A/N: I know this is a heavy fic and the last chapter was really tough so you have no earthly idea how much I love and appreciate your reviews. I so appreciate your feedback and your encouragement. It helps me to keep going. And Just An Anon, yes please keep reviewing hahaha :D

Chapter 7

A cheery and energetic knock at the door sliced through the heretofore quiet of the suite followed by the sound of someone typing in a door code.

"Good Morning, Your Highness!" Elda, the newly appointed Stewardess to the Crown Prince sing-songed. She opened the front door pushing an elaborate breakfast cart into the suite's foyer.

"The Palace is not yet acquainted with your palette so we present you with several options, young Prince," she explained glancing about the living space her bright eyes dancing about. "My Prince?"

Concerned over hearing no reply, she began to call out as she entered the hallway leading to the lounge.

"Hello? Prince Adam?"

Slowly she emerged from the hall and appeared at the doorway to the master bedroom.

"Prince Ad—"

She cut herself off with an embarrassed gasp as she locked eyes with a startled Prince in bed, covers pulled up to his neck, pillows strewn about obviously not yet ready to start the day. Although he was fully covered, she averted her gaze in respect. She gave a nervous curtsey.

"My apologies Your Highness," she began as she straightened to meet his gaze, "I did not know you were not yet ready for me to—"

"It's okay…Elda?" he interrupted, his brows lifting questionably.

She gave a demure smile. "That is correct, my Prince. I am Elda, your Stewardess."

He nodded in reply. "Can you give me a few minutes?"

"Of course!" she replied before curtseying once again and scurrying off to the front room slightly mortified by her intrusion. "I will return soon," she threw over her shoulder before exiting the suite.

Adam remained still until the front door closed. Pulling his arm out from under the covers, he patted the quilt. "She's gone."

The bed linens shifted and moved of its own accord, a mysterious lump undulating underneath the covers. Red curls suddenly peeked out near his shoulder followed by wide green eyes. Teela finally threw the covers back.

"Whoa that was close!" she huffed breathless. "Isn't she kinda early?"

Smirking, Adam glanced at the time piece on his nightstand. "Seven o'clock," he muttered meeting her eyes again. "I wake up around this time anyway," he shrugged. "Hungry?"

Her eyes went round. "Starving!"

He smiled. He didn't know what it was about this girl but she made him feel good. Maybe it was the way she talked, or how a bouncy red curl always dangled between her eyes causing her to grimace and awkwardly slap at her face to brush it away. Or the absence of pretense in the way she presented herself. Maybe it was the fact that he was able to share his deepest darkest secret with her without feeling judged or rejected. Maybe…maybe it was all of the above. Whatever it was, it was nice to have a friend, especially while navigating uncharted waters so to speak. Like having to endure today's announcement.

"Adam? Umm…you're staring."

Unaware, his gaze widened followed by a prominent blush that swept across his cheeks causing Teela to giggle uncontrollably at his expense. Adam frowned.

"My Prince," Elda's voice sounding dangerously close suddenly cut through the hysterics causing both children's eyes to go round in fear.

"Closet!" Adam whisper-shouted as Teela bolted out of bed and dashed into his chamber closet. She scurried out of sight just in time as Elda once again appeared at the doorway. Catching the frenzied and flushed look on his face, she abruptly turned her back in embarrassment following with a curtsey. She knit her brow and turned her head to her shoulder holding him in her peripheral.

"My apologies once again, my Prince, I thought you were up. Is everything alright?"

His eyebrows shot up curiously. "What? Oh. Yes umm, I'm okay," he stated clearing his throat and climbing out of bed.

Turning back toward the hall she continued, "You will find a variety of delicacies to choose from, Your Highness," she explained with a grand gesture of her arm prompting Adam to inwardly cringe over the royal pomp once again. He wasn't accustomed to being waited upon. Giving a shy smile, he sidled up beside her.

"Thank you…uhh…Elda," he replied. "I appreciate this," he added as he awkwardly stepped past her and into the dining area, she following.

Elda gracefully pulled out an ivory table cloth and set out dishes, glassware, and silverware. Positioning the fresh floral centerpiece, she then set down steaming dishes of the various entrees, chilled fresh fruits, and pastries along with pitchers of iced-water and juices. She stopped and smiled at the young boy.

"Please let me know if there is anything else you may need, my Prince. The call button is just there," she gestured toward the foyer.

Adam nodded again, an uncomfortable smile on his lips. "Thank you."

"It's an honor to meet and to serve you, Your Highness." With a smile and a curtsey, Elda left followed immediately by the sound of closet doors in the back chamber opening and shutting. The sound of footsteps in the hall grew closer as Teela came alongside Adam. She put her hands on her hips.

"Woo! I thought she'd never leave," she remarked rather loudly causing Adam's eyebrows to shoot up, his eyes darting cautiously to the door. She blew out a puff of breath. "I have to eat fast because Father will come to my room at 8AM. He always wakes me up at that time when he's not out in the field," she added.

