Zarkon was doing well. His speeches for peace and for harmony were gaining popularity amongst the crowds even more and the fact that he donated nearly all his fees to the Alliance Recovery Fund made everyone believe that Zarkon truly was a changed man. They started calling him the "Minister of Peace" and it looked like before long he would be one. Zarkon did not mind the name - it would do.
Amalgamus kept giving him more and more responsibilites and Zarkon performed
excellently. Between Amalgamus and Zarkon, the Garrison and the Alliance was
running smoothly.
Very smoothly except for one thing - Lotor.
The princess still had not returned him and Zarkon did not know if he were
alive or dead. He didn't think he was dead - the princess was not cold blooded in that sense - but he had to find them, bring Lotor to trial and then the process could begin. He'd be able to make Lotor hate and hate well. Oh yes. He'd hate the Alliance and he would hate Voltron for sure. For awhile he would even hate him, but Lotor would see that he had a plan and that he would not rot in a Garrison prison. Lotor still had his uses.
But now, she had him and she could change him. Damn Lotor - his love for that woman was incomprehensible. It had to be because he hadn't bedded her. If he had simply took her long ago instead of fooling about with elaborate plans that failed, she would have been out of his system long ago.
He really couldn't blame Lotor for wanting her - he himself had wanted her after the last night he had visited the Castle of Lions. The night of the ball celebrating Alfor's twentieth year of rule. Yes he remembered that night well. They never expected him to show. The royal couple and their fifteen year old daughter, Allura. He had given them one more chance and had asked them to surrender their kingdom under his rule. Alfor would have ruled - under strict provisions of course - one of many "kings" ruling his planets. But the fool didn't take it. Instead Alfor had insulted him, but that didn't
faze Zarkon a bit. He merely smiled and vowed that in a year they would all be dead save for Allura, who would be his personal concubine.
Indeed they did die and he expected the little chit to surrender but she did not - even when they practically bombed them back into the ancient ages. He had to admire her for that even though it was stupid. But such spirit - a spirit that would be enjoyable to break was a precious thing. Even as they attacked he gave them orders to spare her and her prime minister if possible.
He had wanted the enjoyment of raping her in front of Coran, who was as much a father to the girl as Alfor was.
But it was not to be - those lions. Those damned lions..
Several times both he and Lotor came close to destroying them, but they came back and back again. When he saw his son's proud flagship go down in flames he knew that it was over and the time had come to save himself. Hagar was long gone. He did not know his son had even survived at that point. Voltron had destroyed his Empire, and now he would destroy Voltron and it's Empire.
Zarkon smiled. All the mightiest roebeasts in the world could not do what a single push of a button do. The pilots of Voltron were being reassigned even as he sat here in the comfort of his suite. It would take months for new pilots to be reassigned - if they were reassigned. Voltron might have been
the property of Arus, but the pilots were Garrison.
And what was Garrison, HE controlled through that mechanized fool, Amalgamus.
Zarkon rethought his plans. He could have the Alliance turn against the Princess for taking Lotor out of custody. After all, royalty was not above interstellar law. He would have to be careful of that though. Dammit all! Perhaps he should have them both killed and be done with it. No mess, no fuss.
But he wanted to see her face when at last he took over the Alliance she so dearly loved. He wanted her to eat all those defiant words she had ever spoken of the Alliance being the Holy Grail of the universe. The Alliance nor Garrison was pure. He knew that. Did she even know that there had been
prominent Garrison officials that played both sides? Did she even realize that? Of course not! Foolish girl. He would be glad to dispell her illusions in one swoop - among other things.
He looked out the window pensively. He knew where she was - if she was there still. He would send out some mercenaries - no wait. He would make sure there would be no slip ups. He would bring his son back himself. It wouldn't take long. Amalgamus had been easy on Coran and he had dealt with him as well. Coran, he was sure, was lulled into believing that the Princess was well hidden. Yes, he would run the idea to Amalgamus. Zarkon was sure he'd agree.
Coran sat at his desk looking at the latest report from Allura:
Coran,
Lotor is still progressing well under Dr. Hawkins biomedic treatments. Much of his skin is healing well, though it is his internal organs, his legs, arm and part of his face that is taking the longest to heal. It should be another few months of treatment. Lotor has also been coming around during the
treatments which is a good sign. I will be here for a bit longer. I will contact you via private channel at 1800 hours Arusian time.
Allura
Why did she feel the need to have to stay with Lotor? Coran groaned. He had a bad feeling that Amalgamus and Zarkon were playing with them. The boys had recieved reassignment orders and Lance was heading back into civilian service. They were all up in arms whcn Allura had declared she would actually stay with Lotor during his treatments, but Allura held fast, even when Coran had said that she needed to come back to Arus sometime.
What was that girl - woman - Coran corrected himself - thinking? If she stayed with Lotor until he reccuperated, how the hell was she going to get him back to trial? Lotor certainly wasn't going to go quietly. Allura had said she would convince him. Coran shuddered a little. Lotor had Zarkon's blood and his ways running in his veins. Even after all he had done, she still was willing to help him. Why?
A com beep intruded upon his thoughts. Coran answered it without thinking.
"Prime Minister Coran. How good it is to see you."
Bile rose in Coran's throat. It was Zarkon.
"Zarkon." Coran said dryly.
"I am simply making a call for Amalgamus to see how the Princess and my son are doing."
"They are fine. Your son is still under treatment. The princess states he is doing very well."
"Hmm, that is good news to a father's ears. Of course you do realize that the princess is violating interstellar law - aiding and betting a known criminal..if you go by the book. A father's love and concern, however, don't go
by rules. I have convinced Amalgamus to stay his hand at getting my son back. I am so sure of the princess' noble heart that she will do the right thing."
Good god, Coran thought,Get out the shovel,it's getting deep in here!
"Your - help is appreciated." Coran said flatly.
Zarkon thought with a slight smile.You always were a smug bastard. Perhaps I'll yet see the shock of defeat in your face yet,Coran.
"I am so glad, Coran. So glad that former foes can help each other out. Tell Princess Allura that. I trust my son in her hands, but only for so long."
"Of course, Zarkon. Princess Allura does realize that."
"I am sure she does. She is an intelligent young woman. I have always thought so. Brave as well. I am glad we are on the same side now. Perhaps she will be able to reach my son as well."
"Perhaps." Coran said. He thought,I still haven't forgotten the terrible things you said you would do to her at the ball long ago and I never will. You haven't changed a bit, demon!
"I must go, Coran."Zarkon answered back."Duty calls. No rest for the weary."
No rest for the wicked you mean...Coran thought.
"I have duties as well, Zarkon."
"Until next time, Coran. Good Bye." Zarkon said.
"Coran out." the beleagured prime minister replied curtly.
Coran sat back in his chair. Zarkon was up to something. He didn't know what, but he had to be. He would warn Allura of this. He didn't trust Zarkon and right now the boys could not help for they were already scattered to the four winds. Keith especially wanted to stay and help, but he still had time left on his Garrison duty and right now with Amalgamus in charge he could not do much, not if he wanted to keep his career. Coran assured him that he would be the first to know if Allura needed them and Keith had to be satisfied with that.
Coran wondered if Keith really did love Allura or was Lance right in saying that Keith was cold-hearted for simply following orders. God, the arguments had been fierce between them as of late.
But now was not the time for that. When Allura contacted him again, he would warn her that perhaps where she was wasn't safe.
Blind Faith - Chapter Twelve
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