(Please note: this fiction has not been edited. It is as the author submitted it.)
It is said that the first space explorers did not use ships. You may laugh now, or can you? Do you know for sure that the first explorers of space used ships? You don't, do you? But how could you? Unless I tell you.
They were a beautiful and powerful people. Or so it is said. Their skin, in human form, was a pale ivory. Their hair and eyes were either black or gold, never a combination of the two. They all had the power to transform into beautiful , golden birds, even if their hair was black.
They were similar looking to Ravens, but they had long tail feathers much like a peacock's, but without the eyes. Their beaks are slender and graceful looking. Too bad they are all gone, or I would show you one and dispel your doubt.
You could tell the old from the young, by the size of the bird. The larger the bird the older the person was. It was rumored, among people who had seen them, that some of the oldest birds could change their size and foul people as to how old they were. Only the oldest explored space.
What? Do you still not believe me? You have good reasons not to, for I have shown you no evidence of their existence.
Unfortunately, they died out long ago. The last female died in childbirth, so did the child. Or so I've been told. There could be a few left. What? Oh, you wish to know the name of the race of people I speak of. They were called the Phoenix.
Would you like to hear more? I know of only one true story of Phoenix. Her name was Rianna, mother of the Great Mordicai.
What? You think that I am lying? Do you know why Mordicai was called Great? No. Well then, shut up, and I will tell you..
Days passed and no clues had been found in Hagar's death. Her body was disposed of and life returned to normal.
Lotor was worried about the girl's life, but only secretly. He did not want to find her dead one day. Hagar's killer was still free, and no one knew when or if they would strike again.
"Let me do this."
"No it is too dangerous. I will not have you risking your life."
"I will not be risking my life, Lotor."
"Fine. Just be careful. I don't want to lose you."
"You won't." She kissed him, then left the room and headed for her ship. She took off and headed for Arus.
Arus
It's a beautiful day on Arus. The Voltron Force is enjoying a peaceful day and their free time. The rest of the planets are also enjoying peaceful days. For Lotor, nor his father, have tried to enslave them. What they don't know is that Lotor will and has come back even stronger than ever. Keith and Allure are walking through a nearby meadow, not far from the castle, watching their friends.
Hunk, Pidge and Lance are wrestling each other.
"It's a beautiful day, isn't it Princess?"
"Yes it is. The guys seem to be enjoying themselves." Allura said as she and Keith sat down in the grass. None of them noticed a ship enter the atmosphere. The noticed it when it blew up.
"What was that?" Lance asked from under Pidge.
"I don't know, but let's check it out."
They all rushed over to the wreckage. They walked around it, trying to figure out what it had been.
"Do you think that someone could have survived that? Hunk asked.
"Only if they were part cat." Lance replied.
"Hey guys, over here." Allura called out, spotting a girl.
"What is it, Princess?" Keith asked. Then Lance spotted her also.
"Let's pull her free." Lance said. He, Keith and Hunk pulled her free. As they did they noticed her beauty.
"Let's get her to the castle." Allura said.
Lance carried her to the castle and into one of the spare rooms. He carefully laid her down on the bed. Then the doctor looked her over.
She had three broken ribs, a concussion, and her left shoulder had been pulled out of its socket. He bound her left arm to her chest. Immobilizing her shoulder and ribs.
When the doctor was done, Allura covered her up, and sat next to the bed. Everyone would take their turns watching over her.
Allura was watching over her, when she opened her eyes, and bolted up into sitting position. She grimaced in pain when she did. Allura put her hand on her right shoulder and eased her back down.
"You're okay. We're not going to hurt you."
"Where am I?" she asked with fear in her eyes.
"Arus. What's you're name?"
She relaxed. "Rianna."
"Rianna, I'm Allura. Go back to sleep. You need your rest. You have three broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder and a concussion."
"Will you be here, when I wake up?"
"Someone will be at your side at all times. Go to sleep."
Rianna closed her eyes, and went to sleep. A few minutes later, Keith took the next watch.
Rianna awake again, near the end of Keith's watch.
"Hello," he said softly. "I'm not going to hurt you. I'm one of Allura's friends," he said seeing the fear in her eyes. "Maybe you should meet everyone else." He turned toward the door. "Come on in, guys," he called.
Lance, Pidge, and Hunk entered the room and stood behind Keith.
"This is Lance, Pidge, and Hunk. Guys this is Rianna." Keith said as he watched Rianna's eyes close.
Lance and Hunk took their watches. Rianna didn't wake up. Pidge took over during breakfast.
"Good morning," Pidge said when she opened her eyes. "How do you feel?"
