A/N: Yikes. Well this is a very long chapter. I had to stop it here or else I would have had one long and two very SHORT chapters. All mistakes are mine. Again, I hope this all makes sense. Don't forget to check out chap 8 first as I've posted dual updates.

Chapter 9

The twelve, eyes wide with wonder and excitement, slowly entered the Assembly Hall named for the King's valiant father. Inside, the plush décor contained rich swaths of crimson, purple, blue, gold, and ivory.

Flanked by two royal guardsmen, the Queen sat on an ornately gold engraved armed chair situated atop six wide and shallow steps; her beautiful royal blue silk gown falling gracefully in thick folds to the red carpet. Her auburn hair was swept up with several ringlets dipping past her shoulders revealing a long graceful neck. She wore a bejeweled crown and a warm smile as she eyed the students entering through the massive double doors.

Her son stood to her left wearing a tailored royal blue military jacket trimmed with gold epaulettes with the Prince's Crest sewn on his left pectoral. A crimson sash stretched from his left shoulder to his right hip and his black slacks featured shiny black lining running down the outer sides of each pant leg. He finished it off with glossy black boots and his sunny blonde locks were neatly trimmed.

Right now, he was staring at Teela.

Her skin prickled as their gazes locked the moment she stepped into the room. It seemed like forever since she last saw him. He had a commanding presence, even an air of danger about him. He'd always had that slightly brooding element to his personality but it seemed more pronounced today; perhaps due to the fact that this quality was completely absent in every man she's met since the Prince.

She considered him. He was even more handsome if that was even possible. But now, there was something else in his eyes; a deep maturity shadowing his blue gaze. A gaze that seemed…burdened. As if battle-worn.

Teela blinked at the obvious mistake in her assessment. Adam didn't participate in regular battles with the inhabitants of Snake Mountain. And from what her father told her, there were hundreds of battles over the last six months; most of which He-Man had fought; the Prince nowhere to be found.

Her mind wandered as she glanced at her father standing at the bottom of the steps, he wearing his hunter green Royal Guard uniform and beaming proudly at his daughter. She blushed and smiled back as he nodded, his moustache twitching slightly in merriment.

Private Asher Tobin stood in the back near the entrance with his commanding officer, unbeknownst to her, his eyes glued to Teela's derriere.

Regaining her composure and trying desperately to escape Adam's intense and disarming gaze, Teela refocused her thoughts. She realized that for most if not all of the cadets, this occasion marked the first time in their lives that they will personally address the royal family. Many were nervous but most were excited at the opportunity.

Protocol was to approach the throne, bow or curtsey, reply to small talk offered by the royal family, then once the Queen signified the end of the interaction with a nod, bow or curtsey and step to the left. Once there you were to stand at attention until everyone was done.

Teela felt someone touch her elbow, ripping her out of her reverie. She reflexively looked at her arm, then up into the eyes of Rowan, the Captain of the Royal Guard. He smiled and nodded.

"Cadet Duncan," he began quietly. "If you would be so kind as to stand here with me. The Prince has requested that you be presented last."

Her eyes widened. "Last?" she whispered in surprise. "What do you mean last?" she bristled.

Rowan knit his brow. "I'm sorry but he did not offer any explanation."

"Of course!" her mind harrumphed. "Fine," she sighed as she stood at attention and stared across the room. Although she tried to act casually, she fidgeted under Adam's gaze.

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Each cadet passed, engaged in light banter with the Queen and the Prince, politely bowed or curtseyed and stood to the left. Queen Marlena and Prince Adam were genuinely interested in and knew details about each cadet as evidenced by the wide and goofy smile of each soldier once finished.

Now it was Teela's turn. All eyes were glued to her, especially Asher's. He smirked and licked his lips as he openly raked his eyes over her toned body.

She approached the throne, grasped the edges of her military skirt and curtseyed. When she straightened, Adam's gaze softened as did the Queen's.

"Teela, child. It is so good to see you, my dear," the Queen began with a loving smile.

Teela felt her body relax at the Queen's soothing and familiar voice. "It is lovely to see you again, Your Majesty. I hope that you are well?"

"I am well, dear one. May I congratulate you on achieving your lifelong aim; to finish school and join the Guard? Randor is so proud of you. He regrets that he could not be here in person to see you walk across the stage," she smiled as she glanced at Man-At-Arms. "Your father is of course equally proud of your accomplishments," she gestured to Duncan who offered a quiet smile in response.

