Chapter Text
Shiro tossed and turned in his sleep, the shadows of his past pulling him back into the cold, metallic embrace of the Galra arena. The roar of the crowd echoed in his ears, the searing pain as fresh as it had been in that moment. His right arm was gone, just a mangled stump left. Blood and sweat mingled on his skin as he lay crumpled in the corner of his cell, breath shallow, body broken. The iron door clanged open, making his pulse quicken with instinctual fear. He expected a guard, maybe another tormentor, but instead, a figure in a dark hood stepped into the dim light. Shiro tensed, his body screaming in protest at the movement.
“Who are you?” His voice was hoarse, strained from exhaustion and pain.
The figure hesitated for a moment before stepping closer, hands raised in a show of peace.
“I’m not here to hurt you,” the voice was calm, smooth. “I’ve come to help.” Shiro’s eyes narrowed, his mind racing.
Help wasn’t something that came freely in the Galra prison. He watched as the hooded man fished something from beneath his cloak and Shiro's heart sank, until he saw the glint of a coin. The man walked toward the guard by the door, the metallic sound of currency exchanging hands echoing in the small, damp cell. The guard gave a curt nod before disappearing down the hallway. Shiro’s gaze flicked back to the stranger as he crouched down, eye level now with the fallen pilot.
“You’ll have more food tonight. And a doctor will come to see you,” the hooded man said softly, almost gently.
Shiro blinked, his guard still up, but the deep ache of his wounds and hunger began to overpower his wariness.
“Why?” he rasped. “What do you want from me?”
The figure shook his head, the hood obscuring most of his face. “I want nothing from you, Shiro. You’ve fought enough. Suffered enough.” His voice dropped, filled with a strange sadness. “It’s not right, what they’ve done to you.” For a long moment, Shiro said nothing. He wasn’t used to kindness, not here. But something in the man’s tone, the way he spoke, soothed his raw nerves in a way he hadn’t felt in so long. The stranger stood slowly, turning as if to leave. Shiro struggled to sit up a little more, confusion clouding his thoughts.
“Wait… who are you?” The man paused at the doorway, his back still to Shiro.
“Just someone who wants to see you survive,” he replied, voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll come again. Soon.” And then he was gone, the cell door clanging shut behind him.
Shiro sat there, the cold seeping into his bones, unsure of what had just happened. He was too tired, too drained to make sense of it. But for the first time in what felt like forever, a flicker of hope bloomed in his chest.
Shiro awoke to the faint clatter of food being placed on the table near his bed. He barely stirred, too exhausted to care. His muscles ached from stress, and the knot in his stomach hadn’t loosened since he’d been taken aboard. The bed felt like it was swallowing him whole, and for a long time, he didn’t move. The minutes blended into what felt like hours, until a knock echoed from the door, followed by a familiar cheery voice.
“Paladin! It’s time for your first lesson!”
Shiro groaned into the pillow, pulling himself from the bed with great reluctance. The sheets were tangled around him, and it was only when he heard the door slide open that he finally sat up, rubbing his tired eyes. Ezor swayed into the room, a stack of books balanced under one arm and her ever-bright smile plastered across her face. The moment her eyes landed on him, however, her expression faltered.
“Geez, Paladin, you look like shit.” Shiro scowled at her, though there wasn’t much force behind it. His body protested as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed, rising to his feet. Ezor placed the books down on the table with a soft thud and eyed the untouched food that had been brought in earlier.
“You haven’t even touched your food! It’s so much worse cold, too.” She pouted as she poked at the jelly-like substance on the plate, her nose wrinkling.
“Lotor will have my head if I let you starve,” she added, flicking her gaze back to him. “So come on, eat some of this while I start the lesson, okay?” Shiro muttered a curse under his breath, dragging himself toward the bath area. He splashed cold water onto his face, hoping it would shake off the drowsiness clinging to him, then reluctantly moved to the table. He sat down and stared at the plate in front of him, eying the gelatinous food with suspicion. The texture looked unappetising, but as he picked up a fork and took a tentative bite, he was surprised to find it tasted better than it looked.
