The New Prince

Chapter 28

Chapter 28: An Emerging Dawn

The sumptuous room, bathed with gold garnishing and crimson-velvet wall coverings, complemented the Tiepolo ceiling. A rock crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the massive chamber lit the path for the Voltron Force to walk in.

As they moved along the middle aisle, escorted by Drule robots, they watched other Drule soldiers who stood by the grandiose golden throne waiting for them. To their sides, they saw hundreds of Drules in the reception area, eyeing them with great disdain. Others, their faces shining with sheer mockery, as they snidely laughed at them. The large bullion stairwell leading up to Zarkon's throne came closer and closer into view.

The five were lead by a group of robot soldiers, one of them, their ally. Once they reached the beginning of the stairwell, the Drule soldiers ordered them to kneel for the king. The five followed the orders begrudgingly. Suddenly, they heard what sounded like trumpets and other strange instruments announcing the entrance of the King of Doom.

The cheers explode like fireworks in the sky. Zarkon smiled at his triumph and the power he had over his people, "Friends of Doom, today begins a new era in our kingdom." The king began his speech. "Today is the first day of the beginning of the success of Doom. Today begins the fear we will impose on the rest of the Crimson Quadrant and the entire Denubian Galaxy!" The crowd grew wild as they applauded.

"I think I'm going to be sick." Lance blurted aloud. A robot signaled Maryann, who stood behind the lieutenant. In order to keep up appearances, she hit Lance in the back, hard, but not enough to cause him major harm.

"Fuck!" Lance exploded in pain. Luckily the loud yells from the Doomites, still enthralled in Zarkon's speech, muffled his yell.

The king continued his announcement to the crowd, "A new dawn and a new leader is among us tonight. He will bring us power and crush those that are an obstacle to us. Bow to your new prince, the new savior of our world, my son…the new crowned Prince of Doom!"

Immediately the crowd grew silent and bowed in unison. The team was forced to turn around to face the crowd and to also bow to the person that walked toward the throne.

As the silence continued, Allura took a chance and lifted her head as she heard loud thumps of boots walking toward her. She gasped at what she saw in front of her.

A dark angel. His black uniform outlined the well-muscled curves of his body. His ebony hair cascaded down his shoulders, crystal; cold black eyes stared directly ahead, seeing no one but the king. His long, black cape looked like wings around him, following obediently in his path. A guard walked behind him, holding something Allura couldn't quite see.

She watched his face however, and she didn't like what she saw. He looked tormented, in pain, possibly sick. Pale, his eyes glassy, she knew he hid his pain, but he still managed to plaster a cold smile on his face for the king.

"Father," he bowed once he reached the stairwell. "Thank you for the honor you have bestowed upon me. I promise to serve you well." He stood a few feet from his former friends and didn't even as much as look at them.

Zarkon smiled, he had never been more pleased…with himself. "Rise my son. You have served me well."

Keith stood upright; he looked at his team as they bowed forcibly to him. He dismissed them without a care, his attention focused back on his father.

"Father, allow me to offer you a gift I've brought back for you from my latest conquest." Keith turned around. "Come," he ordered the soldier that stood behind him. Quickly, the soldier walked up to Keith, carrying what now looked like a golden platter with a lid on top. "My Lord," he acknowledged, waiting for Keith's reply.