Two men and a woman….;)

Teela

I had a relaxed, happy lunch after a very long time, that day, with Ryan, Adora and the others. Perhaps it was the more optimistic and happy nature of the work we were about to start now, with the flush of victory still in our blood. Adam, strangely, still seemed a bit put-off, for whatever reason. I caught his eyes on me several times, with a brooding look in them, and it puzzled me. What danger could I possibly be in now, after having faced and fought the Horde-at least, what danger that I could not handle myself?

At last, we put down our dessert spoons, and left to leave the table. I lagged behind the others, hoping for a quiet moment with Adam. Yes, I did not want any more intense emotional involvement with him right now, but he was still my best friend and I wanted to clear this up with him. He was busy talking to Adora and the others, and I waited patiently by the window, hoping he would turn and see me.

I was so intent concentrating on him, I failed to realize that Ryan had moved to my side. His gentle "Teela" startled me but I covered it quite well, turning and smiling at him.

"When do we start?" he asked me.

I hesitated. Adam would be leaving in three days for Etheria, and I did want some time with him and truth be told, Adora too. I never thought I would end up feeling this way about the Princess, but there was something very down-to-earth and forthright about her, coupled with an odd gentleness in everything she said and did, and I found myself growing very fond of her.

"Teela."

Adam's voice made me turn round to him with a smile that came right from my heart on my lips-before I realized too late I was not supposed to feel this way, remember? I was going to control myself before I made myself an emotional quivering jellyfish who would collapse at the sight and sound of him-never mind that I had some potent memories that would make that resolve near impossible to carry out as of now…..

He was standing right next to me now, his arm around me, his fingers resting lightly on my waist. A simple friendly gesture-two old childhood friends. Ah-but never mind the acute awareness I felt of his presence, or the fact that my face was about to erupt into a flush that would put to shame Eternia's legendary volcanic eruptions. I gritted my teeth, and concentrated on breathing deeply.

Ryan and Adam were now speaking. "I was asking her what time she wanted to meet me in the library, Adam," Ryan said. "We have a lot to go through before we leave for Fraenia."

"Mind if I join you?" Adam's voice was at its most sincere and charming, yet both Adora and I picked up the undercurrent of steel in it. I looked up into his face for a second, and though he did not look down at me, the pressure of his hand on my waist tightened.

Ryan apparently noticed nothing. "The more the merrier," he smiled. "Will you honor us too, Princess? Your experience in the Etheria wastelands will prove useful."

Adora hesitated for a second. Adam nodded at her with a friendly smile-she then smiled enthusiastically "Sure," she said.

"Maybe around six in the evening?" Adam said, effectively clinching matters, "followed by a quiet dinner for four of us? I'll ask Cook to keep it apart for us, so we won't be rushed in our work."

"Yes, Adam .Well-I'll see you all at six." Ryan excused himself.

After he left, Adam went mad. Forgetting that we were in a very public place, he turned me to him. One hand went around my shoulders, drawing me closer to him, and the other, this time firmly, around my waist. I flushed with embarrassment and could not meet Adora's eyes. What did he think he was doing? I firmly tried to move back but he pulled at me so firmly I almost stumbled and was squashed against him. I looked at him, wanting to give him a piece of my mind, but the determined, icy-blue eyes stopped me. He would not take any nonsense from me. The last time he looked like this was when I had refused to apologize to Verona-and I well remembered how that one had turned out.

"Excuse us, Adora."

The Princess smiled at me, laughed and left the room.

It was late afternoon by then, and the heat of the day came through the windows with the bright golden sunshine. I refused to look at him, and kept myself busy desperately praying no one would walk in and see us like this. What was WRONG with him?

Finally, he moved away, but kept his arm around my waist secure.

"You are going to sleep now," he said.

"What?"I spluttered, having totally forgotten Helion's instructions that I must have a break in the afternoons, in addition to at least seven hours of sleep at night for the next several months. Apparently, Adam hadn't.

"Healer's orders," he smiled, and my heart turned over.

"What about you?" I finally opened my mouth when my brain and heart were in their right places, and functioning with a modicum of normalcy-I hoped….

"I would have loved to watch you sleep," he whispered, and my heart began racing again-it was so unfair. I forgot I was supposed to give any man who gave me improper-sounding suggestions hell. "But Adora and I have to meet Father about plans for our trip to Etheria."

"Oh." Suddenly, my vocabulary had been reduced to that of a toddler.

We were in the hallways now, which forked off into the private suites-and my room door.