Teela inclined her head and smiled brightly. "My Queen, I thank you and the King for your well wishes. I'm so happy to have finished school and I count myself privileged to serve the royal family as a member of the Royal Guard."

The Queen offered another bright smile.

"May I offer my congratulations on achieving valedictorian?" the Prince asked.

Teela flinched at the sound of his voice. Over the past six months, she had conversed with him on only two occasions, each time over long distance using a very weak communicator full of static interference. She didn't realize how much she missed the tone of his voice. The bass in his pitch right now was so rich, so full, so…

Adam lifted a princely eyebrow. "Cadet Duncan?"

Her mind panicked as he studied her intently. All eyes remained glued to Teela's every movement. It was as if everyone held their breath examining the encounter for the slightest flub. Using one of her Earth colloquialisms, the Queen would have likened it to, "Watching a train wreck."

Slightly startled, Teela inclined her head. "My Prince, thank you for your kind words. I was truly surprised upon learning that I had made valedictorian."

The Prince suddenly smiled. "I'm not surprised, Tee."

The room gasped at his casual use of her name. Someone whispered, "Is that her nickname?"

She blinked as they locked gazes. The room went silent for what seemed like an eternity. Queen Marlena suppressed a smile as she glanced at both sizing the other up.

With Teela blushing under his intense gaze, they both began to offer cautious smiles at one another, neither acknowledging anyone else in the room.

The Queen quietly cleared her throat and, grasping the edge of her gown, stood to her feet. Prince Adam took his mother's left hand and led her down the steps to move closer to Teela. The room once again gasped at the intimate gesture as Teela nervously watched.

"I'm so proud of you, child," the Queen stated once again as she gathered Teela in her arms. She returned the embrace, a smile lighting up her countenance.

When they pulled apart, Teela glanced at Adam.

Prince Adam studied Teela. Her body language wasn't as closed as when she first entered the room. Although he desperately wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless, for a fleeting moment he didn't know what to do. He didn't want to dishonor her by being too informal in front of her peers, yet he didn't want to come off as cold and distant. His mind raced as they stared expectantly at one another.

Then, it came to him.

He bowed and, taking her right hand in his, he kissed the back of it tenderly and lingeringly while holding her gaze.

The gesture set off a flurry of reactions: Teela gasped along with the rest of the room. Duncan grinned in amusement and relief. Asher frowned resentfully. Gada's jaw fell open as the rest of the cadets openly gawked.

The Prince finally straightened and grudgingly released her hand as Teela, a bit off balance now smiled back, her cheeks pinkening with passion. Adam smiled, his eyes darkening slightly.

The Queen cleared her throat once more and inclined her head. "Congratulations, dear one. We will see you after the ceremony."

Teela smiled and curtseyed as the Queen took her son's hand, allowing him to escort her back up the stairs and out towards the back room.

Her father gave her a warm smile and mouthed, "We'll see you later." He and Rowan made a quick exit through the side door as Teela smiled and nodded in response.

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The cadets filed out of the Hall one by one, each murmuring excitedly over what they had just witnessed. Teela remained at the very back, her gaze trained on the floor in confusion as she turned Adam's actions over in her mind.

Man-At-Arms intercepted the twelve on the other side of the door. "Guard! Attention!"

Startled, the cadets saluted and snapped to full attention. They stood in expectant silence.

Duncan clasped his hands behind his back and began to pace.

"Let this be lesson number one," he began. "As a member of the King's Royal Guard, you may be witness to a number of things that may occur within the Palace of Eternos, i.e., political and personal discussions, family interactions, and so forth." He paused and eyed everyone.

"You will be entrusted to protect everyone therein. Not just the royal residents and palace staff, but their guests and valets. You will not only be tasked to protect all from physical harm, but you will be expected to guard and protect secrets, plans, private discussions," he stopped and stared at them. "And any anomaly you may witness. Have I made myself clear?"

"Sir! Yes, Sir!" they replied with vigor.

Duncan nodded. "Good. I expect to see you at the palace in six weeks' time at 0800. You are dismissed."

"Yes, Sir!"

Teela and her father once again exchanged smiles as she hurried off with the rest of her group. She couldn't wait to give him a hug after the ceremony.

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Staff members and families of the cadets assembled in chairs on the huge back lawn of the City of Wisdom to watch their friends and loved ones graduate. The royal retinue watched the ceremony from a suite above and behind the massive gathering. Members of the Royal Guard, along with the Captain all stood at attention flanking the party.

