The New Prince

Chapter 23

Chapter 23: The Burning Fire

The king and his son ate in silence after the discussion of the mission the prince would undertake the next morning. Zarkon listened to every idea Keith had in order to make the mission successful. Amazed by Keith's thought process and analytical skills, Zarkon couldn't have been more pleased with his decision to replace Lotor. Pride entered the Drule King; soon, with the help of his son, he would become the most powerful king in the Drule kingdom.

However, something worried Zarkon. The prince seemed distracted after discussion of the mission ceased. The king inferred that his son's thoughts laid somewhere else…or rather with someone else.

Both sat in the large dining hall across from each other. Two slave girls catered to their needs as a group of harem women entered the room and began to dance on a stage located on one side of the room.

"So, you understand what you have to do for me?" Zarkon asked as he continued eating his dinner and studying his son with curiosity.

Keith nodded, but didn't reply.

Narrowing his eyes, the king asked, "Son, are you alright?"

His son suddenly looked up to face him. "I'm fine, just thinking…why didn't she accept me?"

"Who?"

"The Princess of Arus…I would have thought she would have accepted our deal. After all, she has nothing to fall back on. And…"

"And what?"

Sighing, Keith continued, "I would have thought that…she would have at least accepted me since I have a lot to offer her." He finished looking resigned and lost in thought.

Zarkon pondered. This problem with Allura is bigger than I thought. "Son, don't you know that the princess has nothing but hatred for you?"

Keith's gaze fell on his plate. He looked crushed.

"Of course." Zarkon continued commenting. "She's always disliked you. The princess rejected you, didn't she? As a matter of fact, if she doesn't agree to our deal, we may just have to…get rid of her."

Abruptly, Keith's eyes flashed at the king and for a moment, Zarkon thought his future leader would defy him. However, his features soon softened to one of remorse, "Father, aren't we getting a little too ahead of ourselves?"

Zarkon drank from his glass while looking at his son. When he was done, he put the glass down, "You're right son. We will take things one step at a time." He looked at the slave girl that was serving Keith and gave her a quick nod while the prince continued eating his meal. She quickly left.

Moments later, the girl returned with a copper glass and handed it to Keith. He took it and asked, "What's this?"

"A cocktail, son." Zarkon replied. "Haggar told me you were in pain earlier…are you still feeling rather ill?"

Keith nodded, "She said it would go away once I was home, but it hasn't subsided."

"This will help and relax you. Drink it." He ordered.

Without hesitation, Keith drank. He closed his eyes as a burning need inside of him ignited.

Zarkon smiled, "Son, the women of Doom are the most beautiful in the galaxy. Maybe you should relax with one tonight."

He shook his head, "No," he quickly stated. "I'll be fine."

He is still thinking of her. Well, we'll see how he feels after the cocktail takes effect. "That's alright. Why don't you go to your chambers and rest then. I'll see you after you return from the mission." Zarkon smiled.