I struggled with the codes and Adam watched me. Just before I stepped into my room, he gently held my elbow and turned me to him. I felt fire at every point his fingers touched my skin.

"You are mine," he said, and I blinked. Was this Adam? As in, Adam the charmer par excellence , the best known diplomat on Eternia with skills secondary only to the King himself? How often had the King expressed his pride in his son's diplomatic skill even as he berated him equally fiercely for his cowardice?

The words were softly spoken, but the tone was that of some primitive cave-man staking out his claim.

And a piece of meat or property-I definitely was NOT!

"Am I, Your Highness?" I said, glaring at him. "Since when did the fact that I am your body guard decide to make you feel that I am your own personal possession? And, what made you feel your –um-imaginary ownership was threatened?"

We were in my room now, and I was against the wall. He smiled, shook his head gently and ran his thumb against my chin. I swear I could feel my bones and muscles and skin melt…

"You are mine, Teela and you know it. Lie to yourself all you want, darling, I'll always come around to wake you up from yourself imposed delusion…well, see you at six. Do you want me to pick you up from here?"

I shook my head vigorously. Any more of this kind of tenderness from him and I would completely lose my mind. He chuckled and left.

I closed the door breathing heavily. Three more days of this. I hoped I would get through in one piece. Then I remembered the pain I felt after Adora came and it was like slicing my heart open with a red hot serrated knife. I sank on the bed with a soft muttered oath on my lips. There was NO WAY I was going through that again. Ever.

I woke up refreshed, and had a quick shower. At a quarter to six, I locked my room and went to the library. It was on the second floor of the palace, a huge well-ventilated room which spanned almost half the length of the floor. It contained thousands of volumes of books on every imaginable subject under the sun. In fact, very often students would even be given permission to use some of the older and rarer manuscripts as reference or whatever they needed it for-after a stringent security clearance, of course . In the days before the war, three librarians and half a dozen assistants were always needed to cater to the care of the books and the people who used them. And, it wasn't just that-copies of various treaties and resolutions passed over the years were also kept there, with films and slides of countless topics.

What I loved most about it was the sense of vastness and openness I felt when I was there. Never one to like anything which gave me the slightest hint of claustrophobia, walking through the large double doors, and seeing the huge vaulted ceiling soaring to the heavens made me feel I was in an area of worship. The cool floors, which gave off the scent of the Eternia woods, and the sunlight streaming through the huge airy windows coupled with the hush that prevailed made it one of my favorite places in the palace. Some of my fondest memories are of Adam and me, or just me (especially after the Verona episode), curled up on one of the large comfortable sofas on a weekend night, devouring voraciously book after book on whatever took our/my fancy at the time. It was just another of those things that qualify as home.

I felt the familiar peace as I entered and one of the junior librarians came to meet me with a smile. His fingers were in a splint, and as I smiled and raised my eyebrows enquiringly, he laughed softly and said, "Courtesy of the Royal Artillery Corps, Captain. The healers said I can take it off in two weeks."

"How are you managing with that?"I asked, genuinely curious, because his job involved carrying those tomes all day. He swiped my ID card before letting me into the inner actual part of the library. After Evil-Lyn's attack on me when I was in the infirmary, everyone, including the King and Queen were now required to be vetted before entrance into any sensitive areas or zones all over the kingdom.

"The others help out a lot," he smiled, returning my ID-card to me. "There's a lot to do here, you know, so I do more of the sorting work. Those vandals of the Royal Army really had no sense of any kind of reverence for these precious volumes when they just bundled them in the storerooms on the fifth floor during the War. It's up to us now to get it all back into place." He sounded so outraged that I wanted to laugh but controlled myself valiantly. I could just imagine General Daier booming in his voice, "And are a bunch of old books to be given more importance than the lives of my people-both civilians and soldiers-lad?"

"Well," I said, "I am sure you'll get it back into top shape before long." We had walked the entire glass fronted hallway and he stood by the entrance to one of the enclaves. "Thank you."

"Anytime, Captain." He smiled and left.

The others were waiting for me around a large polished table, with a comfortable semicircular sofa around it. A volume of books stood at one end, a couple of which were already opened, and a huge map covered almost the entire surface of the table. Adora greeted me with a cheery smile and wave, and Ryan did the same. Adam got to his feet, walked nonchalantly to my side and steered me to sit next to Adora after which he sat next to me. Ryan was next to Adam himself.

Adam poured me a large glass of fresh fruit juice from a monstrously huge flagon on the table.

"I've told the chef about our dinner date," he said, his eyes sparkling.

