Prelude

Now everyone knows that Prince Lotor had several...shall we say...ramparts. And it was not uncommon for there to be an illegitimate child out of it. There were actually many children that fit this description but few meant to make a case of it. Those who were stupid enough to bring this before the king were rarely seen again. But back to the point. Lotor has many illegitimate children, many he hasn't or won't ever acknowledge. There are a select few that he does. In this story we will deal with only one, but I'm skipping way ahead aren't I?

I take it you know all about the Prince's exile. If you don't I suggest that you read about it in the library. Now that he is king of Ursan things are quite a bit different. No Voltron to worry about, no nagging Zarkon, but unfortunately there is still the meddling Galaxy Alliance. And his son Prince Tirion is a new addition as well. The only legitimate child of the once great prince. Not to say that he has been degraded, only that there are very few now that think highly of him. But my story isn't about the young prince of Ursan, or about Lotor, it is about another, but I am sure that you can find their stories somewhere if you look hard enough.

As I was saying earlier, with all the other children that he has it would be impossible to write all their stories but I am attempting one of those many. A story of one of his young daughters named Aliese.

Being the daughter of a great king and a slave, Aliese wouldn't get any real recognition from her father. But unlike the others her father knew her and would actually speak to her on occasion. Otherwise, she was just another child running lose in the castle. A young girl, at the age of ten, she roams freely without the hindrance of her mother since she is still a working servant for the royal family. Every once in a while Aliese will attempt to speak with Lotor around her mother but is usually scolded hotly. Her mother believes that it is improper for her to speak to her father since he is royalty and there is no place for Aliese with him. But, of course the young girl wouldn't listen to an answer like that.

Ah, well, her attitude is a good one unlike the many others. She is strong-willed, brave, intelligent, kind, and in all actuality loves her father. It is odd that she would love a father that for the most part will never acknowledge her is it not? But she does and that continues to utterly confuse her mother (who's name is Lahana if you were wondering). She is a good child and wishes to please her mother so for the most part she will stay out of the king's way. That's not to say that she doesn't try to be around him, just not while she's around her mother.

The king, ah well, who knows what he thinks. I suppose you'll find out sooner or later though. That is, if I decide to do that in-depth of research. My job is only to write this young child's story and nothing more but it takes time and quite a bit of good hard working research. How many people do you know that could write a report of someone's life without doing a little research? So you see, it may take some time to give you all the facts but I will do my best.

So next off we will see how things go between father and daughter.

Part One

"Mother may I be excused?" Lahana turned from her work to study her daughter standing in the door way. She was becoming suspicious of her running off at that time of night, most likely to spy on her father. Reluctantly, she let her go with a small wave of her hand.

Aliese walked out of the room and towards the door that led to the outside. One of her favorite things to do at night was to just stand outside and listen to the night creatures. She grinned slightly to herself because of the other reason to go outside, Lotor. Her father was always there at night, it seemed that he liked the night for the same reasons. As she tiptoed toward the shadowy figure of the King a twig snapped drawing his attention. Lotor turned towards the noise to see a small girl; his daughter.

'So this is the one that Lahana says follows me around...Aliese I think she said her name was'. Getting up slowly he beckoned for her to come closer. Aliese's intentions hadn't been for her to be seen but only for her to watch, but who was she to disobey a royal order. Taking a deep breathe she walked out of the shadows and towards the tall figure of her father. He studied her as she came to stand before him. Golden tresses that came to her shoulders, misty green eyes, 'very pretty' he thought.

"You were following me. Mind telling me why?" he asked casually. The girl hesitated.

"I wanted some fresh air sire, but I was following you as well. I don't really have an answer as to why." her head dropped in humiliation. 'I've done this a million times and this time I get caught. He's surely going to punish me for this'.

Lotor thought for a moment then sat down. Aliese couldn't believe her eyes when he motioned for her to sit down as well. As she did so, Lotor turned his eyes back to the stars, which he was looking for one bright speck in particular; Arus. He wouldn't admit it to anyone now that his empire had fallen, and he was now married, but his thoughts often strayed to the princess he had once loved. Many thought he had forgotten her completely while some knew he still loved her.

Aliese sighed heavily which drew Lotor back down to where he was. Glancing over at her, he noticed that she was studying the stars as well. All was silent between father and daughter, and the silence was welcome.

Now it was Lotor's turn to sigh. As he rose he looked down at his daughter whom he saw quite often around the castle. It his wife knew that she was his daughter she never mentioned it, but somehow he thought she knew. But what did it matter, what is done is done and cannot be changed. Looking down at her for a second time he gave a polite nod and a soft, "Good night."

