain as she remembered her ankle. Lotor came to her and said, "I told you to stay off your ankle!"
Allura yelled, "Quit changing the subject, Lotor! You're not staying here!"
He said, "Yes I am, Allura..i have to!'
Allura sneered and said, "I just bet you do! Get out! "
He bent and reached for her.
She said, "No you don't!" and tried to scramble away but he was too quick for her.
She gasped as he picked her up in his arms and said, "I have to stay here, Allura. Devonn will check on us, I know him."
Allura said, "You're just using that as an excuse."
He interrupted her and said, 'I don't need an excuse to sleep with you, Allura.."
He kissed her as she struggled with him. He rather liked it. He broke away and said, "But I mean it, Devonn was pissed! He will send someone tonight to see if what we said was true. If he finds out that it wasn't, he will make sure you are wed to him."
Allura said, "But I hardly know him!"
Lotor shook his head, "It doesn't matter,Allura.Anyone would want to marry you..I do."
He kissed her again which distracted her for a moment. When they broke away, Allura said, "That still doesn't mean you're staying here in this palace! There's only one bed!"
Then comphrension dawned upon her and she said, "No!! Uhuh!!"
He grinned and said, "We have to be the newlywed couple, Allura. Newlyweds sleep in the same bed - among other pleasurable things."
Allura struggled again to get free. "I am not sleeping in the same bed with you, Lotor!"
He gripped her tightly and hissed, "Yes you are, or Devonn will make sure you will never return to Arus! Do you understand me? He can keep you here!" He snapped at her, "Wouldn't you rather be with a prince who loves you and who you've known long enough to predict every move or a man who beats innocent women!!"
Allura looked at him wide-eyed and thought..Devonn?
As if he were reading her mind, he said, "Yes, Devonn.I met him on Tyrus years ago. He has a reputation with the women. He charms them, takes them to bed,and he beats them if they do not obey him." Lotor looked disgusted, "Sounds a lot like my father."
Lotor looked into her eyes and said,"Allura, you know I keep many women..."
She snapped, "Slaves, you mean.."
Lotor ignored that and said, "I keep them. I protect them in secret from my father - he would hurt them."
Allura countered, 'Like you hurt Rommelle?"
He looked deeply hurt by her words. He hung his head, "I had no excuse, Allura, except that I was desperate. I wanted you and she looked like you and .."
Allura said, "You forced her, Lotor!"
He sighed and said, "Yes..I was half out of my mind, but yes,I did.I wish I hadn't.."
Allura was surprised. He had never admitted that before. Was it a trick? She didn't know. All she knew was that perhaps he was right. She did know him. She didn't know Devonn.
Allura sighed and said, "All right, Lotor. We don't have much choice, do we? You can stay - just don't get too close."
He smiled and said, "Only if you want me to."
She said, "I won't."
After some manuvering about, Allura was able to get undressed (without Lotor's eager help) and into a summer gown which was light and comfortable. She hobbled into bed, feeling apprehensive and scared. If anyone back on Arus could see this, they would flip! She turned out the lights and a few minutes later, he came in. She heard him run into something and curse. She stifled a giggle as he climbed into bed with her. He laid there beside her and was quiet for a few moments, then he turned to her and slipped an arm around her waist.
She nervously said, "Lotor..don't.."
He whispered, "I won't hurt you. We have to make this look good..please just lay still and go to sleep. You're safe in my arms, love."
He kissed the back of her neck and didn't make any other moves towards her. Little by little, she relaxed, listening to the sound of his steady breathing and she soon went to sleep in his arms.
Lotor heard a noise and instantly became alert. Years of living in the military and on Planet Doom had taught him to be alert for any unusual sounds. His eyes adjusted to the dark quickly and he looked down at Allura to see if she had awakened yet. She slept soundly in his arms, her arms around his waist, holding him tight. He smiled. He wished she could be like this when she was awake. He kissed her and she made a slight noise and smiled faintly. Hmm. That was encouraging. Lotor heard the noise again and tensed. He would have to wake her.
Lotor gently shook her and whispered, "Allura, wake up.."
She mumbled, "Nanny..le'me lone.."
Lotor shook her again. "Allura, wake up! It's me, Lotor!"
She mumbled again, "ummmph.go 'way.."
Lotor was frustrated. He had to wake her up and quick! Then he smiled. He knew what would wake her up!
Lotor, who had been on his side, grabbed Allura by the waist, and kissed her hard. Allura woke up confused. She opened her eyes and there was the Prince of Doom kissing her!! Before she could struggle, Lotor rolled her over on her back and lay on top of her, still kissing her. By the way Allura struggled, Lotor knew that she was wide awake now! He pulled away and she started to yell at him.
Lotor quickly put his hand over her mouth and hissed, "Be quiet! He's here!"
Her eyes widened in fear. Lotor said, "Now, will you be quiet? "
She nodded and he removed his hand.
Lotor whispered, "We need to make this look good, Allura." He grimaced and said ,"If I had my way, I would just kill him and get us out of here, but we must stay on Devonn's good side for the moment."
