Prince Lotor fastened the heavy black cape around his neck and strode into the hall. His black boots made a sharp sound on the metal floor. It was time, yet again, to see to the punishment of unruly slaves. He could not understand why they did not simply accept their low position and do as they were told, but as always, there were a few among them that were stirring up trouble. He would merely have to crush them with an iron fist. Then the rest would fall back into line. The enormous steel doors to the dungeon slid silently open and he entered. Several of his guards were already there, and the unruly slaves cowered in their heavy shackles.
"So these are the rebels," he roared.
"Yes, your highness," the nearest guard said. "We have singled these five out as the main troublemakers. We await your command as to what we should do with them."
"What should you do?" the dark prince wondered aloud. "I have an excellent idea. Take them to the arena. Hagar has discovered a new breed of incredibly vicious creatures living in the dirt of our nearest satellite." An evil twinkle flashed in the prince's eyes. "They are also very hungry creatures," he laughed. "Take the rebels and bind them tightly. Make sure their comrades are present. We will release the creatures and watch them gorge on the flesh of these insignificant fools!" Lotor growled through clenched teeth. " I have had enough of these disturbances. Perhaps this will waken the others to the true nature of their situation."
"Yes, my lord prince. It will be done at once." The guard bowed deeply and turned to carry out his master's commands.
"Wait! I believe my father might enjoy this spectacle. I will make him aware of it," the prince declared. Then he walked toward the slaves who cringed on the floor and spoke to them in a low, threatening tone. The prince's angry words were alien to the listeners, but filled them with terror. The evil prince then turned on his heel and left the dungeon. One of the captives managed his voice and asked his guard. "What did the prince say?"
The guard shook his head in frightened awe and claimed. "I don't know. It is a language foreign to me, but I think he curses you!"
CHAPTER FOUR
The mighty King Zarkon sat high on his golden throne surveying his planet through an enormous window. Planet Kyldare, better known as Planet Doom in the later years by anyone who dared speak of it, was an ugly wasteland. There was nothing green that could manage to survive on this barren planet. Doom was all jagged rock and hard planes. The air was acrid and heavy gray clouds veiled the stars of the night sky from view. The native citizens of the planet lived within bubbled cities and all food was imported from slave planets. Nothing grew here but evil. Doom was a planet of living shadows. Zarkon was pleased with the rotting appearance of his dead planet. He thought it suited him quite well. He wanted to go down in history as the most tyrannical ruler of all time and felt it to be most fitting that he ride into history on the back of the hulking beast called Doom. Zarkon pressed a button hidden on the arm of the great throne and was soon facing his court. Kneeling at the base of the stairs that led to his throne was his old witch, Hagar.
"Hagar, what are you going to do about the destruction of that horrible little planet called Arus?" he questioned loudly.
"Sire, I am working ever faithfully on a plan to bring it to you," cackled the old crone.
"You're always working on a plan. I'm tired of plans. I want results!" Zarkon roared.
"All in good time your Majesty. Even MY dark magic is limited."
"Very well, but make it soon. If Arus were to fall the rest of this galaxy would bow to me! Where is my son? Likely, copulating with some slave girl again," Zarkon stated. "I really don't see his interest in all these women. They are only good for producing heirs, and since he is not interested in siring one with anyone but that rebellious princess on Arus, I can't see why he wastes his time," Zarkon muttered perplexed.
"Perhaps he has a normal carnal appetite unlike some demented king I know," Hagar mumbled under her breath.
"What?"
"Oh, nothing your majesty. I believe Prince Lotor is actually dealing with some unruly slaves," Hagar claimed.
"Good! Perhaps my foolish son has learned something from me after all!" Zarkon laughed.
One of the king's royal guards cleared his throat and announced. "Your Majesty, his Royal Highness, Prince Lotor, request audience with you!"
"Of course, bid him enter," the evil king commanded.
"Well my BELOVED son," the king said, his voice dripping sarcasm. "Do you have ANYTHING of interest to tell me, or are you going to tell me how you've failed, yet again, to secure Arus and bring it into the empire. You're never going to have that silly little princess at the rate you're going, and it's probably just as well. She'd never love you!" The evil king knew these words stung his son as much as any blow could. "I may not let you have her anyway. I may give her to a guard for a playtoy, or perhaps I'll tear that little twit to pieces with my own hands!"
Prince Lotor sprung from his kneeling position. Hate burned behind his eyes and he cried loudly, "Father, she is mine! You will NOT harm her!"
Zarkon rose from his throne and rushed down the stairs to where his son stood. Lotor took a step back, but it was too late. Zarkon raise his fist and struck his son soundly. A thin line of blood trickled from Lotor's mouth. "Don't you EVER raise your voice to me, my son. I will do anything I please. I am ruler here. Perhaps I have been too lenient with you. You have forgotten yourself!" With that, Zarkon grabbed his son by the back of the neck and forced his forehead to the floor. "Stay there like that until I say otherwise. A little humility would do you good." Zarkon placed the point of his boot on Lotor's upper back and pushed HARD. An evil grin spread across his face. "Oh, yes. What did you want to see me about, my son?" Zarkon asked.
The dark prince kept his head to the floor and said "I have arranged entertainment for you in the arena, father." Lotor longed to rise up and strike down his father, but it was not yet time.
"Very good! Hagar and I will view this entertainment. You will stay here and think on your poor behavior today. I believe you will come to the conclusion that I was correct in punishing you. Do not move or I will know. Perhaps later I will allow you to retire to your apartments, or perhaps you will stay in that subservient position all night!" Zarkon laughed maniacally. With that Zarkon, Hagar, and the rest of the attending court left to watch the events in the arena. Lotor stayed on his hands and knees with his forehead to the cold floor. Oh, how he HATED his wretched father. He wished his beautiful mother was still alive to comfort him. He longed for the days when she would take him in her arms, stroke his long hair, and whisper loving words to him in her native tongue. His heart ached with the pain of losing her. He needed to be free of his father and soon. He had a plan, and it was only a little time before it would come to fruition. The one thing that would make it perfect is if the beautiful Princess Allura was at his side as Queen. He knew she loved him, and it would only be a matter of time before she came to accept it.