Death~

The paladins have returned from venturing into the rift. Elara, Melenor, two deca-pheob old Bellatrix, and four deca-pheob old Lotor were waiting at the palace on Daibazaal. Elara was 18 weeks pregnant with her second daughter. She and Zarkon had different thoughts on Quintessence. She thought it was dangerous, and the consequences weren't worth it, while Zarkon thought it was an advantage for the Galra Empire. Elara had been exposed to Quintessence a couple of times, she showed no side effects though.

    "Has she been kicking yet?" Melenor asked, as she held little Allura.

    "Sometimes yes she does, but most of the time she likes to leave me in peace." Elara jokes. The two both shared a couple of laughs before the door open and the paladins walked in, heads hanging low as if something was wrong.

    "Is everything alright?" Melenor asked, noticing Alfor's saddened expression. Melenor then noticed there was one paladin missing... Zarkon. Elara felt her heart stop, her ears pinned down.

    "Elara, I-I'm so sorry... Zarkon... he exposed himself when we were in the rift... the quintessence killed him." Alfor said, sadly.

    "Where is he?" Elara asked quietly, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes, Trigel then gave her friend a hug.

    "Are you sure? We don't want to overwhelm you. It's not good for you or your child." Gyrgan said.

    "I'll be ok... obviously I might cry, but I just need to see him." Elara said, wiping some tears away. Alfor nodded. Elara turned to Melenor and pointed to Lotor and Bellatrix, Melenor understood and nodded to her. Alfor then led Elara to Zarkon. Elara saw Zarkon and her heart dropped almost immediately.  She went to his side and put a hand on his head.

    "Do you want some time alone?" Alfor asked.

    "Just a few minutes, please inform Sendak of Zarkon's passing and tell him I said to inform the palace guards, medics, and servants. Thank you Alfor..." Elara sniffed, and gave Alfor a small smile.

     "A funeral will be held on Altea. Only if you'd like to." Alfor said, putting a hand on her shoulder. She nodded. Alfor left the room giving her time to mourn. She blamed herself for this. She told him Quintessence wasn't safe, now look, her husband is dead, deep down she knew he tried to prove her wrong.

4 vargas later~

Elara, Lotor, Sendak and multiple high ranking generals from the empire were at Altea attending Zarkon's funeral in the Royal hall. Sendak was saying a few on Elara's behalf because she would be overwhelmed and she couldn't bear to miscarry her unborn daughter. Lotor was sitting on her lap, his face nestled in her neck shedding tears as Sendak spoke. Alfor was devastated and looked down as he held Allura. Melenor who was holding Bellatrix, and Trigel were sitting on either side of Elara comforting her and Lotor. What broke Elara's heart the most was that her second daughter would never meet her father. Or would she?...