Blood Roses

He sat there silently watching the people trying to lead normal lives. He noticed a naive certitude in the faces of the inhabitants as they were picking up the pieces of their broken lives. He had never seen so many people totally oblivious to what was really happening. Do they really feel that safe he wondered. These people seemed too simple and humble to him. They’ll make excellent slaves.

The Kings son and daughter,Cimerone, had arrived on Doom the day before. Hearing of his fathers many defeats, Lotor decided that it would be best to take matters into his own hands. What an idiot his father was. He didn’t deserve to conquer Arus. He did not even deserve to be King, but Lotor would change that. He would be King soon enough. His father was going about it all wrong. Did he know the people he was fighting aginst? Most likely not.

Did he dare walk among these people? Know thine enemy. Would he be able to pull it off this time? Since his cerulean coloring and white hair would definitely give him away as a foreigner, he had asked his father’s witch to give him something to change the hue of his skin. His eyes, though, remained the color of the burning sun. He rejoiced that this magic would only last a few short hours, it was making his stomach churn.

No one took notice as he walked out from behind the brush. He dusted off his brown pants and loose white shirt before he passed over the crumbling city gate. He kicked rubble from a rumbling building out of his way as he followed a brick path, avoiding questioning eyes. This place reminded him of the land in which his mother was born.

Beware, I’m not one of you. he mused as a lovely female caught his eye. He noticed the common features among the peasants. Dark skin, dark hair, and small features. Even the larger men had a delicacy about them.

He found a fountain in the center of a heavily populated area and sat on its rim. The mist from its water felt good on his back. It was a hot day and traipsing through the forest didn’t make it much better. He watched some kids at play and listened to their insane laughter. This was boring him. Nothing about these people seemed to be interesting, except their females. That wasn’t even enough to keep his attention for too long. He watched as a few men on horse silently trotted by.

An old lady walked up to him and offered him something he did not take notice of. He motioned for her to go along her way with a brush of his hand.

Just then, the citizens cleared a path as more men on horses rode by. In the center of these men rode a single female. Their horses stopped at the end of the square and the young lady bent over on her steed to receive a gift from a young man. Flowers.

Lotor stood and watched as the young man who was riding next to her slipped off his horse to help the beautiful blonde female off her white steed. Things just got interesting. She was absolutely ravishing. Her blonde locks were piled on to her head and held in place by an invisible barrette. Her features were also small and delicate. She belonged, except for her pale skin and light hair. She carried her self with a confident aire which Lotor found quiet appealing. He wanted to get closer to get a better look, but he knew that would have to wait.

He hadn’t even noticed how all the people in the tiny square had fallen to their knees. Could this be the woman my father spoke of? Too bad she must die. He then took notice of the young men accompanying her. They’re children! This will be easier than I thought. How could these people have held off my father this long?

She glanced around the small city square as the people began to stand. Some went on their own way, but most went to greet her. Her eyes locked with Lotor’s for one brief moment, before she turned to converse with an old woman. An easy target. He would take special pleasure in killing her.

It was late, Lotor watched as Allura glanced around her garden searching for a remnant of life in the dark. Everything dead. She bent over and snapped a small daisy from its stem, dead none the less. She turned it over and twisted it between her fingers as she continued her hunt. What an ugly place this had turned into.

“Could this be what you are looking for?” said a deep masculine voice. Someone from behind her reached around her shoulders and produced a single red rose.

“Oh,” she exclaimed. It must be Keith. She swiftly twirled around to face a strange young man. Her eyes must have betrayed her shock, for he gracefully lifted a finger to her full lips and whispered “Shhh.”

In an instant she was taken by his beautiful countenance. Long sinuous hair framed his face. His features were sharp, yet luxurious. His skin seemed as blue as the bluest sky, while his eyes a deep yellow with the blackest cores. Very handsome. Oh, and what was that wonderful smell!

“Pardon me,” he said with a bow as she backed off. “It was not my intention to frighten you. I only thought that you should have this.”