“Alright, now that you’re eating,” Ezor said, plopping into the seat opposite him, “Let’s get started. How much do you know about the bonding ceremony?”
Shiro chewed slowly, resisting the urge to snap. “Nothing.”
Ezor let out an exaggerated sigh, pushing one of the books toward him. “Figures. Alright, listen up, because we’ve got a lot to cover. First off, I’ve done some research on your Earth bonding ceremonies—y’know, weddings? Total snorefest, by the way. Way too much romantic fluff. But there are some similarities between your customs and ours, so it shouldn’t be entirely alien to you.” Shiro raised an eyebrow but didn’t interrupt.
“For starters,” Ezor continued, “there’s none of that lovey-dovey nonsense. No white dresses, no delicate veils. Both of you will be wearing the finest armour we have. This is a military empire, after all. You’ve got to look the part.”
“Armour,” Shiro repeated flatly, setting his fork down.
“Yep! But that’s just the surface stuff. The ceremony itself lasts for three Quintants.” Shiro nearly choked on his next bite.
“Three days?!” Ezor waved her hand nonchalantly.
“Yeah, but don’t worry. Most of it’s pretty fun. Well… kind of. Depends on your perspective, I guess.” Shiro wasn’t feeling particularly optimistic, and his expression must have shown it because Ezor shifted in her seat, her tone growing slightly more serious.
“Day one is a trial of strength. You’ll need to prove that you’re capable of being the future Emperor’s consort. That means fighting. You’ll face three of Zarkon’s former generals—warriors who won’t be pulling their punches. In fact, because of your… history with the Galra, they’ll probably go even harder on you. They see you as a threat, someone unworthy of standing at Lotor’s side.” Shiro felt a pit form in his stomach.
Fighting three Galra generals with the weight of their grudge against him? This wasn’t going to be easy.
Ezor leaned in, lowering her voice. “Then, after you’ve survived that, you’ll have a strength trial against Lotor himself.” Shiro raised an eyebrow.
“You mean, like a sparring match?” She nodded.
“Exactly. And just like the generals, he won’t hold back. The generals will be watching closely. You’ll need to prove your worth to them, and to the Galra empire. They have to see you as strong enough to be their Prince’s equal.”
Ezor leaned over the tablet and look a small grape like food from his plate, popping it in her mouth with a cheeky smile. “At the end of the first day,” Ezor continued still chewing, “There’ll be a feast. The generals will bring drinks to both of you, and you have to accept them. It’s a symbol of acceptance. That you proved your worth, and if you refuse, it’s a huge insult. So even if you’re beat up and exhausted, you’ve got to play along. Then…” She hesitated for a moment, her lips curving into a mischievous grin. “Things get a little more… intimate.” Shiro frowned, confused.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, traditionally, at any major celebrations it’s…encouraged to enjoy your time to the fullest. That includes pleasures of the flesh too. Galra feasts can get pretty wild.” She grinned.
Shiro’s face paled. “Will that be expected of me? And…Lotor?” He asked not knowing if he even wanted to hear the answer.
Ezor’s expression softened slightly. “Nah its not a requirement. You’re good. It sounds bad, I know. But Lotor’s smart—he’s already figured out ways to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. The hard part comes after.”
Shiro’s eyes narrowed. “After?”
“The second day is… intense,” she admitted. “It’s the branding ceremony.” Shiro’s heart skipped a beat.
“Branding?”
“Not like cattle or anything,” she clarified quickly. “It’s a symbol of devotion, a tradition among the Galra that goes way back. Lotor will carve his sigil into your skin with a ceremonial blade, and you’ll do the same to him. It’s an exchange of pain, showing your devotion, like when you’re in battle- willing to endure pain for the ones you love. Any sign of weakness will be seen as a lack of commitment.”