Adam nodded. "Come on," he gestured as they both pulled up a chair. Adam studied the table then, noting something missing, he stood and moved to the cart. Pulling out a spare pair of silver utensils, he returned and took a seat handing them to his friend. "We'll have to use the same plate if that's okay."

Teela smiled. "It's okay."

They ate in silence sharing a plate of food when Teela finally spoke up. She eyed him, her gaze narrowing in playful suspicion. "You kinda did that a little too well."

Adam jerked his eyes up from the plate. "Did what too well?"

"Sneaking a girl around your room," she replied with a smirk. "That act you put on. Elda totally believed you. You do that often?" she joked.

Adam looked alarmed. "What? No!"

"Mmm-kay just checking," she teased as she continued eating leaving Adam blinking in confusion.

Realizing Teela was just jerking his chain, he narrowed his gaze at her.


Around 8AM his parents arrived. Adam marveled as his mother, so gentle and understanding, thoughtfully kept her distance as she knelt down to inquire whether he was comfortable and got enough rest. He answered in the affirmative as his father followed suit behind his mother's right shoulder.

Neither asserted themselves insisting they call him 'mother' and 'father'. Neither did they immediately reach for an embrace. They seemed simply to want to put him at ease and get to know him and for him to know them in turn. Adam shook his head as if to clear it. He wondered why they were interested in him; the only person who seemed to care until now being Mrs. Stoley.

Mrs. Stoley. He missed her. A lot. But he liked Marlena latching onto her rather quickly to his chagrin. Randor…he liked him too but was still slightly afraid of him. He was big. Actually more like…tall. And bearded…and a little intimidating.

As if sensing his unease, his mother reached out and gently took his hand giving it a reassuring squeeze somehow settling his nerves.

xxx

The newly reunited royal family sat together in the Prince's forward lounge. Adam shivered apprehensively causing Marlena to knit her brow in concern. Randor leaned forward in consternation.

"What is it, Adam?" the Queen asked worried.

"Huh? Oh, nothing," he replied.

The King and Queen exchanged glances. "Son, you know you can tell us anything no matter what the subject," Randor encouraged gently.

Adam only nodded then shifted his gaze to the floor as a look of concern passed between the royal couple.

"Do you feel up to attending the announcement today?" Marlena asked, her hazel-blue eyes locked on her son's. "If you don't, we'll understand and can reschedule for another day."

He met her gaze. "No, it's okay."

Randor and Marlena glanced at each other again before the King began. "Son, prior to the announcement today we need to tell you a little bit about your family."

Adam shifted an expectant blue gaze at his father nodding quietly.

Marlena started with her life as an American astronaut on planet Earth ending with the crash landing of the Valiant on Eternia twelve years ago. At that, the boy's eyes widened in dismay to which the Queen gave a reassuring smile and reached out caressing his shoulder. That felt nice. He stared at her then began to relax.

Randor continued the story adding, "Your mother and I courted for a year then finally married. Three months later, we discovered we were pregnant," he paused and smiled at his son who returned it shyly.

Taking a deep breath, he continued. "Adam, not only were we pregnant with you, but…we were pregnant with your twin…," he trailed off, his parents studying his reaction.

Adam's eyes went round. "I have a sibling?"

They nodded.

"A twin brother?"

Randor and Marlena again exchanged glances, their eyes heavy with emotion. They looked back at him causing Adam to become slightly anxious. He remained quiet staring back in nervous anticipation.

"Son," Randor replied, "You have a twin sister."

Again Adam's eyes widened in excited disbelief. "I have a sis—" he cut himself off as the memory of last night's nightmare came flooding back to him:

A girl…

Crying…beaten…

Blonde hair…blue eyes…

She looked like…me…

His gaze went distant prompting his mother to finally call out, "Adam?"

Startled, he jumped and snapped his head to her. He nervously licked his lips. "I…I'm fine. Go on, please."

Eyeing him in concern and slightly reluctant to go on, they began to tell their son of the day of his birth.

"About three months after learning we were pregnant, the physician informed us we were having two babies," the King reflected with a distant smile reliving that joyous day. "We did not know whether we were having two boys or two girls as we decided to wait until your birth. Finally, after nine months the day had come."

"I was in labor for twenty-one hours, son," Marlena began causing Adam's gaze to once again widen. Chuckling at his reaction, she continued. "There were several physicians in the infirmary from all over the kingdom, all eager and curious to witness you and your sister's birth; naturally so since I am Earthen and your father Eternian. Inter-special marriage was, and still is, completely unprecedented. Now, imagine our delight when not only you were born, our firstborn son but followed seven minutes later by your sister! Fraternal twins," she reminisced. She gazed lovingly at her son causing him to blush and offer a timid smile in return.

"You were both so beautiful. Your sister was born crying her little heart out but you, son…you were as docile and as calm as a glass sea," she chuckled as Adam blushed again. "When they handed you to me, freshly bathed and you swaddled in a blue blanket, she in pink, you were so tiny that I held you both in one arm supported by my pillow as I reclined in bed. I kissed you both," she added dreamily.