"Hungry," she replied weakly.
"I'll go get you something to eat." Pidge stood up and left the room. He came back with a trey full of food. Keith and Allura were also with him.
"Good morning, Rianna," Allura said.
"Morning." Rianna replied.
Allura went to the closet and pulled out four pillows. She took the pillows to the bed. And set them in Rianna's lap.
"Rianna, we're going to prop you up, so maybe you'll be more comfortable."
Keith slipped his arms under her shoulder's and waist. He lifted her slowly. He didn't want to hurt her. He held her in sitting position, as Allura put the pillows behind her. Then he lowered her slowly.
"I'll take over from here, Pidge. Go get some breakfast, before Hunk eats most of it." Allura said sitting in the chair next to the bed. Pidge gave her the trey and ran from the room.
Allura helped Rianna eat. When she was done, Keith took the trey and left the room.
"Rianna, what are you running from?" Allura asked.
"King Lotor. I was his personal slave." She bowed her head. "My family is probably dead by now." She looked up at Allura. "Lotor threatened to kill them to make me do what he wanted of me."
"You're welcome to stay here."
"Thank you."
They kept watch over Rianna for the next week. A few months later, Rianna was healed, but still sore. The doctor couldn't believe it. He'd never seen anyone completely heal for those injuries so quickly.
Lance took her on a tour of the castle. Every once and awhile, he'd check on her at night. If she were having a bad dream, he'd lay down next to her and hold her. It seemed to claim her. Keith and Allura were talking to Rianna late one night. Lance joined them. Rianna was telling them of her home world. She kept looking at the stars.
"Your world sounds wonderful." Keith said.
"Oh, it is. The sunsets are the best part though. One sun starts setting before the other. You can barely see the beginning of the first sunset, and then the second sun begins to set, turning the sky crimson. It's really beautiful."
Rianna looked out the window and saw a star pulse. Lotor had finally arrived. A bright light filled the room, then all was black.
Allura, Keith and Lance awake in a large, bare room. They were lying on the floor as if placed. A door was behind Allura.
"Where are we?" Allura asked.
"I don't know. The last thing I remember was talking to Rianna."
Keith looked around. "Where is she?" He asked.
"She is safe." A voice said from behind Allura. They all recognized it. Lotor. He stood in the doorway, with his hands on his hips. If any one of the Voltron Force was hoping to escape, they wouldn't get far.
"What have to done to her?" Keith asked.
"Nothing, and nothing will, if Allura does what I say."
Rianna awoke in Lotor's bed. She was home, where she belonged. Her shoulder and ribs were still soar and semi-throbbing. Of course that was probably due to being moved from Arus to Doom.
Lotor entered the room. "You're awake. How do you feel?"
"Fine, a little sore though."
Lotor didn't say anything he just sat on the edge of the bed and watched her. Trying to remember her face and smile exactly, so that he could see her if he closed his eyes.
"What?" she asked, smiling.
He brushed some stray hair away from her face. "I could have lost you. But I believe you accomplished more that my father and I have been able to."
"What are you going to do with them?"
"Nothing to Keith and Lance, but I'm going to make Allura my wife."
"Oh," Rianna said sounding disappointed. Her gaze fell.
Lotor put his hand under her chin and raised her gaze, until he looked into her black eyes. "Allura will be my public wife. I don't want the galaxy to know that you're my wife. Allura will serve at public functions, sit by my side and on a rare occasion, share my bed. Nothing more."
Rianna smiled. "I know how much you dreamed of the day she would be yours."
"But now in name only." He kissed her and stood. "Get some rest."
"Yes master." She said jokingly.
Lotor left and Rianna closed her eyes.
"Well?" Keith asked Allura.
"Well what?"
"Are you going to marry him?"
"Yes."
"Why?" Lance asked.
"If I don't, Lotor may kill Rianna. Would you resist him?"
"No, I guess not."
They were silent for a few minutes. They heard the door open and watched as Lotor entered the room.
"Well, Allura, have you made a desion?"
"Yes, I have." Allura stood.
"And?"
Allure hung her head. "I will marry you."
"Very well." Lotor went to her, wrapped his arm around her waist and lead her out of the cell.
Lotor took her to what was to be her room. A beautiful white gown lay on the bed. A servant stood by the bed.
"This is Kasha, she is your personal servant. She will help you dress and then bring you to the throne room, where we will be married."
Allura said nothing. Lotor left her and went to his room to prepare for the wedding.
Allura stood there not saying or doing anything.
"My lady, you must change. You can't be married in that."
Allura looked at Kasha. "Very well."
