Don't Ask About My Demons

Replacement

"Haggar..." Zarkon's voice boomed from his throne. "I am beginning to lose my patience with these plans of yours. Can you retrieve the black lion for me or not?"

She bowed. "Sire, You will have what's rightfully yours. Mark my words."

"Who was it this time? How did he manage to slip through your fingers yet again?"

Haggar hesitated. "It was the traitor, sire... the one you banished so long ago..."

He paused as the words washed over him. "She was supposed to die in exile."

Haggar nodded. "I can assure you, she is very much alive. Not only does she disobey her superiors, but she doesn't have the decency to bring honor back to her family name."

"Her family name has no honor!" Zarkon spat. "It would seem that traitors run rampent in her family..."

"Would you like her family members to be observed? We can't be too careful, sire."

"Why waste our energy?" His fingers curled into fists. "Execute them. All of them. Let's make an event of it. I want my people to know what happens to those who dishonor my laws."

Haggar dipped her head. "It is just, sire. They must know the punishment that awaits them if they dare step out of line."

The corners of Zarkon's lips turned up in a smile. "As for the retrieval of my lion, I would prefer it if you weren't at the front lines. I would hate to lose you, Haggar."

She swept her gaze up to Zarkon's eyes. "Sire, I handled the black paladin before. I know I can take him down."

"Unless the others are with him... and they most certainly will be. You alone cannot take him down."

Haggar frowned.

He paused and leaned to the side to rest his chin on his fist. "I have been awfully busy lately and haven't had the opportunity to see how our son's training is coming along. Tell me, how has he been faring?"

"His skills are unmatched, Sire." Haggar responded. She paused before continuing. "... although he still fights alongside those mutts." She wrinkled her nose in disgust.

His smile faded. "He has a spirit about him, I'll give him that. Fighting alongside those... half-breeds... Such a shame he hasn't grown out of that phase yet."

Haggar nodded. "He's still young, Sire. I'm sure he'll learn in time."

"Let's hope that my next orders will teach him something. From now on, It will be Lotor's job to retrieve my lion. He may use any method of his choosing. He has full reign to kill any and all who get in his way. However, the red paladin must be unharmed. I want him alive." He paused. "Let us hope that he does not disappoint me..."

Haggar nodded.

"That will be all." He dipped his head.

She bowed and looked up to her emperor. "As You wish, Sire."