"With the two of you lying side by side, somehow your serenity translated to your little sister; she quickly calmed as the two of you opened your eyes and blinked at me. I gasped; your eyes were as blue as a clear Texas sky," she marveled as Adam smiled crookedly. "Everyone in the room marveled over your eyes; no one in all of Eternia has your shade of blue, son."

Her countenance suddenly heavy, she gave a deep sigh. "And then the nightmare came. The nurse took you both away for a changing. Randor stayed at my side as I closed my eyes for a much needed nap. Several minutes later, someone came running into our room shouting something about lung capacity as the physicians rushed out in a panic. You two were taken to triage; they told us you both had begun to turn purple, unable to breathe—" she stopped, a small sob escaping her throat as Randor, eyes glistening squeezed her hand for support.

Adam, his brow furrowed simply remained quiet wearing a sad expression.

"We were told you two had died of asphyxiation caused by underdeveloped lungs. They said it was due to my being of Earth, and your father of Eternia…that the inter-special element was the cause. They said…they told us we were incompatible and that we could never birth children who would remain alive for more than a few hours," she gazed at Randor who looked angry.

Adam swallowed as she continued.

"Of course the shock of the news caused me to hemorrhage. After surgery, they told me I could no longer bear chil—" she choked a sob cutting herself off.

"Marlena," Randor whispered, bringing her hand to his lips. He shifted his gaze to his son.

"And this, Adam, is how you and your sister were lost to us," the King explained. "Duncan at this very moment is conducting an investigation as this deception was obviously a vile scheme carried out to obstruct the Royal Line. By whom we do not yet know but it's obviously a Palace insider." He glanced at Marlena then met his son's inquisitive gaze again.

"We are also checking the records of the surgeon who performed the corrective procedure on the Queen," he leaned forward, his hazel eyes locked on his son's blue ones. "Adam, we had no idea you were still alive. We were told you and your sister were dead. We buried you. All these years, you were God knows where…had we known…," his voice broke off as he bit his lip wiping away a tear.

Adam, his brow furrowed swallowed hard. "I'm…I'm sorry this happened to you…"

Randor met his gaze. "It happened to you too, my son. You were cruelly kidnapped and sold like a common commodity. You and your sister…split up…," he trailed off again shaking his head, "And what atrocities you must have experienced at the hands of strangers prior to Mrs. Stoley I cannot imagine," he added wiping another tear away.

His son stiffened, his expression sorrowful. Suddenly he quirked his head to the side. "What is my sister's name?"

Marlena sniffled a teary smile. "Her name is Adora."

Adam gave a timid smile. "Adora…," he repeated. "Adora is my twin sister," he continued wistfully. "Both names start with 'A'…," he mused out loud before snapping his head to his mother. "Do our names have meaning?"

"Yes," the Queen replied with a crooked smile, pleased in her son's interest in his sister and their heritage. "Both of your names are Terran in origin. Yours means, Man Of Earth, and your sister's, Gift."

The boy's mouth comically fell open prompting his parents to chuckle tearfully. Coming to himself, he nodded. "Okay." His expression suddenly changed as he mused over the dream last night causing his parents to lock in on his searching expression.

"Adam?" his mother called causing him to snap his head to her. "What is it?"

His gaze locked with hers he replied, "I…I don't know how but I…I might have seen her."

Randor furrowed his brow. "Who?"

"Adora."

His parents gasped as they looked at one another then back at their son. "Where?" the King asked.

Adam looked at them both, his brow knit. "No not that way. I mean, not in person but…I umm…I had a nightmare last night and she was in it."

Their eyes went round in shock as they pondered the real possibility of a psychosomatic connection between brother and sister. For years the phenomenon had been pontificated by professionals in both medical and psychological circles.

"But…she…she was getting beaten…badly…," he explained haltingly.

Marlena's hand flew to her mouth as her husband grasped her other hand.

"Tell us everything you saw, son," Randor asked, his voice urgent.

Adam relayed to his parents the contents of his nightmare pertaining to Adora withholding the account of his own abuse.

Greatly disturbed yet sensing the boy was holding something back, Randor made a mental note to tell Duncan. Silence filled the room as the King and Queen speculated over Adam's own possible mistreatment at the hands of abusive and neglectful fosters. After a few minutes, Marlena gave a cautious smile holding a handkerchief to her nose as Randor slowly stood and knelt before his young son. The boy sat on the couch, his feet barely able to touch the marble floor.

He looked deeply into his son's eyes. "It's your decision on whether you ever want to tell us what happened to you. Either way, know that we love you and will tear apart all of Eternia to find whoever did this, Adam. You will no longer have to feel fearful or threatened. Understand, son?"

His eyes going round at his father's intense sincerity, the boy nodded slowly as the King smiled and held out an arm. Adam looked at it and with a small smile, clasped it as a sign of trust.