A/N: Thanks again for your continued readership! It's a little quiet out there in He-Man fanfic land, but I can see by the continuous ticks of "views/visits" that you guys still seem to be interested. :-) Please let me know what you think and if you want me to continue. I'm posting another double update with chapters 11 and 12. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 11
Cringer sat on his haunches underneath the garden's arched entryway, staring at his friend's back. He remained silent not wanting to intrude on his moment alone. Although his back was to him, Adam seemed troubled. He sat on the bench for what seemed like an hour, shifting his position periodically from leaning forward with his elbows on his knees to straightening up, only to let his shoulders eventually slump.
"A-Adam?"
At the mention of his name, the prince's back straightened abruptly and his gaze snapped over his shoulder.
Cringer slowly padded towards him, head down, shoulder muscles rolling. He settled beside the bench emitting a low rumbling purr. Adam smiled as he reached down and scratched behind the cat's ears.
After several more minutes of silent introspection, Adam stood up and made his way to the Dining Hall with Cringer following. Stopping just inside the entrance, the prince froze, eyes wide. Lord Tewksbury and Lady Amanda sat at table, chatting happily with the King and Queen.
"What are they doing here?" his mind muttered.
Gesturing to his son, the King shouted, "Adam, join us! We have invited Lord Tewksbury and his lovely daughter for dinner tonight."
Adam stood statue-still. His mouth went dry as panic seeped in.
"Adam?" his father called out, concern lacing his voice.
The prince blinked and slowly, his legs finally obeyed his brain's command to move forward. The only seat vacant at the table was next to Amanda. Refusing the offered seat would be considered offensive. For all he knew, it could lead to a civil war between Eternos and Shivol. He sighed quietly. As he approached, Amanda patted the seat next to her, a small smile tugging at her lips. He hesitated slightly then took his seat as Cringer curled up in the corner.
Their fathers discussed the Summit as the children quietly worked at their meal. Noticing the tension, the Queen spoke up.
"Adam, where is Teela?"
Adam shrugged his shoulders while keeping his eyes on his plate. He didn't trust his voice right now as he simply wanted to finish the meal and escape to his room. Amanda's kiss earlier rattled him—not because he disliked it but because his body responded so strongly to it. "Traitor," he thought to himself. His throat was dry and tight. He half expected Teela to come marching in any minute and spot him having dinner with the "flirtatious courtier".
As the adults chatted on amiably, Amanda discreetly slipped her left hand underneath the table and squeezed Adam high on his right thigh. He sucked in air as his head snapped to her. She continued to eat calmly without missing a beat as the prince stared at her in disbelief.
Randor had stopped mid-conversation and gazed questioningly at the prince. "You're behaving strangely, son. Did you fall and bump your head at the aquarium today?"
Adam sent him an annoyed look to which the King chalked up to teen angst. Nodding his understanding, he went back to his conversation with the visiting lord.
Amanda eyed the dessert. "I adore Longe-berry custard," she whispered into the prince's right ear.
Adam stiffened. "Not my favorite," he finally managed.
Amanda leaned in speaking loudly enough only for the prince to hear. "Are you upset over the kiss earlier? I'm sorry if I offended you. It's just that I find you incredibly attractive and it's sometimes difficult for me to behave with any decorum around you," she stated sheepishly. She finally removed her hand from his leg.
Adam thought for a moment then turned to her. "I wasn't particularly offended by the kiss. I was mostly taken by surprise. We're not that well acquainted," he rubbed the back of his neck and turned again to her. "I'm also wondering at your forwardness. It's been my experience that that's usually a sign a girl wants something from me." He took a sip of water and setting it back on the table, he looked her straight in the eye. "I don't respond well to manipulation."
That last statement was uttered by the prince with such authority and finality that it caught Amanda off guard. She eyed him for a moment. "You are very different from your counterparts throughout the rest of Eternia. I am so accustomed to the open display of affection they engage in that I just assumed…," she trailed off. She took a breath and regained her composure. "Please forgive my ignorant assumption, my Prince."
He watched her. As long as they were communicating openly like this, he thought they might as well go back to first names.
"Adam, remember?"
"I remember. Adam. Hard habit to break." She gave a small smile and took a sip of water.
The prince reflected on her last remark. "You mentioned the other princes. If you don't mind me asking, have you courted any of them?"
Amanda hesitated. If he's considering her as a potential mate, of course he needs to know about any past relationships. "Yes, Prince Zurekesh of Denarba," she rolled her eyes. "He was a real scoundrel. All hands, no brain."
Adam lifted an eyebrow.
"In his kingdom, the courtier is to share his bed. Then, and only then if he's pleased with your performance, he assigns you to his household with all of the other women. I suppose it was naiveté to think I could influence him to change their traditions on choosing a bride."
Adam nodded.
"And in case you're wondering, the answer is no, I did not sleep with him."
Adam raised both eyebrows this time, tilted his head, and nodded again. "You are seeking a husband?"
She thought for a beat. "I am hoping he will seek me."
The prince looked pensive. He shifted in his seat and turned back to her. "What are your goals in life? What's important to you?" He already knew what Teela wanted: to lead the Royal Guard and to protect and defend Eternia. Noble aspirations. Adam needed to know what this girl was after.
Amanda blinked. "No one has ever asked me before," her eyes searched his. "I want to make a home with someone. I want to be cherished by a man head-over-heels in love with me."
They stared at each other as Amanda slowly covered his hand with hers.
Marlena eyed the two children. She furrowed her brow in concern over Teela's absence. Lord Tewksbury was a known opportunist so she was wary over his daughter's true intentions. She supposed it wasn't fair to assign the shortcomings of a father to his child, but still, he raised her and most likely instilled his own set of values into her. She also noticed how uncomfortable her son seemed around her. She trusted her son's instincts; he is a very good judge of character. He mentioned himself her affinity for aggressive behavior when it came to pursuing what she wanted.
The Queen snapped out of her internal dialogue and returned to the conversation between her husband and Tewksbury.
"So your Majesty, how will we convince the Mandovians to agree with us on the Trisken Trade and Weapons Agreement?"
Randor took a sip of wine and set it down. "We should advise that most of Eternia's leaders are on board and that it would be to their advantage. They would have our armies as protection in case negotiations fell apart. But if it did work out, Mandovia would prosper on a level it has never experienced before."
Adam suddenly cut in. "Forgive my interruption, Father, but may I be excused?"
Randor's head snapped to Adam, who seemed a bit on edge. "Son, what's going on? You've been on pins and needles all night. Are you ill?" The King's face was etched with worry. The Queen eyed Adam.
"No, Father, I didn't get much sleep last night; that's all." Adam's tired gaze drifted pleadingly to his mother, then back to the King.
The King gave an understanding smile. "Of course, Adam. Get some rest. The opening meeting for the Summit is at nine tomorrow morning. We'll meet in my study at 8:30, okay, son?"
"Yes, sir. Goodnight, all," Adam bowed to his parents, inclined his head to the visiting nobles and headed for his room. He rolled Amanda's answers to his questions around in his head. Something wasn't adding up.
