Princess Allura snuck back into the Castle MUCH later, hours after her Nanny-imposed curfew,
her cheeks suspiciously aglow and wearing a dreamy smile in addition to her wrinkled dress, her
hair hopelessly tousled. It didn't take a genius to guess what she'd been up to all night. For that
reason, Allura was using all of the covert tricks she'd learned in the VF to creep back to her room
without waking anyone. But it was hard to concentrate on stealth with so many stirring memories
of her night with Lotor still fresh in her mind. Even though it had only been a few minutes since
they parted, she already missed him desperately, his smile, his searing kisses, the exquisite
sensation of being joined to him body, heart, and soul.
She paused to admire the sparkling diamond ring he'd placed on her finger, her heart overflowing
with joy. It was truly fit for a Queen. As she was about to become.
Allura was so distracted by her direction her thoughts were taking that she forgot about the loose
board in the 23rd step on the main staircase until she stepped squarely on it.
CRRREEEEEEEAAAAAAAKK!
She winced and froze instantly, but it was too late. The telltale racket was loud enough to wake the dead.
With a resigned sigh, she turned to face the wrath of Nanny, who had heard the racket and was
bearing down on her with mother hen Keith and the VF hot on her heels. Allura wasn't too worried
about the coming lecture- after all, the others and even Nanny would forgive Lotor everything once
they learned he was soon to be her husband.
-------------
When Lotor finally got back to Doom, it was early the next morning. He was quite energetic for someone
who'd only gotten a grand total of about five minutes sleep all night. He strolled down the corridor to his
own rooms with a mindlessly happy grin and humming a senseless tune he'd just made up. His buoyant
mood took a dive when one of his father's lackeys came tearing around the corner, then skidded to a halt
when he spotted Lotor.
"Prince Lotor! Thank the gods you're back! Your father has been looking for you! He wishes to see
you immediately."
"Great," Lotor muttered. He knew that was just a euphemism. What was really happening was that his
father was on the warpath again. Zarkon must have blown a gasket when he discovered Lotor's
disappearance last night. He hadn't bothered to tell the old man where he was going, knowing Zarkon
wanted him to go to that damn embassy instead. As if he would pass up a chance to spend time with
Allura to go to that boring, stupid event and be surrounded by even more boring, stupid people! Apparently
the shit had hit the fan once Zarkon found out he wasn't being a good little heir, and doing as he was ordered.
Lotor clenched his hands into fists at his sides. How he hated his father! Zarkon didn't give a damn if he
lived or died, except that if he died he would have to knock up some other unwilling chit. Pity the poor
girl who'd have to endure that! Zarkon wouldn't miss him if he was gone, it would just be an inconvenience
for him to sire and train himself another son. His father would replace him as easily and with about as much
thought as a used paper towel.
But even Zarkon's temper couldn't dampen Lotor's spirits today. He knew what he was going to do. He
had everything he had ever wanted- Allura's love. He needed nothing more. There was no reason for him
to stay on Doom.
Confident and prepared to do battle, Lotor changed course and marched off to his father's throne room.
Hagar met him at the door, and confirmed Zarkon's foul mood.
"You really did it this time, Lotor. Your father is furious! He's going to throw you into the dungeon now
for sure!" she annouced with spite.
"Like I care," Lotor grumbled. Seeing Hagar made him remember the disgusting looking potion she had
given him last night. He removed it from his pocket, intending to return it. She needed it a whole lot more
than he ever would! "You can have this stuff back. I won't be needing it." Lotor smirked at her, letting her
draw her own conclusions. "Ever."
"You DIDN"T!!" Hagar gawked at him. Then with an exasperated roll of her eyes she scoffed, "HA! You
are such a liar-"
"LOTOR! I CAN HEAR YOU! GET IN HERE THIS INSTANT, YOU IDIOT!!!!" Zarkon's voice came
bellowing out through the partly open door.
Hagar scurried back into the room, followed by Lotor at a much more relaxed, and to Zarkon a more
disrespectful, pace. When Zarkon gave an order, he expected it to be obeyed immediately. And now here
was his own son, his heir, disobeying him and now insulting him by not cowering in fear before his anger!
Lotor was in for the punishment of his young life!
"So, my bumbling fool of a son, you've finally returned from your latest failure!" Zarkon sneered. Lotor
only yawned in sublime boredom. Before Zarkon could react to THAT, Lotor spoke up.
"Let's get this over with, Father. I have places to go," he said. He sounded like he was late for an
appointment.
Lotor's nonchalant attitude infuriated Zarkon so much he could hardly see through the blood-red cloud
that suddenly tinted his vision. The boy's indifference made him angrier than any aggressive defiance would
have. In retaliation, he needled Lotor about his weakness for Princess Allura. It had worked many times
before. "What, chasing after that princess who can't even stand the sight of you? You'll be lucky if I ever
let you set foot outside the dun-"
"I don't have to chase her, Father. We're getting married in a week." Lotor spoke matter-of-factly, as if
he was giving a weather report.
Zarkon stared blankly at him for a moment. Then he started laughing. He walked up to Lotor and
clapped him on the back. "Well done, my son! And here I thought you were a dismal failure! Now
we shall finally have Voltron! This calls for a toast. Bring me my goblet, Lotor."
Lotor gritted his teeth at the way his father was still ordering him around like a servant. Then he had
an idea- a deliciously evil one. As he retrieved his father's wine goblet from the table along the wall,
he smiled as he contemplated his revenge. He watched with barely hidden glee as Zarkon raised his
glass. He closed his hand around the now empty vial he had hidden in his palm. Turns out I have a
use for that potion after all, he thought with a devious smirk. It'll serve the old coot right!
"To our victory over Voltron!" Zarkon said, then took a long swallow of his wine.
"I'm afraid not, Father," Lotor countered. "I'm leaving Doom. I am no longer your heir. I'm going to
start a new life with Allura. You will never have Voltron, or Arus, or me." Zarkon's jaw dropped
open in shock and his eyes nearly bugged out of his head. Lotor grinned at the hilarious, stupid-looking
expression on Zarkon's normally imposing face. "Cheers," said Lotor as he raised his own glass
in a mocking salute.
With that, he turned and walked away from Zarkon for the last time.
Chapter Eight