Sitting behind the Queen, David and Irene couldn't help but glance worriedly at their friend as he stood, arms folded across his chest, staring intently at the proceedings.

"Adam, have a seat," David implored.

The Prince shook his head, his posture tense. "I can't." He didn't elaborate.

xxx

Afterwards, the entire graduating class along with staff members and officers of the school gathered in the massive courtyard to say their final goodbyes. Among them, Asher who was trying desperately to secure a date with Teela.

Just then, Rowan appeared motioning for Teela. She excused herself from everyone and approached him.

"He has asked to speak privately with you, if you don't mind."

She took a deep breath and nodded, her stomach fluttering wildly.

The Captain led her to a large early blooming berry blossom tree located about a hundred feet away from the crowd. The Prince stood waiting, hands clasped behind his back. With a quick nod, Rowan and the other guardsmen gave them a wide berth standing well out of earshot.

For several moments, they simply stood silently face to face. Finally, Adam broke the silence.

"I trust you are well?"

"I am," she replied. "You?"

He shrugged. "As well as could be expected."

Silence.

Teela anxiously folded her arms and Adam stared at the ground. Their gazes finally met again.

"I'm proud of you, Tee."

She smiled nervously then shifted her gaze to the ground. "Thank you, Adam."

More awkward silence.

Adam spoke again.

"Thank you for coming…," he began.

Her stomach flipped as she worried over what he was about to announce. Her mind bitterly snapped, "I'm getting married." "Shouldn't I be saying that to you?" she finally quipped.

He offered a small grin that quickly faded before getting to the point. "Tee, about that video…,"

Her eyes widened in dreaded expectation. "Yes?"

Suddenly Adam's eyes flew up and past her shoulder, his blue gaze frosting over in anger. Startled, she spun around just in time to see Asher and Gada approaching.

"Teela," Asher called out, an arrogant smirk on his lips. Gada, eyes filled with uncertainty and awe, simply gawked at the Prince as she followed behind.

Irritated, Teela asked, "What do you want, Asher?"

"Your Highness," he replied with a derisive bow, ignoring her question. Gada curtseyed, apprehension in her eyes.

Adam simply stared at the male soldier without word or acknowledgement.

"Oh. Asher, Gada, may I present the Crown Prince of Eternia, Prince Adam Miro," Teela made polite introduction as she gestured gracefully to him.

"It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness," Gada responded.

Despite his annoyed disposition, Adam inclined his head offering a polite smile. "The honor is mine, Cadet Durizimen. I understand you were Teela's roommate. She's told me a lot about you."

Her eyes widened as her cheeks blushed a pale pink. "Oh goodness. Well, it's all lies I assure you," she joked nervously.

Adam's smile broadened as he eyed her and cocked his head to the side. A slight chuckle escaped his throat. "Charming."

Gada's blush darkened and her jaw went slack at his compliment. "I just want to say that you are so much better looking in person if that's even remotely possible. And taller…," she stuttered as her eyes roamed up and down his body.

Adam lifted an eyebrow as Teela rolled her eyes.

Unable to withstand being upstaged by the Prince, Asher cut in. "So, Your Highness, what do you think of our campus? Too war-like? Or is this inappropriate conversation for a refined gentleman such as yourself?" he asked, a tone of disdain in his voice.

Adam's gaze shifted to Asher, a frown developing across his features. "What I find inappropriate, Private, is your ogling of Lady Teela's ass," he snapped angrily.

Startled, both women stared at Asher as he went pale and swallowed hard. "Whatever do you mean, Sir?"

The Prince's eyes narrowed. "Don't play dumb with me," he warned, his voice dangerously low.

Asher's eyes darted nervously between the two women as he licked his now dry lips. "Uh, I…uh, I have business with Major Tarraken. I will now take my leave, my Prince," he bowed hastily as he began to back away.

"I didn't dismiss you," Adam snapped again.

Asher froze, his nervous gaze raised to meet the Prince's angry one. Teela bit her lip as Gada sucked air.

Adam glanced at the women. "Ladies, my apologies but I'd like a word with Private Tobin, please."

Teela blinked, surprised at Adam's sudden hostility and the use of her former title. Confused, she replied with a curtsey, "Certainly, my Prince. Come, Gada." She made a mental note of the flicker of confusion in Adam's eyes at her curtsey as she grabbed her friend's arm and dragged her several feet away giving the two men privacy.

"Oh Ancients, he's intense…and so hot!" Gada observed excitedly. "By the way, I hate to say it but Asher finally had this coming."