Allura took off her nightgown. Kasha handed her a lace garment. Allura put it on. It covered nothing. Next Kasha helped her into the white gown. Allura now understood why Kasha was there. The dress had laces from her waist to her neck. Kasha tightened it until Allura could barely breathe.
"Kasha, loosen the ties please. I can barely breathe."
"I'm sorry, but I can not. The King will kill me if I do." Kasha replied as she placed the veil on Allura's head.
Kasha lead Allura to the throne room. She took her to where Lotor stood, then she left the room.
Allure saw Rianna sitting at the top of the stairs that lead to the throne.
"Shhh. She's fine." He whispered in her ear.
The wedding was short. Allura noticed that the ceremony was not a Drule ceremony, but she couldn’t place where it was from. She saw Rianna smiling from where she sat.
"What was Rianna sitting there? Allura asked when Lotor set her on her feet in her room.
"That is where she usually sits. She is my servant." Lotor said as he turned Allura around and untied her dress.
Once the ties where loosened, the dress dropped to a pool at her feet. She gasped.
"Relax. We are now wed." Lotor said scooping her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her on her back. He took his clothes off and laid over her. He captured her lips in a passionate kiss. Then he trailed the kisses down to her chin to her neck and lower.
He placed his knee between her legs and parted them. Then he placed his manhood there. He flexed his hips, tore the lace garment and began to consummate his marriage.
He spent most of the night with her. He spent the rest of the night with Rianna.
The next morning, Kasha woke Allura and helped her dress. Then Kasha took her to the throne room. Lotor sat in his throne and Rianna sitting where she had been during their wedding yesterday. Allura climbed the stairs and sat in the throne next to Lotor.
"Good morning, Allura. I trust you slept well."
"I did," She said. After you left me.. she
added in her thoughts.
"That's good. Your friends are safely back on Arus. And as you can see, Rianna is still unharmed."
Rianna turned to face Lotor. "My lord, do you need my services today?" she asked.
"No."
"Then may I be excused?"
"Yes."
Rianna stood, slowly walked down the stairs and out of the throne room. Once there, Kasha helped her to the room she shared with Lotor. She lay down and went to sleep.
At midday, Lotor went to his room. He found Rianna in bed asleep. He very carefully sat on the bed. Rianna opened her eyes a few minutes later.
"Love, are you feeling ok?" He asked, a small hint of concern laced his words.
"My lord, I carry the crown prince of Doom in me."
Lotor's face lit up and he smiled. "You're pregnant?"
"Yes."
Lotor kissed her on the forehead. "How long have you known?"
"Since a few weeks after I went to Arus."
"That was about four standard months ago."
"Rianna nodded her head. She was beginning to feel nauseous.
"Don't worry about being in the throne room. Just relax."
"I will."
Lotor kissed her again, then left the room.
For the next few months Allura noticed that Lotor was nervous about something. One night, before she entered her room, she asked him about it. He told her that Rianna was pregnant with his child. Then he kissed her goodnight and went to Rianna.
A couple of months later, Allura was awakened by a woman's scream. She sat up in bed and listened. She heard two more screams, got out of bed, grabbed her robe and put it on. She left her room and followed the screams to Lotor's room.
He paced outside his room praying that Rianna and his child would live through this. He knew it would be difficult birth. Rianna had told him that it would be. She had told him that her people have trouble bearing children. The mothers often died in or soon after giving birth. He saw Allura rushing toward him. He continued pacing.
A few hours later Kasha came out holding a baby. She handed it to Lotor. "It's a boy, my lord."
Lotor kissed the child on the forehead. "May we go in?" he asked Kasha.
"Yes."
He entered, still holding his son. Allura and Kasha followed him.
Rianna was propped up pillows She looked pale, even for her. Lotor sat on the bed next to her and kissed her on the forehead.
"He's beautiful."
Rianna smiled. Then she saw Allura.
"Do you have a name for your son?" Allura asked.
Rianna nodded weakly.
"She has named him Mordicai." Kasha said. Lotor looked at her. He had never heard her speak for another, let alone her self.
"My lord, Rianna is weak and needs her rest."
Translation: We should leave.
Lotor thought.
"Very well." He stood and handed Mordicai to Kasha. "Kasha I want you to take care of Rianna and Mordicai."
"I had planned on it. Rianna and I are family, my lord."
"Very well."
A few months later, Lotor and Allura entered the throne room later than usual. Lotor was surprised to see a small bird perched on the top of his throne. He smiled and walked up the stairs.
"Are you going to sit there all day?" he asked the bird.