“Thank You,” she said nervously looking around the garden for protection. She was beginning to feel light headed. She suddenly regretted coming here alone, Keith would come soon. She had her dagger if it would be needed, but she hoped it would not. “You are not from Arus?”

“Were you looking for something like this?” he questioned deciding to ignore her inquiry.

“Yes,” she replied as he held the budding flower against her cheek. There it was again, that enticing smell! “I’m searching for something to rest on my mothers grave. “

“Grave? You should not waste flowers on the departed. They belong with the living.” He began slowly walking a complete circle around her letting the rose stroke her bare chest, shoulders and then back. She took no heed when the sharp thorns drew blood on her bosom. She only lifted her chin to the sweet aroma.

Maybe I shall take her first. Yes, I would delight in that.

As if broken from her incantation she quickly reached out and grasped the rose. “You did not answer my question,” she said looking him in the eye for one timeless second. This took the young Prince by surprise. Maybe that witch’s power was not as great as he had thought.

“No. You see, my vessel was brought down not to far from here. I was told a beautiful Princess lived within these walls and I had to come see for my self. Have you heard of her,” he asked with a smirk.

“That must be me,” she said with a giggle releasing the rose. Her childish laughter made him smile. “And do you have a name?”

“Prince Syncline, at your service,” he said taking her hand and lightly grazing his lips across it. A tide of emotions overcame him at her touch.. I must kill her quickly.

“I hope you have found lodging for the night. My world is quite ... humble at the moment.” she said apologetically. He could only gaze at her blonde hair glowing in the moonlight. He refrained himself from reaching out and taking a handful of it.

“So tell me Prince Syncline, where are you from and why do you travel in this direction, surely you have heard we are in the midst of war.” she added with a twinkle in her eye.

“I’m traveling from my home world in the Yoarvos galaxy to visit the family of my dear mother. But, my lovely Princess, I am not here to speak about myself, tell me of you!” he said longing for her hand once more. She quickly moved out of his reach.

“My name is Allura. I rule this planet.” she said proudly. He wondered what she was so proud of.

“My dear Princess, you are truly a beautiful woman,” he said reaching for her hair. She seemed to flinch. He noticed the slight laceration across her left brow.

“Tell me,” he said touching her brow,” where does one so lovely get such wounds as this? Surely you do not trouble yourself with combat? You should be kept -”

“I do,” she said seizing his hand. “Fight that is.”

The blood in his heart stopped and lurched the other direction at her touch. Why does she have this effect on me! I must kill her now!

He took her hand and placed it on his chest. The rising blood in her cheeks told him she had never touched a man before, or been touched by one herself. He put the beguiling rose into her free hand. His heart sank as she dropped the red rose with a cry. A sharp thorn had sliced her palm.

He took her hand and held her bleeding palm to his lips as she gazed at him in alarm. “Don’t fear me, beautiful one.” he said through lips pressed upon her palm. He glanced at her bleeding chest and wished he could press his lips upon that gash, too.

He watched as the long lashes of her eye swept across her cheek when her eyes closed and her head swayed back. He reached out for her neck thinking he might enjoy her struggle. She did not struggle, though. But, her eyes opened again. Damn that witch! Her powers have no effect over one so pure! Her mouth opened as if to scream, but he fleetly covered it with his own. Her hair running through his hand like a river. He could taste her blood on his lips and wondered if she could too. Time stood still. He made a fist with his hand in her locks. Break her neck! Do it now!

“You won’t remember this,” he growled as he remorseful pulled himself back. The dazed expression on her face endeared him. He spun on his heel and traveled out of her sight, but not before caressing her face. He lingered in the garden moment watching her in her confusion. Just then a young man entered the garden. Lotor recognized him as the man from the city today. The young commander. He should be the first one to die instead, the Prince thought.

“Princess you’re bleeding,” said the young man as he came around in front of Allura. Lotor quietly left the garden.