Although she couldn't hear what was being said, Teela watched the body language as her love calmly and succinctly put Asher in his place. The formerly arrogant Private, now sufficiently chastised, bowed and made a hasty retreat. The Prince's gaze roamed the grounds and, finding her, he motioned for them to return.

He held Teela's gaze then turned to Gada. "I'm sorry you had to witness that, ladies."

Gada, eyes wide at his humility, shook her head. "No apology necessary, my Prince. He definitely deserved that." She cleared her throat. "Teela, I'll meet up with you later. Your Highness, it was an honor meeting you," she said with a curtsey and a smile full of respect and admiration.

Adam inclined his head. "Likewise," he replied with a broad smile as she hurried off.

His gaze eventually dropped to Teela. "As I was saying," he began with a lopsided grin.

Her mind still reeling over the chivalry and use of her title, she grinned back. "You were saying?"

Adam got to the point. "Tee, I want to preface what I'm about say to you with this. The Princess of Hamaya and I are not seeing each other. We've never dated and we never will. We are simply friends and always have been, plain and simple."

"Okay," she drew out nervously.

"However, I need to confess something to you and I hope you will hear me out," he eyed her anxiously.

The skin on her arms contracted as she folded them across her chest and went perfectly still. "Go on," she said suspiciously, dread tingling up the back of her spine.

He took a deep breath, expelled it from his lungs, and began. "Not too long after the video was taken, that same night she and I had a serious discussion out on the King's veranda."

Teela knit her brow. "Okay."

He bit his lip as he locked gazes with her. "It was a difficult discussion regarding the frustration we feel when we," he dropped his gaze then met her eyes again. "When we must keep State secrets from those we…love."

"Love," her mind echoed. Her brow slightly raised in nervous anticipation, she again drew out, "Okay."

"Eve is in a similar situation. Her ex-boyfriend is angry with her for not being totally honest and open with him. In a moment of weakness accompanied by frustration and loneliness, we embraced and…," he nervously glanced skyward then back into her eyes.

Teela, her nerves now on edge, held his gaze.

"We almost…kissed."

She blinked. "Almost?"

He nodded.

"But you didn't," she said more as a statement than a question.

He nodded again.

"I see," she replied as her gaze shifted to the ground. After a long pause, she looked back into his eyes. "Irene told me that when you heard about my reaction to the video of you two, David was met with stone silence over the communicator. You then quickly dismissed yourself. Explain that."

Adam held her gaze. "The news was bittersweet. My heart broke for your despair but at the same time, my hope was restored."

"Hope for what?"

"That we could make this work after all. We left everything sort of hanging in the air. The last time we spoke, you said you needed time but you never officially broke up with me. So…," he shifted his position. "So, I was hoping you would give me another chance."

She eyed him. She knew what he was saying but her heart needed to hear him verbally declare it. "Another chance for what, Adam?"

He stepped closer and stared down at her, his eyes boring into hers. She swallowed hard, her hands instinctively dropping to her sides.

"Another chance for me to win your heart." He studied her, his brow wrinkled a bit in dismay, unsure of her response.

She opened her mouth to reply when he stopped her.

"Tee, if you agree to return to me, I can't promise you immediate full disclosure." His left hand caressed her cheek as she furrowed her brow, her mind turning over his apparent distrust of her judgment.

As if reading her thoughts, Adam suddenly frowned. "I do trust you, Tee. Don't tell me you ever doubted where you stood with me."

She looked away. "I do, Adam. Especially when you would disappear…and…," she sighed. "I can tell when you're holding something back."

He blinked and bit his lip. He then caressed her face with both hands.

"The secrets I hold are not related to matters of the heart, but are simply matters of State. Only when you become my bride will I be able to reveal everything regarding Eternia. Until then, you will always know the contents of my heart, my Love."

"When I become his…bride?" her mind repeated exultantly.

Again, as if knowing her thoughts, he nodded slowly.

He restrained himself as long as he could but finally gave in. He lowered his face to hers as his lips claimed hers tenderly. Reveling in his touch, she slid her arms around his waist as he gathered her into his arms, the kiss becoming more urgent, more insistent. She instinctively parted her lips to allow him entrance as he deepened the kiss, her body now trembling with sensory overload.

Not wanting to overwhelm her, he broke the kiss just as a burst of applause pulled them back to reality. Adam and Teela snapped their heads to the courtyard as several graduates, smiles wide, clapped and whooped in approval.

Adam raised his eyebrows at them as Teela turned a bright shade of pink.