The bird bowed as if saying yes. Lotor sat down as Allura joined him. The day was long and boring. At the end of the day, Lotor escorted his wife down the stairs. The he raised his arm up, summoning the bird to perch there. The bird glided down and perched there.
Lotor escorted Allura to her room, then he took the bird to his. Once he closed the door, the bird flew to the end of the bed and changed.
"I figured it was you. How were you feeling?"
"Great. Don't worry about our son. Kasha is taking care of him"
She held her arms out to him. "Now, come here, my king."
"Yes my Queen." He took off his shirt and went to her. They kissed. She leaned back on the bed. He lay over her and kissed her face.
A year passed uneventfully. Then Lotor screwed up. He told Allura, who was about seven months pregnant, that her child would never rule Doom.
"Why not? Mordicai may be your first born, but he was born out of wedlock." She placed her hand to her belly. "This child will be born in wedlock."
"You're wrong. Rianna and I are married, and have been for two years now. I 'married' you to protect her. Mordicai will rule Doom."
"And what of our child? Tears started falling from Allura's eyes. She didn't care if their child ruled any planet, but what would she do? Stay in a fake marriage for the sake of the child, or leave?
"What of our child, Allura? It will be raised as royalty and one-day rule Arus. He wrapped his arms around her. He hated seeing her cry.
Kasha had heard everything. In his own way Lotor had betrayed Rianna. What would Rianna do? Kill Lotor and deny two children their father? Or would she take her son and leave? Rianna could do one of many things, if she knew. No. Kasha thought. Rianna must know. She left the doorway and went to find Rianna.
Allura stopped crying. She wiped her tears away with the back of he hand, and stepped away from Lotor.
"I wish to go home."
"No. It's not safe for you or the baby. Once the child is born, you may go home. It's late. You should get some rest." Lotor said, then he left the room.
He went to his room, were he found Rianna and Kasha speaking in low voices. They stopped when they realized he was standing there. Kasha bowed to Rianna, then she left.
"What were you two discussing?"
"Your betrayal." Rianna said coldly.
"My betrayal?"
"You promised that no one, no one, would know of our marriage. So why did you tell Allura?"
"I felt that she had to know why her child would never rule Doom."
"And I thought you were nothing like you're father." Rianna stormed out the room.
Lotor started to follow, but decided against it. He'd allow her to blow off some steam on her own as long as it didn't include killing him.
Rianna left Lotor's room and went to Allura's, where Kasha was to meet her. Rianna entered. Kasha was helping Allura out of her dress.
"Kasha, stop. You no longer need to worry about Allura. Go get Mordicai and bring him here.
"Very well, My queen." Kasha bowed before leaving. Rianna went over to Allura and began lacing up the dress Allura wore.
"You showed me love, and compassion. You also mended my wounds. And I repaid you this way. I am so sorry."
"What are you going to do with me?"
"I'm going to take you with me. I'm going home." Kasha brought Mordicai in and gave him to his mother. "Be careful, Kasha. I promise I will send someone for you."
"Thank you. Have a safe journey."
Rianna and Allura left the castle. Once outside Rianna handed Mordicai over to Allura.
"Do you remember the golden bird that spent a day perched above Lotor's head? That was me. I must ask that you stay claim and relaxed. I will not harm you. Turn you back to me." Rianna said.
Allura did so. Rianna put her arms around he and then transformed to her true size. Once she had lost her human form, she left Doom behind and went home.
She landed outside the castle on her world and transformed back. Then she looked at the sky." Looks like we're just in time. Watch." she told Allura.
Allura looked into the sky and saw that the suns were about to set. The first one set, then as the second began to set, the sky turned crimson. "It's beautiful."
"Rianna, what are you doing here?" a male voice demanded from behind.
Rianna and Allura turned to see who it was. It was a tall man with long, black hair and eyes, and board shoulders. He wore what appeared to be regal robes. He hands were on his hips.
"Leaving my husband." Rianna said going to the man. They hugged.
"I'm so glad you escaped Zarkon, Sis."
"Zarkon is dead. He double-crossed me. His son is now in control, Kristoffe."
He released her. "Are you not going to introduce me to your friend?" He asked.
"I'm surprised you don't recognize her. Prince Kristoffe, this is Princess Allura. Allura, this is my brother Kristoffe." She took Mordicai from Allura. "And this is the Crown Prince of Doom and Arcadia." She handed the child to Kristoffe.
"How is Kasha?", he asked as they headed toward the castle.
"Fine, but someone needs to get her. Lotor will be angry and could do anything to her."
"Those who are old enough, are not strong enough. Including yourself."