"That will be nice," Adora said enthusiastically. She was wearing some light-colored frock with lilies all over it and she looked as fresh and cool and a flower.

Ryan took one of the markers in his hand and drew a blank sheet of paper to him. He was dressed in short sleeved pink shirt and dark trousers and was totally concentrating on his work. I don't think he had any idea how attractive he looked.

As for Adam-my heart and bones were beginning to follow their old flutter-and-melt sequence. I sighed softly. Maybe this separation would do me some good, make me live like a normal human being again without melting into a pile of slush every time I saw him.

Guess who turned up in uniform among the four of us!

"Teela," Ryan started as we all leant closer to the maps, all frivolity fully forgotten, "Fraenia, Marr and my kingdom are like three adjoined leaves on a single stem. The border of each overlaps the other. Now how much of them have you seen?"

"I was in Marr when the first attack happened," I told him quietly, wincing as I recalled his twin sister being killed before my eyes, "and we used to play in your kingdom as children, Adam and I-but I really don't remember very much."

"Marr, as you know, has a population of about three thousand even now. Their people were relatively unaffected by the war, but then, they never had much to lose, materially at least, in the first place. What is worrisome is that they are so resistant to the idea of farming and settling down-putting down roots. It was alright for the older generations, but it won't work out for the younger ones, Teela. After the initial hiccoughs, Eternia is going to grow at a phenomenal pace and those children will fall behind."

"Why are they so averse to farming?"Adora asked hesitantly. Ryan turned his green eyes on her and answered. "The soil is of different types in different parts of Marr, Your Highness-"

"Please-call me Adora," she said, tossing her head to push back her blond hair.

"Well, Adora, the part adjoining my kingdom had frozen earth on it, so nothing grows-at least," he hesitated, "no one ever tried to see if anything of value would grow there. And the lower part is adjoining the desert…Teela?" He broke off looking at me enquiringly, probably noticing my scrunched-up nose.

A memory fought to the surface as I tried to remember-Adam and me around my father as he explained the various fauna and flora of Eternia on one of those countless nights he taught us. "Ducal trees!" I exclaimed. "Adam do you remember? Dad said the scientists were working on developing a new breed of Ducal trees that would grow in desert environment. Their resins can be used in almost all our medicines. I didn't follow up on that though-can't even remember the strain they used…" I frowned in an effort to remember, but Adam was a step ahead of me. He'd already called the agricultural wing of the Royal Research Laboratory and was speaking rapidly into his com-link.

"Their assistant director's on his way," he turned to me, his eyes alight. "Good work, Teela."

"The other thing the nomads do is breed sheep in those icy altitude," Adora said"Would it be possible to ensure a steady supply of the wool and meat for the plains? That would give them an incentive to work and also bring prosperity to them."

"Adora, I've spoken to their leader several times. Forget the plains-my own kingdom needs the wool and meat-but the problem is that the sheep are not inoculated with vaccines many times and I dare not feed the meat to my people, nor eat it myself. They just won't accept any kind of now technology. Do you know how hard we had to fight to get them to inoculate their children against the killer diseases? It worked only because Gorben, their ruler, trusted Duncan firmly. His nephew, Goren is another man altogether."

"I understand," Adora spoke, genuinely sympathetic. "I often heard the Rebel leaders try convince the local populace to do something for their own good-and have seen how often they were rebuffed and rejected. It must be frustrating, wanting to help when needed and being refused."

"What about manual work, Ryan?" Adam spoke up. "There is so much rebuilding going on. We all have to pitch in, and could use help all over Eternia. Any chance of the Marrs doing that? It would at least ensure a temporary period of prosperity to them. They could always return to their homeland and their ways after their contracts were over. They seem a hardy strong people to me."

"For the younger people, yes," Ryan said slowly as he mulled over the idea. "But Adam-definitely not here in the plains. You see, they have had almost no contact with the lifestyle of a vast majority of the nation and to expose them to all people suddenly would be something of a cultural shock which I fear will not be handled well…"

"I understand," Adam nodded his head gently, "in which case Ryan-what if we outsourced the work to them? Say…to your kingdom only. They could work there, where they are more familiar with the customs. Perhaps we can figure out a way for them to go back home at the end of each day."

"Then I think," I piped up, "the first thing is to build a freeway between Marr and the Snow kingdom. It takes two days by walk to reach you now from Marr, Ryan. Without easy access, the people can't go to work. It would be too difficult for them."

Ryan scribbled a note on his sheet. "After the building phase, I could try to persuade Goren to let the young ones attend school and college in the universities we have…" he trailed off, shaking his head. "But I've tried a million times before and both men have been ridiculously pig-headed…."

