Allura crept quietly down the main hall of the Castle of Lions. She didn't want anyone to ask where she was going. She had heard rumors that Prince Lotor's childhood nurse lived on Arus in a nearby village. She had also heard that the nurse had been blessed with physic gifts as were so many of the deceased Queen of Doom's people. Allura wanted to learn more about Lotor. She had almost convinced herself it was merely a case of "Know thine enemy," but even now she knew that wasn't the complete truth. Down the hall a door opened, and the princess scurried behind a nearby statue. That was TOO close. She didn't want to explain herself to Coran, Nanny, or even the boys. She didn't think they'd understand. She knew that the real reason behind her secret mission was that she couldn't shake Lotor's image from her mind, and she was desperately trying to find a reason not to give up on him. At first she had though the attraction to him was purely physical. He was very beautiful to look at after all, and his powers of seduction were unrivaled, but she sensed her fascination with him was more than physical. She felt her feelings were on a deeper level.
Allura left the castle and strolled through the woods to a nearby village. There she asked around until she was directed to a small house on the outskirts. An older woman kneeled in the tiny garden at the back of the house and didn't seem to notice her at all until she said.

"Why, dear princess, I am surprised it took you so long to come and see me. I've been waiting."

Allura drew back in surprise, "Oh, do I know you?"

"No dear, but I know you! I've been watching you for years, but it's hot. Come inside." Allura and the woman went inside the house. It was dark and cool and comfortable inside.

"Please sit, and I'll tell you what you want to know," the old woman stated.

"Please, what is your name, and how do you know what I've come for?" Allura questioned.

"My name is Lydia, and you came to me because I have the Sight, did you not, so I don't know why you're surprised I know about you." Allura blushed slightly in embarrassment. Of course! That's exactly why she'd come!

"Tell me about Prince Lotor, please. I've heard you were his nurse."

"Yes, I was, until the death of his lovely mother. After her passing I feared for my life and left Kyldare. Zarkon fears anyone with the Sight, and I think he knew I didn't believe his lies. He thought I might tell someone the truth of what he did," Lydia confided to Allura. "But you didn't come here to hear about me. You want to know about the mysterious prince."

"Yes!" Allura said. "I feel as though there must be something more to him than I know. I want to know if he's completely heartless and evil. If that is the case, I'll forget him and fight to destroy him, but I feel it's not."

"No, princess. You are right. The prince is not completely evil, but he needs someone strong, like you, to lead him from the dark path he's on. His sister is too young to do it herself. His father keeps him close and fills him with lies and evil thoughts.

"Lotor has a sister?" the princess asked, interrupting Lydia.

"One living, one dead, but I'll get to all of that if you sit back and wait," Lydia scolded.

"Oh yes, I'm sorry. I'm being rude. Go on, please. Tell me more!" the princess pleaded.

"I'll do more than tell you. I'll show you!" Lydia took the princess' hands in her own and instructed her to close her eyes.

Over the next several hours Lydia walked Allura through the high and low moments of Lotor's life. Allura was present at his birth and wept with joy with his mother. She saw him grow and saw the abuse he suffered at his father's hands, both physical and mental. Zarkon would praise one moment and beat the next. There was never any indication to which way his mood would turn, and it was bewildering and frightening to the young prince. Zarkon was as inconstant as the weather. Allura saw Zarkon work his evil influence on his son and encourage bloodlust, greed, and ruthless conquest. Allura's heart was broken by the Queen's death and Lotor's sorrow. She was awed by his tenderness with his younger sisters, and she wept when he could not at Intaya's death. She recoiled in horror at his cruelty in battle and worried for him during his rages. She also blushed and was pleased when she discovered the extent of his passion for her. Lotor was a study in extremes, showing great capacity for love on one hand and a innate proficiency for destruction on the other. She found she could admire his resourcefulness, bravery, and intelligence, even if she hated his savagery, greed, and destruction. However, now she felt she understood why he was as he was and had a undeniable urge to save him. The sun was setting when Lydia broke her contact with Allura. Both women were exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster they had been on. Playing witness to someone's life took a lot from a person.

Allura sat back and said softly, "Is there hope, Lydia? Can I help him? Will he change?"

Lydia smiled and whispered, "I would not have shown you if there was no hope."

Allura thanked the older woman and walked slowly toward the castle, a million thoughts racing through her mind. She would have to speak to Lotor alone and convince him to see the error of his ways. Then maybe they had a chance. That's what she wanted. A chance! The young princess was steadily falling in love.

Chapter Eleven & Twelve
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