"Why are they not strong enough?"
"Our dear cousin came back here to die. We let him, not knowing that her carried a virus. It killed most of the youngest adults. Everyone else got sick."
"What about sending one of my friends?" Allura asked.
"Too dangerous. Lotor could believe that they know where we are and torture them to get that information."
"But they could take you to Doom. Then you could bring Kasha back." Kristoffe said.
"Good idea. I'll take Allura to the comm room."
A few days later, Keith and Lance showed up in their lions. Kristoffe and Rianna were standing next to the landing site. Their robes blew around them as Keith and Lance landed. They opened their hatches and went to Rianna and Kristoffe.
"What do you want?" Keith asked Rianna venomously.
"Your help to save a member of the Royal Family of this world."
The next morning Lotor got up and went to the throne room. He was surprised to see that neither Rianna nor Allura were there. He sat, alone, all day.
That night he went in search of Kasha. He found her cleaning out Rianna's belongings. "What are you doing?"
"Cleaning Rianna's things out. She didn't return last night."
"Where is she?"
"I do not know my Lord. Mordicai is also gone."
"Where are they?" Lotor yelled?
"I don't know my Lord." Kasha said quietly.
Lotor grabbed her and pulled her to him so their noses were almost touching. "Where my wife take our son?" he growled quietly.
Kasha lowered her head. "Home. She went home."
Lotor set her down. "Where is home?"
"Where is home?"
"If I told you, you'd never find it."
"Fine, since you will not tell me where my son is, you will bear me one to replace him." He said, throwing her on the bed and ripping her clothes off. He then raped her repeatedly.
He'd used her for a week. She prayed for death, but her prayers were not answered. He entered the room and she cringed. He lay next to her and fell asleep. Kasha stayed awake, fearing that he would use her again. He did not touch her that night. The next morning he left and went about his day.
Keith and Lance landed their lions undetected. Lance opened the hatch. He and Rianna left the lion. Lance grabbed her arm.
"I don't think you should do this."
"I'm the only one, who knows where Kasha could be.
"Then at least let me go with you."
"No. I don't want to worry about you getting injured or killed."
"I can take care of myself. You shouldn't be doing this alone."
"Fine, but follow me closely." Rianna entered the castle followed by Lance. Rianna saw a slave and stopped her. "Is the King still in his throne room?"
"Yes, he is."
"Don't tell him I was here. Thank you."
"Yes, my queen."
"This way." She said to Lance.
She took him to what had been Allura's room. No Kasha. She then took him to Lotor's room. Kasha lay on the bed, weak from Lotor's abuse. Lance picked her up and wrapped her in a sheet. Then they went back to the Lions.
"Give me Kasha. Then get in your lion and you and Keith get out of here. Thank you for helping. I'm sorry that I deceived you when we first met." Lance handed Kasha to Rianna. Then he watched large golden wings come out of her back. He watched as she disappeared and a large bird took her place.
Lance got into his lion, then he and Keith took off. Rianna did the same.
Rianna landed outside the castle near where her brother stood. She changed back and dropped to her knees. Kristoffe rushed to her and took Kasha from her before she fell on her face.
Keith and Lanced landed just after Rianna. Lance saw her fall. He opened his hatch and rushed to her side. He helped her to her feet, and helped her into the castle, following Kristoffe to the medical wing. Keith followed, also, wary of anyone native to this world.
When they got there Keith and Lance were surprised to see an Allura, a very pregnant Allura, laying on one of the beds. Kristoffe set Kasha on a bed and lance did the same with Rianna. Keith went over to Allura.
"Your Princess is on a mild setative to help her sleep. It will do nothing to the child within her"
Keith laid his hand on her stomach. "The crown prince or princess of Doom." He said.
"No. The child within her is Lotor's second born."
"Second born?" Keith asked looking at Kristoffe.
"Yes. His first born is Mordicai, who will destroy his father and rule Doom." Rianna said.
"Not if the Voltron Force does it first."
Rianna laughed. "You and the others may want him dead, but is that what Allura wants?"
"She's always wanted the same as us."
"Yes, but a lot can change in a year. Do you think she would destroy the father of her child?"
Keith realized that Rianna was right. He didn't reply.
Rianna looked at her brother. "How is she?"
"Pregnant. That bastard raped my wife." Kristoffe said with clenched teeth.
"I'm sorry Kris. I feel so responsible for her condition."
"Rianna, it's not your fault. You couldn't have carried her when you left. We're not old enough to carry two grown beings and a child."
"I know, but I am responsible for her safety and I failed."