He did not dream of her, but instead awaked with the feeling she had been in the bed beside him all night long without sweet satisfaction. He felt her silken hair spread across his black satin sheets and fingers and lips printed all over his body, his soul. In his mind he had tortured her and taken her forcefully many times. These fantasies would never be exacted. She wasn’t for beating, she was for cherishing and worship. An angel! His father was correct in calling him home for her. Next time.

Why do I feel like this! He thought as he fisted a handful of sheets. He hated the contradicting feelings rising in his head and heart. How often is it that the angry man rages in denial at what his heart is telling him. I will go to them today and end this once and for all. Damn her! He thought of his fathers order to bringing her dead body back to Doom so he could keep it as a symbol of their victory - what a sick thought!

He rose and dressed himself for the day.

He was delighted to see his fathers throne room empty. Without a thought he climbed the twenty or so steps and rested his still groggy body on the golden seat. This will be mine soon.... And she will share it with me! Kill the others and save her for myself. My bride!

He wondered what she was doing at that moment. Asleep more than likely. How beautiful she must be even in her sleep! Haggar could help. Her magic could produce something with which her could watch her. He would speak to her as soon as possible.

Never before had he met someone with such beauty, inside and out. He wanted more time to speak with her.

He decided to prepare his ship and travel to Arus at once. He would confront them and end his troubles.

Allura woke with a start. What strange dreams she had been dreaming. A man, a truly handsome man, with long white hair and radiant azure skin. She could not exactly remember what it was they had been doing in her dream, but she had an inexplicable feeling about it.

She glanced at her clock on her stand, a single red rose lay next to it. Why hadn’t she brought that to her mothers grave, yet. She thought back a few weeks ago and remembered the day when Coran had finally showed her her mothers grave. Outside. How disrespectful for a Queen to be buried so. And that damned witch, using her mother’s memory to lure her out of the castle.

Ten more minutes and Nanny would be here. She decided to rise and prepare for the day.

The young Princess spent the uneventful morning in her private office. Paper work. Somehow, it seemed much more glamorous as a child when she helped or watched her father do it.

After hours of work she was almost relieved when the castle alert sounded. It was not always a bad sign. She ran to Castle Control as fast as her legs would allow her. She arrived last.

“What is it, Coran,” asked Keith.

“There iis someone approaching.. A small personal fighter. “ he responded.

“We’re picking up a signal, sir,” exclaimed a tech. “It seems to be coming from the fighter outside.”

“Go ahead and put it on,” ordered Coran as he took his seat in ‘Ramberts Throne’.

The holo-com lit up and immediately a young man appeared in front of the team. He had unfamiliar blue skin and yellow eyes.

“I am Crowned Prince Lotor. Son of King Zarcon...”

Allura gasped. Blue skin, yellow eyes, and that voice. It was the man from her dreams the night before. Then she realized, that was no dream. The happening from the night before came back to her suddenly. The rose, the blood. How could I have been so stupid! He was trying to kill me! She reached toward the control panel and enlarged the perception view. He would now be able to see them all.

“....and who are you my pretty?”

He’s pretending like he doesn’t know me. “I am Princess Allura, I rule this planet, and I order you to leave. Immediately!”

Pretty or not, no one tells me what to do Allura stood there in shock. What a way to ruin a perfect dream. Did she dare tell the others what had happened the night before. No, they would belittle her for her stupidity; carrying on with a strange man in the middle of the night. Hadn’t she known better?

“And what do I call you?”

“I’m Keith. Leader of the Voltron Force.”

“Keith, it’s a trap. Don’t trust him,” said Lance out the side of his mouth.

What? What’s happening. A duel! Oh,, no!

“No,, Nanny,” said Allura upon entering her room. “I’m tired, I just want to be alone.” She rudely closed the door in Nanny’s face. It was the only way she would leave.

She was particularly sore after the last battle. She walked over to her bed and sank heavily into it. She rubbed her shoulders with her own hands to lessen some of the tension. There was still a strange feeling in her head, but she thought it was more than likely post-fight jitters.

