"Beginnings"
Five
Zarkon surveyed his forces carefully. All his fleets had reported in, and as usual there was little resistance. He was making progress in his conquest of this galaxy. It required him to be away much of the time from Doom, but it was worth it. Although he didn't have to - being the reigning monarch, he fought in the battles that his troops waged. He usually fought against the unfortunate King who dared to stand up to him. Ah, he relished his enemy's death cry when he would plunge his sword into him. Zarkon used an old- fashioned titainium sword to vanquish his enemies - it made more of an impression than the newer laser swords. The carnage it left was considerably more well - messy, but it made a lasting impression to his thinking.
Whenever he conquered a planet, he let his men run rampant upon the land. They could do as they wished - as long as they brought viable slaves back and not become besotted with drink. He would not allow his troops to be befuddled with alcohol. They could take their pleasures with their captives, but if they were found drunk they would be executed on the spot. Zarkon had heard of too many times where enemy troops had defeated their conquerors by taking advantage of their drunkeness. Perhaps too, the memory of his own father's drunkeness haunted him. As for himself, he drank spirits sparingly, and never in battle. He too, took the conqueror's advantage and took captive women for himself as well. It was a perogative of the conqueror...
Elanoir frowned as she saw her young son chase after Hagar's cat. She snatched him away from the blue cat, warning, "No, no, Lotor! It will bite you and make you cry!" Lotor howled as only a four-year old could. He wanted to pet the blue cat even if it did hiss at him. Elanoir consoled the boy by promising him an extra bedtime story before he went to sleep tonight. This seemed to molify the child somewhat and Elanoir smiled at him, whispering, "Here, Lotor. Cook made you these.." She handed him some sugar cookies.She was gratified to see him smile. She whispered. "Now don't let anyone see you with these or they'll tell your father.." Elanoir saw Lotor frown. She knew Z'aale didn't like Lotor to be "coddled."
Even at that young age, Lotor knew how to keep a secret from his father. To him his father was a scary monster who would make his mother cry. One time his father let him see a large war helmet he had. It was big and kind of scary looking with sharp curved knives on each side. He let him touch the heavy metal sword he had too. He remembered that his father said that someday he would wear these things in battle and make him proud. Although Lotor did want to make him proud, he wanted to protect his mother too, but he didn't dare mention that. He was a big boy now, and he could keep a secret well. Sometimes it made him feel funny when his father would say he would rule everything someday. He didn't want to do that. He wanted to be a space pilot hero like in the stories his mother told him. Of course he was a prince, but he bet he could be a pilot too. Sometimes in his mother's stories, there would be a beautiful princess in them. His mother said that beautiful princesses always married handsome princes. For some reason, his mother's voice caught when she said that. He didn't know why. Lotor didn't really like girls too much - especially the Cook's girl, Maizy. She was always trying to play "marriage" with him. Of course, once his mother was reading him a story from a picture book. He saw a golden-haired princess with blue eyes and long curly hair. He thought she was so pretty, and so he pointed, "Look, mama..I want to marry a princess like that one! She's pretty just like you.." He remembered his mother's eyes filling with tears. He didn't mean to make her cry! He gave his mother a hug and said, "I'm sorry, mama.." She had hugged him back and said, "Oh, don't worry, Lotor..your mama is being silly." She had looked at the picture in the book and said, "Maybe someday you will meet your princess and fall in love.." Lotor had made a face and said, "Love! Yuk!" This made his mother laugh for some reason. She said mysteriously, "One day you'll change your mind.." He never did understand that. Grown ups were strange...
Elanoir frowned as she saw her husband's latest mistress, Hagar, come into the room. She hustled Lotor out of there. She whispered, "Run along and play, Lotor..I will send B'iana after you later. Lotor smiled and said, "Kay, mama.." He hid the sugar cookies she had given into his pocket and ran out. Seeing that they were now alone, Elanoir said, "Well, Hagar, what is it? Is this a social call?" Hagar smiled and bowed. Her sultry voice was filled with derision as she said, "Oh, Your Majesty, it is such an honor to serve one such as you!" Elanoir looked at Hagar with narrowed eyes. Hagar was beautiful - in an overblown way, of course. Her long wavy hair was a rich red-gold color and her oval face posessed a sensuality - a knowing. There was no innocence to her features. Her body was full and curvaeous - again sensuality seemed to emit from her very pores. Elanoir that this was partly due to the fact that Hagar was a witch who posessed the ability to do magic. Rumors about the palace were that Hagar was learning the craft of Black Magic, which would make her powerful indeed. Elanoir wouldn't be suprised if Z'aale had coerced her into it. Elanoir had also heard that Hagar loved her husband. Elanoir had though if she did, she was to be pitied - more so than she. Anyone who loved Z'aale was a fool, for he could love no one.
Elanoir sighed as she shifted in the divan and said, "Hagar, let's get this over with. You have something to say, say it. I am tired." Hagar looked upon her knowingly. "Oh, I imagine so, your majesty. It is so hard to be a Queen, isn't it?" Elinoir sighed again. She knew that Hagar wanted to be Queen of Doom - for whatever reason. She was jealous of her. Elanoir said, "Hagar, if you're going to be sarcastic, then go away.." Hagar hissed and said, "You won't be so high and mighty, your majesty. Someday - very soon I will take your place!" Elinoir yelled, "Take it then, I don't want it!" Hagar shook her head, "He won't let you go, despite my charms. But - " This she added with a smile. "I have my ways.." Elanoir said, "I'm sure you do - once a slut, always a slut.." Hagar's green eyes flashed with hatred. "If you wern't Queen, I would tear you from limb to limb for that!" Elanoir said, "Well, I am and you're not, Hagar. Leave me. Perhaps you will see my husband this evening.." As Hagar angrily departed, she said, "Your time is limited, Elanoir! Best care for your precious son while you can!" Elanoir ignored her threat. Hagar was always making threats against her. She wouldn't dare try anything....Elinoir yawned. She had been feeling so tired lately. Perhaps she hadn't been getting as much sleep lately. She didn't know. She would take a nap for awhile. Then she would feel better....