Kristoffe went over to her. He held her face in his hands. "It is not your fault. What would you have done if you'd known he would rape Kash, what would you have done?"
"I would have brought her with me."
"And you would have left Allura there. " he let go of his sister and turned to Keith and Lance. "We should go. " He headed to the door. Rianna hopped off the bed. "Where do you think you're going?"
"To my room."
Kristoffe took Keith and Lance to a small, but comfortable room. It was off-white. Chairs sat around a table, they were the same off-white color.
"Please sit. Rianna's told me what happened on Arus. Please do not judge her on that. She is truly loving and caring. "
"You're saying that because you're her brother." Keith said.
"Perhaps, but you can ask anyone here how they feel about her and they will tell the same thing."
A servant entered the room. "My prince, Kasha is awake and asking for you and Rianna."
"Rianna's in her quarters"
Kristoffe got up and went to the medical wing.
"There better be a damn good reason for waking me up." Kristoffe heard his sister say as he passed the corridor that lead to her quarters. He smiled.
When he got there, he went to Kasha's side. "Hey how do you feel?"
"Better, now that I'm home." She said her voice was softer than usual.
"Kasha, I'm so sorry for what he did to you." Rianna said as she reached her sister-in-law's bedside.
"It wasn't your fault, I should have hidden from him."
Normally Rianna would have argued, but her sister-in-law had already been through a lot. Kasha reached up and took Rianna's hand. She put it where Lotor's child was growing in her. "Kill it."
"Kasha, you're too weak, maybe we should -" she started.
"No! Kill it now, before it's too late."
Rianna looked at Kristoffe.
"Rianna, you must see to your people's needs." He told her.
"Very well."
Rianna concentrated all her powers through her hand and into Kasha. It lasted only a few seconds, then one of the nurses checked on Kasha.
"She is no longer pregnant, and fine."
Kristoffe wrapped his arms around his sister from behind. "Thank you, Ri."
That was the last thing she heard before the blackness took over.
He had just thanked her and she went limp in his arms. "Ri?" no answer. "Rianna? Rianna!" Kristoffe picked her up and took her to her quarters.
He laid her in her bed and covered her up. Then he went back to his wife. "Check on Rianna every few hours." He told a nurse.
"Yes my prince."
A few weeks later Rianna awoke in her own chambers. Lance was sitting next to her bed. His head was resting on his arms. He was asleep. Rianna smiled a touched his shoulder. As she did Allura entered.
"Good morning. I see he fell asleep" she whispered. "He insisted on staying by your side until you woke up. Keith was against it, but here he is. I think he loves you."
"I don't know why he would." Rianna whispered back.
"Maybe he sees what I see. A loving, caring person. Keith sees you as a conniving, mepulateive person."
"He thinks I'm exactly like Lotor. How are you and Kasha doing?"
"We're both fine. Kristoffe hovers around Kasha."
"He's always hovered around Kasha."
"I'm glad Keith's not doing the same, but he has stood outside the door. He wants to be close by if you try anything." Allura place her hand on her belly and grimaced.
Rianna sat up. "Are you okay?"
"I don't know."
Rianna got out of bed and placed her hand by Allura's hand. Then she helped her lay down. Then she shook Lance gently. "Lance wake up. Lance."
"What?" he said.
"Go get a doctor. It's time."
"Time?"
"Allura's going to have her baby."
That woke him up. "What? Now?"
"Yeah. Go get a doctor." Rianna said calmly.
Lance bolted out of the room. Rianna helped Allura get comfortable. Keith came in after Lance left. He saw Rianna standing over Allura.
"What the hell or you doing?!"
"Helping her get comfortable. She's going to have a baby."
Keith froze.
"Relax. If I wanted to kill her I could have already done it."
The doctor entered. Rianna dragged Keith out of the room.
For the next few hours, Keith paced. He was driving Rianna and Kristoffe crazy. Thank God for the nurse.
"It's a girl. Rianna she's asking for you."
Rianna entered her room. "Do you have a name?" She asked.
"Eliza Rianna."
"That's lovely, Allura."
"Rianna, you were smiling at my wedding. Why?"
"Lotor married you by my customs. And according to those customs, you are free of him. Neither of us is married to him any longer."
"Does he know that?"
"No. I don't believe so.
Lotor paced angrily in the throne room. A slave stood near him. "What do you mean ' no longer here'?" he demanded.
"My, lord, Kasha is not in the castle and her body has not been found." The slave said.
"FIND HER!!!" be bellowed. "If you do. I'll be in my chambers."
Lotor stalked off to where the female slaves were kept. He grabbed the first one he saw and took her to his room. The slave never returned. He had found no trace of Kasha.