Or was it. She quickly sat up in her bed and looked around her dark room. (“When there’s a bounty on your head as big as yours, the bounty that is,...you never enter a dark room.” Lance had told her. “Always turn a light on first and make sure you are alone.”)

Allura. She winced as she reached for her dagger in its place at her back. “Who’s there?” she said nervously, fearing the answer.

She heard me! “It is only, me. Lotor.”

She jumped from her bed. “Where are you!” She reached for the light at her bedside and turned it on. The room was empty. “Don’t hide from me!”

He laughed. “Hide! What would I accomplish from hiding- “

“You tried to kill me!”

“So you remember?”

“Where are you!”

“I am not physically here. Relax, I can not harm you, I-”

“You were going to kill me!” she still stood in combat position with her dagger ready.

“But, I did not. And, I will not. I can not harm you, now. Look over at your bureau...”

She glanced towards the bureau, and with a violent start she stumbled back against the frame of the bed. She could barely make out an outline of a man. Lotor. And, he was not actually there. He was sitting in a chair about three feet away.

“Well, where’s your inclination to destroy me?”

For a moment, her fear was so great that she forgot to breathe.

“I wol’t hurt you,” he said rising. “I must commend you. You fight with the bravado of a man.”

“How would you know.”

Lotor smirked. “I deserve that.” He began walking towards her.

“Why are you here?”

Why am I here? “ To talk to you. I want you as my bride. You must marry me!” He suddenly felt stupid for his subtlety. He never spoke before he thought, why was he now. She didn’t respond right away, instead she timidly reached out, legs and arms trembling, and touched his face. An electric feeling shot through her as she quickly drew back. It wasnn’t human, but there was something there.

Gathering her ccourage, she finally responded. “Marry YOU? I would never marry you. Your father is a beast. You are only here so he can tie me up again. You don’t want me.”

“I’m here on my own. My father does not know. My love, there is a thin line between pleasing yourself and pleasing someone else.. In the past day, I’ve realized exactly where that line is. When you marry me, my father will no longer be a problem.”

“No! You’re a horrible person! You are probably just like your father. Could you promise me peace? I don’t think so.”

“Peace is overrated,” he said with a laugh. “There can not be peace. Amity demands solutions. We never reach living solutions, we only work towards them. The trouble with peace is that it tends to punish mistakes instead of rewarding brilliance.”

“Why do you do this?” she asked sitting back onto her bed. Still awe struck by the apparition.

“It’s a passion. There is no point in doing something unless it satisfies a passion. You are my passion, now.” There was silence for a brief moment. “Tell me, why are you not the one to fly the main lion? Are you not sovereign?”

She had never really thought of that. “Keith is the leader of the team....” she replied with her voice trailing off at the end.

“Keith, yes.” he said with a snicker. “I must apologies for messing up his face like that. Amazing the damage a small stone can do. You take orders from him, do you?”

“No!” she protested. Yes.

“What will you do once I kill him?”

Rising from the bed once more, she took her knife and threw it towards the chair he was once again seated in. The blade stuck into the velvet backing and quivered. Lotor looked down and laughed.

“Why do you choose a knife, as a weapon, when I could have a blaster pointed at your face.”

“Leave me!”

“I want you to know one thing, before I go.” he said as he stood from the chair and began walking towards her. “You know the saying “all is fair in love and war”. When we are fighting I will not think twice about destroying you. If you are in my way, then.. you will suffer like the rest of your friends. I will try and spare you, but if it ever comes down to it....” He was now standing in front of her. He felt better now.

She stood there horror struck.

“I will be back. You need time to think about my proposal. Until then.”

She backed up as his form began to close in upon her. He can’t really touch me can he? Be strong, don’t run from him. She stood still as he moved within inches of her. She closed her eyes, refusing to let him scare her.

He passed through her! An extrinsic shiver passed up Allura’s spine and he was gone.