"Good night sire," she replied softly. She couldn't believe she had been sitting there with him for so long and she hadn't said a word! Aliese hit her hand on the ground angrily. "He probably doesn't even know who I am! I should have said SOMETHING!" Storming back into the castle she headed for her bedroom. 'What a night' she thought. Her anger was beginning to subside and that was a very good thing as well. With a small smile, she thought to herself. 'There is always tomorrow anyway'. Cuddling up in bed she slipped off into sleep dreaming of an unknown future.

Lahana had just finished her chores for the night and was putting things away when King Lotor walked into the room. He didn't say anything but rather sat down in a chair to read. After a few minutes he put his book down and sat there deep in thought. Lahana was doing her best to finish cleaning so she could get to bed, plus the King's presence was making her a little edgy.

Lotor hesitated in thought and turned his attention to Lahana. She was busily cleaning the furniture and other such things in the room. When she finished, Lahana leaned up against the wall to rest her back. This was the time Lotor had been waiting for.

"You know I saw Aliese tonight." he stated waiting to she what her reaction was to be. She turned away from her king not wanting to see whether he was angry or not.

"I'm sorry sire. I've told her to stay out of your way but she won't listen. Should I punish her." Lahana said the last sentence softly.

Lotor shook his head, "No. There is no reason for that. She was following me but she caused me no trouble." Lahana sighed in relief which made Lotor laugh. "What you thought that she was going to harass me? The only thing she said to me was a reply to why she was out there in the first place and a simple good night."

"I was just afraid that she would bother you. She really doesn't have the right to be around you since you are a king and a married one at that with a child. But she doesn't want to except that sire. I don't know how to get that out of her head, that she can't be in your life the way that the young prince is." Lotor's mood had turned more serious now, and he looked at the clock on the wall. Getting up from his chair he stopped in the door way and turned back towards Lahana.

"Good night Lahana. I trust you will try to get that notion out of her head. You are right that she can never be a real part of my life. But maybe it would work better if I told her myself. Send her to me tomorrow after lunch, in my study. I will deal with her then."

Lahana's shoulders slumped. She knew that he would take care of the situation, he always did, but this time deep inside she wished he wouldn't. Aliese loved him dearly and it would break her heart to hear him say the words that he would tomorrow. 'Hopefully she will understand.' she thought sadly. 'if not, I don't know what will happen to her'.

Part 2

Aliese woke the next morning with renewed vigor. Her mother ducked into the room as she began to get out of bed and gave her a sidelong glance. 'She seems upset' Aliese thought. 'But why?'. Ignoring her mother's odd behavior the best she could, Aliese got dressed and headed out the door.

Casually walking towards the royal dining room where she spent her mornings Aliese spotted the prince, her half brother. She was careful to keep her distance from him; her mother would not tolerate her bothering him...plus, she was a bit frightened of the queen who usually accompanied the young prince. Curtsying to the young man, she kept her head down until be passed.

Her thoughts couldn't help but stray to what it might be like to live as a royal the way Tirion did. To be respected and revered by many, and yet being from the blood that he was, scorned by many more. Aliese sighed inwardly at the thought and continued on her way.

Lotor pondered over what he was going to say to the young girl most of the day. Glancing at the clock in his study, he called for a guard.

"I want you to fetch the servant girl Aliese, and bring her here at once." The man bowed deeply as he exited to fulfill his King's order.

After many minutes, the king was disturbed from his work by a soft knock on the door. Looking up, he watched as the door opened and the young girl quietly entered. Forcing a small smile he motioned for her to take a seat in the chair in front of his desk.

Lotor watched as she climbed into the large chair; it was much too large for one of such small stature as herself. His features quickly grew stern. It was obvious that she was frightened of being there...and yet he sensed that she was excited.

Taking a deep breath he turned his thoughts back to the present and of the terrible task ahead of him. Lotor slowly sat back in his chair and clasped his hands in his lap. His eyes traveled to her own and he just gazed at her for a few short moments. Slowly taking a breath he spoke.

"Your mother told me that lately you've been wanting to be part of the things that go on here. Is this true?"

Aliese smiled brightly and nodded, "Yes, sire." Lotor winced inwardly at her happiness over the matter. "I think I'd like it very much."

Lotor hesitated in his response dreading the outcome of this little talk. He looked deeply and intensely into her green eyes and straightened in his chair to a small degree. "But...you know it is not possible. Not being of full royal blood...makes you illegitimate....therefore no one will see you as my daughter."

"But you wouldn't care about that would you?" the girl's voice made it more of a pleading then a question.