He heard the sound come closer and said, "Allura,I'm going to kiss you..you need to make some noise."
Allura whispered, "Noise?"
Lotor hissed, "Yes, noise - like you enjoy what I'm doing."
Allura blushed and then got mad. "No, I won't degrade myself -"
Lotor hissed, "Devonn will degrade you worse that this." He kissed her mouth and then whispered, "Do it, make a sound!"
She whispered angrily, "I don't know what you want!"
He said in frustration, "Groan like you're in pain, Allura."
She did and he hissed, "You sound like a dying robeast! Maybe I should kick your ankle..." he mused."
She whispered fiercely, "Well, maybe if you kissed right - I wouldn't sound that way!"
He smirked and said, "I'll get you for that..."
Suddenly, he started to tickle her. Allura was very ticklish everywhere.
She started to giggle and she said, "Lotor..stop it, I mean it!"
He smirked and said, "Tell me I am the greatest kisser you ever known, and I'll stop.."
Allura whispered, "No! You're a conceited..hahaa..egotistical...giggle..stop it!"
He kept tickling her.
He hissed, "Say it, my love.."
She giggled and said, "No!"
He said, "You asked for it!"
Allura squealed as he tickled her arms. They both quite forgot the intruder watching them.
Allura whispered, "I'm going to get you, Lotor!"
She raised her hands and tickled under his arms. He started to chortle and then he burst out laughing. Allura was suprised at that laugh. It wasn't his arrogant "I will conquer you" laugh but a genuine gut busting laugh that anyone would have if they were being tickled. They kept tickling each other, laughing their heads off.
Lotor teased her, "My little roebeast of love..."
Allura, still giggling, made a low sound and that cracked Lotor up which in turn cracked Allura up. Tears were running down her face, she was laughing so hard.
Lotor gave her a hug which Allura returned, not really thinking. He kissed her gently on the neck and she gave a soft cry.
Lotor smiled and said, "That's much better, my love - knew you could do it."
He kissed her mouth and she kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck.
He whispered, "I love you, Allura." and Allura, looking into his eyes, knew that he truly did.
Lotor heard no more noise and suspected their spy had seen enough and left. He would not tell her that for now - he was enjoying their closeness and he didn't want it to end. He continued to kiss her and she let him, not wanting to admit she liked what he was doing. Suddenly she realized what a vulnerable position she was in!! She blushed and she started to push Lotor away, but he was heavy.
Lotor felt her hands pushing him away, and he asked, "What is it, my sweet?"
Allura said, "Please stop."
Lotor said softly, "Am I scaring you?"
Allura blushed and said, "I - I don't know..please, I - "
He cut her off with a kiss, which completely distracted her from her confused thoughts. Her arms went around his waist and she hugged him fiercely, enjoying his kiss. It was unlike any other she had ever known. Without a will of her own, she ran her hands along his bare chest, and she kissed him back, her mouth slightly parted. Lotor groaned with desire and his hands slid downward. She could feel his warm hands upon her skin, gently touching, making her drift dreamily in his arms. It was all new to her, this intense feeling. Was this desire or was this love? She didn't know. He murmured, "I knew that you would love me someday..I knew it.Allura."
He kissed her wildly and at first she was swept along with him, but then her mind said, ..look what you're doing! Letting Zarkon's son do this!..what would your father think?...
Allura's hands drew away from him as if she had touched a live flame and she pulled her face away.
She gasped, "Lotor..stop, we must stop!!"
He looked at her and said, "You love me."
She said, "I don't know how I feel..but please stop, I beg of you."
Lotor sighed, "Do you really wish to, Allura? "
She nodded and said,"Yes..I can't..do this..not like this.."
His hand reached out and stroked her hair. "We are considered married here, and you know that when we return to our universe, I would marry you for all to see."
Allura said, "I don't feel married, Lotor..and besides I said I would never marry you.."
Lotor frowned and said, "Yes, you did, didn't you, my sweet." He kissed her forehead gently and said, "But I will keep asking until you say yes, my love."
He kissed her lips again and Allura kissed back, feeling a warmth go through her as she felt the evidence of his arousal.
I want to...stop it, Allura! She told herself.
She whispered, "Please Lotor, could you get off me?"
He asked, "I am hurting you?"
She shook her head and said,"No, but I can feel um....well - you - "
She blushed, unable to finish the sentence. He smirked and said, "Ah, I see.."
He rolled off her and down to her side. He continued to hold her by the waist.
Allura said worriedly, "Lotor, please."
He hugged her to him and said, "Go to sleep, Allura. Let me hold you close just for once - please."
Allura heard the sound of humility and longing in his voice and felt sorry for him. This was not the Lotor who demanded she become his bride. This was a different Lotor. She wondered if perhaps this was what Lotor would have been like had he not had the father he had.
Allura said softly, "All right, Lotor."
He hugged her again and kissed the back of her neck.
He said, "Good night, Allura..I love you."
She said with a yawn, "Good night, Lotor...." and soon they both drifted off to sleep.
Note: Chapters 10 and up are being edited and linked as of Wednesday, September 14, 2006 and will be ongoing.