The caves beneath Doom

Keith had just settled in to sleep in one of the small 'rooms' inside the cave. Chip had provided some sleep bags for both he and Kate, who was sleeping in the next room.

He smiled, thinking of her. She had been such a help to him on this mission, even if she drove him crazy at times. He didn't quite know how to proceed with her, though. Love was funny that way. How he could have fallen for someone like her, he didn't know.

There was just this vulerability about her-a softness beneath the bold facade. He didn't know if they would get out of all this alive, but perhaps there was a future for them.

And Allura? He didn't know. He knew she wouldn't be the same after this. He would always be her friend and the protector of Arus, and there would always be a place in his heart for her.

He sighed, folding his arms behind his head, trying to get to the sleep, when a soft voice somewhere in the room said, "Keith?" It was Kate, of course.

Keith turned on the genlite on low and looked over at her. He noticed that she was only wearing the sleepshirt that she had taken from S'aaul's rooms.

Keith thought, ..she's got nice legs...stop it, Keith!...

"What is it, Kate?" he said, sitting up.

Kate smiled nervously, "It's nothing, really..I just couldn't sleep....um, it's kind of creepy in here, you know...may I stay in here for awhile? I promise I won't disturb you."

Keith shrugged and said., "Yeah, it's okay Kate, c'mon over."

...now why the hell did I say that?..he thought. She came over and sat next to him on the sleepbag. Keith was grateful that she was outside the sleepbag and not in it-he was a gentleman, but Kate would be a little too tempting!

She sighed heavily and Keith asked, "There's something else wrong, Kate-tell me."

Kate looked at him and said, "I guess I'm just worried about our big plan.I really don't want to be caught by that Jarius again, Keith.he's a total creep."

Then she looked thoughtful and said, "You know, he looks familar to me-kinda looks like Lotor-he could be some relative of Zarkon's,but I don't see how. Mother told me Zarkon had killed his brothers and all their families,but you never know."

Keith said,"Kate, that's not what it is...don't change the subject."

Kate blushed and said softly, "So Keith, you found me out."

Kate ducked her head a little and said, "Well, really, Keith, I-I just wanted to be with you. It was lonely in there-I feft very alone."

Keith placed his arm around her and said quietly, "That's nothing to be ashamed of-everyone gets lonely sometimes."

Kate smiled and said, "Even you, Commander Akira?"

Keith nodded, "Even me.." and then he reached over and kissed her without thinking. Kate looked startled.

Keith immediately began to apologize. "Kate, I'm sorry...I didn't...."

Kate cut off her words with a kiss and said softly, "Yes, you did, Keith...you did mean to." Kate slid down and put her arms around him and whispered, "Keith, I-I must say this before anything ever happens.I-I love you, Keith, I thought you'd want to know that."

Keith's heart leaped for joy. He didn't know about how this girl felt sometimes, but now- Keith wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back. For the moment, it was just the two of them in their own world. They did not know what would happen tomorrow, and for the moment, they did not care.

When Keith awoke the next morning, he found himself holding Kate close in his sleepbag minus her sleepshirt. A soft smile was on her features. Keith smiled gently, kissed her on the forehead and went back to sleep, knowing that last night had been no dream.

Interlude Two:

They arrived on Doom after their honeymoon on Aden, an honor guard of his finest officers were there to meet them. Z'aale escorted his wife out of the ship(something that he had never done before) and walked down the wide carpet lined with officers.

Z'aale had Allura's arm draped over his own, when he stopped, saying, "Allura, I wish you to meet my top officer-Jarius S'aaul-he will be charge of your security."

Allura looked at the officer coming towards her and was shocked. ..Lotor-he looks a little like Lotor!

Allura regained her composure as the officer smiled and said, "Your Majesty." took her hand and kissed it, his lips lingering a second too long. Allura didn't like him. There was something about him.

She affected her best regal pose and nodded at him. Nanny would have been proud - under other circumstances. The officer seemed to smirk slightly as if he knew what she was thinking. S'aaul bowed and said, "I am honored to be in charge of your security.If you ever need anything,Your Highness, please let me know. I am only here to serve you."

Allura stiffly said, "Thank you." and they went on.

Allura could feel the S'aaul's eyes upon her, sending a shiver up her spine. It was bad enough she was here, bad enough she was bound to Zarkon, but now she would have watch for him as well!

He reminded her of Lotor-the way he was when she first met him. She should have known that there would be that sort of thing here. She shivered again.

Z'aale noticed and said, "Come, Allura, I will show you to our chambers. It's obvious that you are chilled." And so they went.

Interlude Three:

Jarius S'aaul leaned back in his chair as the female slave removed his boots. Ahh, much better. He barked an order to the slave to leave him. She scurried off, knowing that he would want her again later. Jarius wanted to think.

He smiled, thinking about the afternoon. He remembered feeling resentful, angry about Zarkon taking a Queen-it was just one more obstacle between him and the throne he wanted. He had felt thwarted, cheated. He hated his half-uncle as much as he hated his half-cousin, Lotor, but he wanted the throne. The throne he derserved. After all, Zarkon had destroyed his father, and cursed him to a careless mother-why not the throne?

And then, they arrived, his king escorting his queen out of the ship. Jarius noticed her immediately.

He had thought,...she is as beautiful as they say!....no, even more so..

Jarius had always been a lover of beauty, and this one was exceptional. There was a glow about her...a familar glow...but he couldn't remember where. He saw the look that Zarkon gave her and thought increduously,

....he is in love with her!....and then he had smirked to himself. Perhaps he could use this to his advantage.

He saw her face as they were introduced - he thought she looked like a startled doe.

...She sees the resemblance to my 'late' cousin..

As he kissed her soft hand, he imagined what she would look like with nothing on and smirked. Again, he saw in her eyes recognition, but she quickly covered it and soon they left. His eyes were upon her the whole time.

Yes, now he had a plan. He knew how their marriage had come about. He knew she did not love her husband, although the same could not said of his king. He was absolutely bewitched. Now he knew where he had seen that particular glow from.

On Tyrus, when he had been a young officer ....Saucha....he had not thought of her in years. The only woman he had come close to loving. She had been a bewitcher too, abeit a weakened one.

That was the danger in bewitchers, a man could fall in love with them quite easliy....as he had nearly done. Now, his king-his uncle was in love with the Queen. Perhaps she would be open to getting rid of her bridegroom?

In return for her freedom from Zarkon, she would marry him and that would insure his legal right to the throne. After all, as the widow of Zarkon, she would be the legal heir, and as his closest relative-well, it would work out quite nicely.

Jarius smirked again, reaching for his wine. He thought smugly that it helped that he looked similar to his cousin-may the fires of hell roast his soul- he was sure he could charm his Queen - seduce her. It helped that she was extremely beautiful and a bewitcher too. It would be dangerous to be with her,true, but he would enjoy the challenge.

He would approach her with his proposition before her Ball. After all, he was the head of her security! That fool, Zarkon! Soon he would have revenge upon his uncle. He would take his life, take his throne and his Queen.

Thinking about Allura again, he arose and called for the female slave who attended him. not waiting for her reply,Jarius scooped her up and carried her to his sleep chambers.

He thought briefly, ....all work and no play..they entered and the door shut behind them.

Rise Into The Abyss:Chapter Five

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