Months passed by. Then a comm officer entered the throne room and bowed before Lotor. He carried a small data pad.
"What do you have to report?" Lotor snarled.
"The Planet Arcadia has allied itself with the G.G. The Queen has also married a member of the Voltron Force. My King, the Queen resembled your slave Rianna."
"Let me see it."
The officer climbed the stairs and handed the pad to Lotor. Then he went back down the stairs. Lotor listened and watched the announcement. "That is Rianna. That bitch! Lieutenant, get the coordinates of Arcadia. Then go there and kill a child. A baby boy."
"Yes, sir." The Lieutenant left to carry out his orders.
"Perhaps Allura's child will rule Doom." Lotor said to himself.
It took a year to get the correct cooridates for Arcadia. The Lieutenant took a small craft there. He would succeed or die.
Rianna rocked Darien to sleep, then she laid him in his crib. Then she went to check on Mordicai. She found Lance reading to him.
"Mama." Mordicai said seeing Rianna. When he did, Lance looked up from what he was reading.
"Rianna, he was almost asleep." Lance said.
I'll take care of it. Don't worry." She said walking over to the bed. She sat on the edge of it. She began to sing in a soft, beautiful voice. Lance didn't understand what she was singing, for she sang in her native tongue. Mordicai was soon fast asleep. Rianna finished the song and kissed her son on the forehead. Then she and Lance stood up. They left the room and turned the light out.
"You're a wonderful father to him." Rianna said as they walked to their chambers.
"Rianna, I told you when I married you, that I'd treat him as if h were my own. And I have. Keith still can't believe that I married you. I wish he could see what I see."
"So do I"
"Is Darien asleep?"
"Yes. Hopefully he'll sleep through the night tonight."
"Don't count on it, love. You'll probably just get to sleep and he'll start crying."
"Rianna smiled. "Probably, but it's your might to walk him through the castle."
"Only if you don't beat me to it." Lance said as he opened the door to their chambers. He and Rianna readied for bed.
"Ri, you never told me why you and your brother don't rule side by side."
"I'm older, by twenty years. I was already ruling by the time he was old enough to. SO we just keep things the way they were." Rianna got into bed. Lance followed, pulled her into his arms and held her close.
"I keep forgetting you're older than I am."
"Do you have to bring it up?"
"No."
"Then don't."
"Rianna, I love you."
"I love you too."
They closed their eyes and fell asleep. About six hours later, Rianna woke up. She looked at the clock.
"Lance, wake up."
"Rianna, let me sleep." Lance grumbled at her.
"I will, just tell me if Darien's woken up yet."
"Not unless you took care of him."
"I haven't. Something's wrong. He doesn't sleep this long."
"How long ago did you put him to sleep?" Lance said awake now.
"Six hours ago." Panic began to lace her voice.
Lance threw back the covers and grabbed his robe. "I'll go check on him." He said as he tied the robe closed.
He went to the nursery. He opened the door, and turned the light on. Then he walked to the crib. He couldn't believe what he saw. Darien's white shirt was now crimson. He ran to the door.
"Guards!" He yelled. Two came running.
"What is it my King?" one of the guards asked.
"There's a murderer in the castle. Find him." Lance ordered.
"Yes, sir. The guards said in unison. Then they left.
Lance turned the light off, shut the door and walked to his chambers. Rianna was pacing next to the bed.
"What is it, love?" She asked.
Lance took her in his arms and held her. "Someone's killed Darien." He said softly.
"No!" Rianna pushed him away and raced to the nursery. She opened the door and turned the light on. She went over to the crib and saw her son's lifeless body lying there. She reached in and picked him up. She held him to her chest and cried.
Kasha entered the nursery. She has a feeling something was wrong. She had heard neither Lance nor Rianna walking around the castle with their son. She saw her sister-in-law holding her child, crying. She went ver to her and put her hand on Rianna's shoulder. Rianna brushed her cheek against Kasha's hand.
A guard entered the nursery. "My Queen, Princess Kasha, we have captured a Drule officer."
Rianna set Darien's lifeless body back in the crib, and turned to face the guard. "Where are you holding him?
"In the brig."
"Take me there now."
The guard escorted Rianna and Kasha to the brig. Lance and Kristoffe were already interrogating the officer. They stopped when Rianna entered. She recognized the officer.
"Lieutenant, I know who sent you and I know why? Lotor wants his successor dead. When you report back to him, know that you failed, he'll kill you." Rianna turned to the guards. "Escort our friend here, back to his ship, and make sure he leaves this planet." She turned back to the Lieutenant. "If you ever return here, I'll see to it personally, that you never leave here again." She headed to the door. "Prince Darien will be buried in two days." She left and went to her chambers. Lance followed her.
