The New Prince

Chapter 22

Chapter 22: The New Prince of Doom

Sven heard Romelle's screams over the com and lost his usual cool and self-control. The traits that made him a leader disappeared in a cloud of despair and anguish. He turned Black Lion around carelessly and headed toward the castle. "Romelle! Romelle! Answer me." He frantically screamed.

"Stop!" Keith yelled back, "Stand down Sven! Do not even think about coming back to the castle!"

"You fucking son of a bitch! I will kill you!"

"Sven stay, he didn't shoot Romelle!" Lance yelled at him. "She's ok! Stand down, stand down!"

Through his visuals, Lance could see Romelle's entire body covering Coran's, protecting him from Keith's blaster.

Allura closed her eyes. Her mind suddenly filled with memories of the advisor she saw as a father, Coran, she thought as tears slid down her face, "Keith, please…"

He ignored her pleas and turned back to the screen, looking sternly at Lance, "I'm starting the clock again. Thirty seconds. If you would please look to our mother ship, the doors have already opened to greet you."

Romelle watched how Keith enjoyed the events he set in motion. She couldn't believe what had been done to her friend.

"Now you have twenty seconds." Keith continued his taunting. Lance felt powerless.

"Lance…" Sven pleaded. "We have no choice. He'll kill Romelle."

The Red Lion pilot shook his head in regret. "Fine! You win. Everyone, do what he tells you." He concluded with resignation.

"But Lance…" Hunk yelled.

"Hunk, he will shoot Romelle. He's already shot Coran. Follow the damn orders!"

Keith smiled as he watched the lions flying toward the mother ship. The robeast flew back as well, entering the ship through an alternate entrance. "Thank you for your cooperation team. I'll see you soon." he cut off.

Once the transmission ended, another came in. Knowing who it was, the commander smiled, "Father!" He greeted the king excitedly.

Romelle's eyes widened in horror at the sight in front of her, Keith just called Zarkon his father?

"You've done well, my son. You may leave now. All five lions are boarding as we speak. I can't wait to see you. I'm so very proud of what you've accomplished in such short time."

Keith bowed, "Thank you Father."

"I'll see you soon…son." Zarkon stated as the transmission ceased.

Turning, Keith saw Romelle staring back at him. Her eyes, filled with tears, still managed to hold a look of anger.

"It's a shoulder wound. He'll survive." Keith stoically offered, his eyes showing no emotion.

Closing her eyes to gather enough strength, she answered him, "Don't do this to your friends, Keith. Fight what's inside you!"

'Kill her!' he heard a voice echo in his head. Keith knew the voice, 'Kill her!"

The commander walked toward Romelle and bent down in front of her. Hard eyes stared back at her. For the first time in her life, the princess felt afraid; afraid of someone who she considered a best friend, a brother. Keith took her hand; she closed her eyes, thinking that it was now her turn to be harmed. She quickly re-opened them when she saw what he did next.

"Put your hand on his wound to apply pressure." Keith looked Coran, and a feeling deep inside him emerged. Guilt? He didn't know what that feeling meant for him; it felt strange and wrong. I shouldn't feel this way. They are the enemy! Confused, he decided immediately to leave. Keith couldn't have these feelings for the enemy. Romelle stared at him; she thought she saw a brief change, but then, it disappeared and granite eyes once again emerged and watched her closely.