Five years later........

Lotor lay in bed and closed his eyes. His mind drifted back to the days following his father's death.
The battleships that had entered Doom's atmosphere and caused all the confusion had been led by General B'Daka, the highest ranking and most trusted leader of Lotor's forces. General B'Daka had intercepted the same message as Keith and the others, and he had ordered the immediate attack on Doom. Many wondered why he had simply not destroyed both Zarkon and Lotor when he had the chance and taken the empire for himself. The answer was simple. He was a soldier and had no ambitions beyond leading an army. He respected rank and Lotor was his superior. He was also a loyal man, and that is exactly why Lotor had promoted him to general in the first place. Once they realized Zarkon had been defeated, the Doom guards had laid down their arms and sworn their loyalty to their new king. After disposing of his father, Lotor had limped over to help Keith pull Allura and Ayli from the cliff's edge. Allura had kissed him then in front of everyone. Her friends had stood mute in complete shock and then dragged her away to question her. Lotor had been so relieved by the outcome of the battle and Allura and Ayli's safety that he had not been too put out by this interruption. Besides, Ayli had clung to him with abandon and it took several minutes to convince her to release her hold.
Lotor smiled at the memory of Allura trying to explain what had transpired and about her new feelings for him. Her friends had been FURIOUS! They honestly had though she'd lost her mind or been bewitched. Allura had gone back to Arus with her friends to explain and beg their forgiveness for her lies. Lotor had been upset that she did not remain with him, but she promised to see him soon and reminded him, upon her departure, of his new responsibilities to give up his father's corruptness and be a just ruler.
Lotor and Allura had tried and failed several times over the next two years, following what was now known as "Doom's Day", to come to terms over their political and philosophical differences and to make her friends and people understand her desire to be with him. Once, she had left him after a terrible argument, and they did not speak for several months. That had been a dark period for Lotor, and he had reverted to his old ways. He was harsh and cruel and unhappy. Ayli finally had had enough of Lotor's brooding and had arranged a chance meeting with Allura. When they saw each other again the romantic sparks flew and rekindled their love. However, they continued to disagree over what Lotor should do with his new empire. Allura thought he should return the rightful rulers to power and rule Kyldare as King and help her rule Arus, after they were married, as Prince Consort. Lotor was not so easily swayed to give up his power and thought Allura was trying to mold him to fit her standards without respecting their cultural differences. Allura thought a ruler was meant to rule one planet and had been brought up to believe that it was wrong to pursue power or engage in war if was not in defense. Lotor had always learned "to the victor goes the spoils", and "might is right". He thought by controlling the universe you had no one to fear and therefore could better provide for your people and planets. He felt that a lone planet left itself vulnerable to attack. Besides, he had executed most of the royal families of the planets he had conquered. There was no rightful rulers to return. Hours were spent in emotional battles with Allura. They still loved each other, but their differences seemed insurmountable.
Lotor and Allura's political troubles were not the only ones they had to struggle with. Keith, Coran, and Allura's other friends still did not trust Lotor and begged Allura to give up the idea of a future with him. The people of Arus were also quite adamant about her breaking ties with him. After all, many people's lives had been destroyed during his previous attacks on Arus. Even Galaxy Garrison placed demands on Allura. They felt she should arrest Lotor for his crimes and bring him to justice.
All of the pleading and demanding set Allura's mind, not against Lotor, but to making something work with him. After two years, they had finally come to an agreement. Lotor was to allow the planets of his empire to set up local governments if they wished. He would still be king and rule, but the people would have some small degree of say in what went on in their individual towns. They could select five men as acceptable leaders and Lotor would choose one of them to serve as Governor General in Lotor's absence. The people would pay taxes and Lotor would protect them. In return, Allura would be his Queen and would step aside and allow him to rule his empire as he saw fit. She would not try to interfere, but he was to be fair.
So, Lotor and Allura were married two years after "Doom's Day" in a small ceremony on a Star Cruiser stationed between Kyldare and Arus. They would use the Star Cruiser as a temporary residence, until they decided where to make their final home, whether it be on Arus, Kyldare, or a neutral planet. They finally decided to make Arus their home, and Kyldare a military base.
Over the next several years Lotor and Allura had attempted to show everyone that he had changed. He had indeed changed, although it did not happen over night or all at once. It had taken deliberate effort on Lotor's part and gentle prodding from Allura and Ayli. After all, 25 years of upbringing and influence by Zarkon could not be undone in one moment. Lotor would always have a dark side, but he consciously controlled it.
The people of Arus had finally accepted the union between Lotor and Allura, but were still reserved when it came to their reception of him, and they kept an ever watchful eye should he backslide. Lotor imagined it would still be a while before he was truly accepted, but he understood the Arusians' reservations. Only as of late, had Allura's friends warmed up to him. They had finally seen that he was a changed man and that he posed no threat to Allura. The turning point for Allura's friends and many people occurred one year after the wedding when Allura gave birth to twin daughters. The birth of the little princesses and Lotor's public display of affection for his family had swayed many in his favor. Many also saw now that although he was a strict ruler, he was also a skilled and just one. Furthermore, no planet or force dared, even now, to challenge him for he was powerful and fearless, and would defend what was his, but nor did he seek to add additional planets to his vast empire. His people felt safe in his capable hands.
Lotor's musings were interrupted when Allura took his hand and placed it on her swollen belly. He could feel their unborn child, their son, kicking, and it filled him with a deep sense of peace. He swore to himself that he would be nothing like his own father. His children would not hate him. Allura sighed and nestled into him further. He smiled and stroked her golden hair. Things were finally as they should be, and Lotor felt blessed. He had two precious little girls and a son who would be born any day. His beloved sister was happy and cared for. Ayli had married an honest and good-hearted prince who loved her dearly, and now she was pregnant with her first child. She called on Lotor and Allura often, and Lotor was grateful that she was happy and safe. He also had a vast empire, great wealth, power, and respect. Above all, he had the love of his life at his side. There was nothing more he could ask for.

Lotor sighed in contentment, closed his golden eyes, and fell into a blissful sleep.