Shiro’s stomach turned. The idea of being branded like that, in front of the Galra, was horrifying. “That’s barbaric.”
Ezor shrugged. “It’s tradition. And you’ll need to endure it. Lotor said he might be able to sneak you a numbing shot beforehand, to make it easier. But… he won’t need one.” Shiro frowned, catching something in her tone.
“Why not?”
Ezor’s eyes darkened for a moment, her smile fading. “He has a high pain threshold. He’s had to… deal with a lot over the years. Things you probably wouldn’t believe.” There was a weight behind her words that Shiro didn’t dare to pry into, though his mind raced with questions.
“And the third day?” he asked, his voice tight.
Ezor hesitated, her gaze dropping to the table before meeting his again. “The third day is the actual bonding ceremony. It’s more like a wedding—there will be vows, a priest or priestess to officiate, and the exchange of gold bands. One for Lotor’s arm, and one for your neck.”
Shiro’s stomach churned. A collar?
“After that you will be officially be Bonded mates, or you humans call it, married.” Shiro nodded numbly, it would be a difficult three days but not impossible, he could survive it physically. Mentally though… Shiro wasn’t so sure.
“There is one last thing. When Galra mate, they release a pheromone, it marks their chosen as their own and visa versa, its a natural process that is actually quite hard to replicate without…doing the dead. Lotor is working on a way around it.” Shiro felt his cheeks heat up, he knew it was only a matter of time before this issue came up.
“So unless he finds a work around we will be forced to…have sex?” Shiro clarified.
“Yeah, but Lotor wont touch you unless you want him to, he's not like that. He will find a way around it. Personally If I were you I’d just let him bang me. He’s by all accounts very skilled!” Ezor added happily, Shiro recoiled at the very idea.
A sharp cough alerted them to Lotor’s presence. Ezor almost jumped a foot in the air. “Lotor I was just finishing up!”
“Have you explained the ceremony?” He asked, his brow tense with irritation.
“The basic’s, but there a lot more details to go over before-“
“It’s enough for today, you may go.” He ordered, Ezor saluted and scampered out of the room. “Bye Shiro!” She exclaimed before the door slammed shut.
The air was heavy, the room silent for a long time, and Shiro couldn't help but squirm a little in the uncomfortable atmosphere, their words from the night before still hung over them darkly. Shiro wanted to be mad, wanted to keep reminding Lotor of everything he hd costing them but Shiro had neither the Physical or mental strength to do so. Something about the way Lotor had acted this whole time caused Shiro to faulter. Like he was as much a prisoner in all this as Shiro was.
Shiro slumped back into his chair, exhaling heavily. “I’m sorry, about last night.” He muttered, his voice quieter now. “This is just all…a lot.”
Lotor’s body relaxed, the tension easing from his shoulders. How looked away, his eye distant, as if searching for something far beyond the room they were in. After a pause, he nodded curtly.
“So the bonding ceremony… it sounds long and… painful.” Shiro thought out loud.
“Yes, it will not be easy but we can make it through, with a few tweaks.” Lotor sounded unsure which did nothing to raise Shiro’s confidence. What little faith he had placed in him was already begin to fall away.
“Listen, I have another request.” Shiro said slowly. “While I was in the Gladiator pits there was a man who came to me a few times, he was…kind. He helped me when I was so close to loosing myself. I’d like to thank him, now I have the opportunity.”
Shiro noticed Lotor withdraw from him, he turned his face away but Shiro didn’t miss Lotor’s expression flash with an emotion he couldn't quite but his finger on.
“And you’d like me to find this man?” He asked his voice steady but forced.
“Yes. If you can” Shiro nodded.
Lotor was quite for a long moment. “Send me any details you have about him over the data pad. Ill do what I can.” Shiro tilted his head slightly, trying to figure out what was bothered the other so badly, but just as fast as the mask had fallen, it was put back into place.