This time the King gave an almost imperceptible flinch, but his tone remained the same, unwavering and seemingly indifferent.

"I'm sorry but yes...there is no place for you with me. None...except for you working for me as a servant...that is all..." he had long ago averted his eyes from the girl's but he could feel her eyes on him, seemingly peering into his soul. Aliese tried her best to hold back tears as she stood and curtsied to her king and quietly exited the study. After closing the door she ran out of the castle her face streaked with tears, to be alone.

After she left Lotor sighed wearily and leaned back in his chair once again. It surprised him that such a small mater would bother him so much. He had killed men with less thought than he had given the girl. She meant what to him? A servant and nothing more...'or does she mean more to me than that?' He asked himself with a frown. His behavior made little sense to him; he had never been a very emotional person when it came to anything except anger. 'And Allura...' he added with slight anger. Thoughts of the fiery princess still came back to plague his mind time to time.

King Lotor sat silently in his study trying to make sense of his feelings for the girl long after their talk had ended.

Aliese ran, and ran until her legs hurt so badly she could hardly stand but she kept going. Going away from the castle, as far away as she could get. But the tears blurred her vision and her mind raced, repeating the conversation over and over in her head, making the tears come forth twice as fierce.

Finally stopping to catch her breathe, the saddened girl gazed into a pool of water at her reflection. She took in her appearance the red eyes, wind blown hair, and ripped dress. 'Mother would not approve' she thought and gave a wry smile. Aliese cared for little at the moment and the thought merely amused her.

Several hours later, Aliese stared up at the dark forest around her. Nothing but trees, the sky, and darkness. Aliese pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around herself to try to keep out the cold the best she could but her teeth chattered in the cold wind. A shrill sound echoed through the virtual silence of the forest and caused her to look around with fear. Never had she feared the dark, but she realized her grave and foolish mistake. She had no idea where she was or how far she had traveled. And the darkness, it did little to ease her fear now. The young girl closed her eyes and leaned back against the great tree behind her with weariness. Soon she was asleep.

Lahana burst into the King's study taking him totally by surprise. Anger flashed across his handsome features as he looked at her. Quickly getting to his feet, Lotor began to speak when Lahana interrupted him.

"Sire I'm sorry but have you seen Aliese?" the king's anger was quickly replaced by confusion. He shook his head.

"No, why?" Lahana's face suddenly paled and she looked like she was just about ready to faint. His anger totally gone now, Lotor came around the other side of his desk and motioned for her to sit in the chair her daughter had sat in the day before. The king let her have some time to compose herself before answering.

"She wasn't in her room this morning, or last night." she shook her head slowly. "I don't know where she is. I fear something has happened to her." Lahana lifted her eyes to his and he unconsciously looked away.

Glancing across the room at nothing in particular he spoke to the wall instead of the woman before him.

"Any idea where she could have gone?" he saw her shake her head soundlessly out of the corner of his eye. She placed a hand to her head trying to hold back her tears.

Despite everything, Lotor was surprised at what he was feeling; guilt. That and a tinge of worry. He continued to scrutinize the wall as he tried to think of something to say to his servant. 'Its my fault...' that was the thought that kept filling his mind. 'She's gone because of me, of what I said...' King Lotor lifted his head a few inches and stared at a higher portion of the wall. 'I'm the one responsible for this so I need to be the one to fix it.' He turned back to Lahana after a moment more of thought.

With a slight hesitation he spoke to her in a hard tone. " I'll send out some of my men to look for her. Are you sure you have no idea where she might be? They'll need all the information they can get."

Lahana looked at her king in disbelief. She hadn't expected him to react in this way. Suddenly it dawned on her 'He feels responsible for her disappearance'. The young woman racked her brain for any location but none came. "I'm sorry sire, but there is none that I can think of."

Lotor's features hardened as he looked back at her. "In that case it may be quite some time before we find her." Noticing she had lowered her eyes to the ground Lotor's visage changed to a small frown. "But...they will not rest until they find her," he paused again debating whether or not to add something else. "And neither will I."

Lahana looked up at her King in surprise and admiration. She had nearly always looked up to him except in certain instances and it had been a long time since she had felt this much love for him as a monarch.

He quickly looked away, not liking her reaction of his words. He seemed too....soft. It scared him and yet he knew he was required to show SOMETHING of concern for the girl. Not necessarily for the fact that she was his daughter, no not at all, but rather as his servant and as an asset to him if nothing else. Lotor called for a guard and instructed him of the search. Turning his attention back to the woman, he walked back around to his desk and sat down, slowly leaning back in his chair.

"So..."he said slowly. "...now what do we do?"

To be continued soon...

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