Kristoffe looked at his wife. "She may let him live in peace for now. Then he could lose his family or life."
"Or both." Kasha added.
The next day, Kristoffe and Kasha sat on the thrones. Rianna and Lance were spending time with each other and Mordicai I their private chambers. Mila, Rianna and Kristoffe's cousin entered the throne room. She was surprised to see that Rianna and Lance were not sitting on the throne. She approached the dais and bowed to Kristoffe and Kasha.
"Arise, Mila. Family never bows to family."
"True, but a commoner must bow to the rulers."
Kristoffe stood and went to Mila. They hugged.
"I've brought s gift for Prince Darien." She said.
Kristoffe released her. Mila handed him a black blanket. The royal emblem was stitched, in gold, into the corners.
"It's beautiful, Mila. Guard, take Mila to the Queen's private chambers Tell Rianna that it's her cousin Mila." Kristoffe said. He handed the blanket back to Mila." Kristoffe said. "I'll let you take it to her."
The guard escorted Mila to the Queen's private chambers. He knocked on the door. "My Queen, your cousin Mila is here to see you."
"Let her in." Lance called. Mila entered.
"Mila, what brings you here?" Rianna asked.
"I've brought a gift for Prince Darien."
Tears welled up in Rianna's eyes. "What is it?" Mila handed the blanket to Rianna. "It's lovely Mila. Darien shall have it forever."
"Ri, what do you mean by that?"
"Prince Darien was killed last night." Lance replied.
"By whom?"
"One of my ex's officers. He will be buried tomorrow. He will be wrapped in this blanket."
Mila hugged Rianna. "I'm sorry, Ri. What will you do now?"
"In eighteen years, Mordicai will defeat his father, and rule Doom. Other than that, I have no idea."
Mila stayed with Rianna for a little while longer, then she went home to her family.
The funeral was a private one. It involved only Rianna, Lance and Mordicai. Kristoffe and Kasha sat in the throne room.
The years passed by slowly. Rianna and Lance had three more children. Two girls, Leia and Serena, and one son, Kevin. Allura and Keith married. Keith finally forgave Rianna and made peace with her. He begged Allura to name their daughter, Rianna. She didn't tell Keith that she'd already planned to name their first after Rianna.
During this time, Lotor remarried. He had four children with his new wife. David, the twins, Ravenne, and Wolfe, and Media. David often sat were Rianna once sat. Ravenne and Wolfe served their father, as Lotor had served his father. Media, the youngest, was quite and shy, and reminded Lotor of Winter, his second, official wife. Winter had died giving birth to Media.
Upon her death, Lotor had had the second throne removed from the throne room.
At the moment Lotor was away. He was seeing to his Empire. David sat in the throne, seeing to things on Doom.
On what would have been Darien's eighteenth birthday, the Voltron Force convened on Arcadia. They were going to help Rianna and Mordicai overthrow Lotor.
"What are we going to do?" Marie, Lance's replacement, asked.
"The Voltron Force is going to go in and attack Lotor's forces, and distract them. My forces shall storm the castle. Mordicai and I will make our way to the Throne room. Their Mordicai shall defeat his father in battle." Rianna said placing around the room.
"What if he doesn't defeat his father?" Rayena, Hunk's daughter and replacement asked.
"That will not happen. I shall defeat my father." Mordicai said. He had grown into a handsome young man. He had white hair, like his father and his ears had a slight point to them. As he had grown, his skin had last the bluish color of a Drule and become the pale ivory of the Arcadians.
"What if Lotor's not on Doom?" Keith asked.
"If he has left his oldest son, David will be looking after Doom." Rianna replied.
"From, the scans of Doom, Lotor has left the planet. Ravenne and Wolfe went with him." Hunk replied.
Rianna stopped and looked at Hunk. "Really?"
Lance didn't need to look at Rianna. He knew that she was thinking.
"With Lotor gone we need to move up the attack. We leave at sunset." Rianna said sitting down in her chair.
"What about the rest of our forces?" Jareth asked.
"Lotor would take the best equipped and manned ships with him. We only have to worry about what's left. And what's left is pathetic. We'll easily defeat them." Rianna stood. "Sunset is in five hours. We need to prepare." She then left the room. She went to where Darien had been buried.
Five hours passed quickly. Rianna wrapped her arms around her son and transformed. He was not yet old enough to travel in space himself.
The Voltron Force followed her to Doom.