“I have a meeting with the generals. Acxa should be here shortly for your next session.” His words were formal again, the carefully measured tone of royalty.
Before Shiro could respond, Lotor turned on his heel and left, his departure as swift and decisive as his words. The door clicked shut behind him, and Shiro was left in the heavy quiet, replaying the conversation over in his mind. That hooded man who would come every couple of days and talk to him through the bars had been a life line that held Shiro together during his time in arena, It would be nice to see him again and asked him why he did the things he did. Who knows, maybe it was just a heavy gambler who wanted to tilt the odds more in Shiro’s favour. Either way he needed to know.
The door swished open and Acxa strode in, data pad already open her eyes fixed on the streams of information flowing across the dimly lit holographic screen.
“Well he seemed cheery. What did you say to him? She asked sarcastically, not even glancing up.
“Nothing important’ Shiro brushed it off, sitting down ready to get started. He quickly regretted that dismissal when he realised the session was focus on Galra politics, something that made Earth politics seem simple in comparison. The layers of formality, the intense rivalries and the treat of violent woven into every tradition, it was exhausting but he tried to listen and take the information in as much as he could.
“So if I was to touch one of Lotor’s Generals in public that would be a political mistake?” He asked, hoping to clarify something that seemed overly complicated for no good reason.
Acxa sighed, they’re already done over this twice. “For a normal Galra couple, no. But you’re the imperial consort now. It would be extremely disrespectful to Lotor and he’d be forced to challenge them to combat. Not that I doubt he’d win but still he’s a busy man so try to avoid that scenario” Shiro winced, regretting his question.
“Got it, don't touch anyone” Acxa arched an eyebrow.
“Now, do we need to review the elders’ names again, or do you remember them?”
Shiro rolled his eyes “No I’ve got them”
“Could’ve fooled me” She retorted, her tone sharp. He scowled.
“Look I’m trying my best okay? This is all new to me and I’ve got literally a week to learn” Acxa didnt miss a beat.
“Cry me a river, Black Paladin. Lotor’s in a meeting right now, trying to convince the Generals on the outskirts not to annihilate your rebels friends. Do you know how hard it is to convince Galra generals not to kill their enemy? It’s very hard.” The comment stung, and Shiro shrank back slightly.
“Can you at least leave me a list? I’ll study it. Go over it a few times a day until it sticks.” Acxa nodded, her expression softening just a bit.
“I’ll send it to your data pad when you get one, along with picture of each elder. Memorise them all, because-“
“I know, I know. It’s incredibly dishonourable if I don't know their names, and Lotor will have to fight them, Blah blah Blah, Galra are so violent.” Shiro interrupted with a mockingly exasperated tone.
“Not all of us” She muttered under her breath, closing her data pad. “You’re dinner should be hear soon along with your data pad. It’s loaded with everything you need to study. You’re next session isn't until tomorrow morning with Zethrid, so study tonight and rest up. She doesn’t hold back even in training.” Shiro nodded, watching as she left the room without a goodbye.
An hour passed before his meal arrived, and along with it the data bracelet, he’d be waiting for. He strapped it on and began browsing the endless filed of political information, trying to absorb as much as he could as he ate.
As he scrolled, something odd caught his eye: a file titles, “Love from Ezor (Don't tell Acxa she’ll kill me :)” Intrigued Shiro tapped it open and smiled when he was what it contained, retro earth video games. A grin spread across his face as he opened the first game. Tetris.
He spent the night alternating between studying and playing, the games providing a much-needed break from the overwhelming amount of information. When his eyes finally grew heavy, he lay back, watching the universe drift by outside of his window. He could hear the faint sound of Lotor moving inside his room, he wondered if he was still working at this late hour. The stars blurred as sleep overtook him, and soon, Shiro was floating off to sleep just like the vast cosmos around him.