Here, we were interrupted by a slight cough. It was the man from the Royal lab. His name tag stated him to be Yose.

He curtseyed to all the royalty, and me too, absently. I bit my cheek to keep from grinning. He had the typical frumpy look all those brilliant chaps had (Daddy was an exception) and being told he was wanted by the Crown Prince had obviously not made any difference to him.

Looks, however, are deceptive, as the Queen always said-one and a half hours later, that little man held us spell-bound and captive with his undeniably vast knowledge of flora. I wasn't even breathing properly; all of us hung on his every word. He told us in his gentle voice exactly what would grow and why and how best we could use it for the people-or at least, try to. Ryan's worksheet was filled with notes and Adam's eyes were alight as he anticipated the breakthroughs we might achieve for his people . Adora was enthralled.

Adam got up and shook his hand as he took leave. "Thank You," was all he said, but the depth of emotion and sincerity in his voice made the little man look at him for a moment and then he left us.

We were all considerably upbeat, for know we actually knew what we could do. If even half our plans were put into action…well, it would be a great improvement for those people.

Adam passed around the fruit juice again, and we sipped in quiet. The sun had set, and through the glass walls opposite we could see the lights of the palace, like strings of jewels.

Ryan smiled. "Eternos in the night is beautiful, but I hope to make you appreciate the beauty of my kingdom too, Teela, when you come-lights on the streets and the magnificent stars above-it's a show you can't see anywhere except at the poles."

I stretched my legs and took a swallow from my glass. The scene he painted made me blink. "I can't wait," I blurted. And, strangely, I found that I was in fact looking forward to the challenge of going to a barren new place and doing the best I could to make it more progressive, within reasonable limits, of course.

Ryan looked at me and his green eyes were alight. "I must tell you how happy I have been since you were deputed to come to the Snow Kingdom, Teela, how lucky I consider us to get you. It's going to be a lot of hard work of course, but work loses its drudgery when one has dear friends to share it."

I smiled at him with enthusiasm. This was beginning to sound better and better.

Adam spoke again, and I frowned to myself at the hint of steel in his voice. What was it with him? "I thought you were to be centered in Faerenia, Teela."

Ryan smiled, and his dimples peeped enticingly. "Ah, Adam-I have something up my sleeve as far as that is concerned-and I sincerely hope both you and the princess will back me on that one. However, more of that later. Coming now to the province of Faerenia…"

"I know-let's see." I leaned forward and looked at the map. "Population fifty thousand, quality of soil good, people more temperate and adjustable. But they bore the brunt of the attacks on the Sands of Time, didn't they?" The departing Horde troops had stashed large quantities of explosives in and around Faerenia and timed it for the morning after the victory celebrations-the devils-and we awoke the next morning to another, final round of carnage from them, albeit by remote control. It had taken every ounce of happiness from the country as people rushed around the next fortnight trying to ferret out similar nasty surprises hidden away.

"Well, I think Faerenia should be easy for you, Teela," Adam said, and his arm securely held my waist, away from view of the others. Adora nodded too.

"Yes…and finally for the Snow Kingdom."

"My home," Ryan spoke, and the reverence in his voice was so unmistakable we were all touched.

"I remember the various kinds of frozen meat," Adam said trying to lighten the atmosphere. Renate's memory had cast its spell on all of us. "Remember Teela-you were going through a vegetarian phase then."

I flushed as both men laughed. It was not something I wanted to remember.

"And at the end of it, she was more of a non-vegetarian than any of us," Ryan teased.

"Well, it didn't help my cause that you had one of the best chefs in the kingdom in charge of your kitchen." I mock-glared at Ryan. "And after you told him, he made it a point to cure me of my –er, fad, as he called it-by personally tempting me with the tastiest food I have eaten these many years. That's cheating, and you both knew it."

"All is fair in war and love," Ryan laughed, reaching for another glass of fruit juice and pouring it out for Adora, Adam and me too.

"Especially in love," Adam suddenly whispered in my ear and he leaned forward to take his glass. He said it so softly that only I heard him. His tone was heartwarming, and I bent my head to hide the flush I knew was creeping up my cheeks. This was supposed to be a brainstorming session!

Adora cleared her throat and I dared not look at her-Ancients knew what she would think of me!

"Well, Ryan, what are the main exports for your kingdom?"

"Furs, meat and gems, Adora, " he replied, "and also fossil fuel. The fuel quantities are moderate, but the grade is the best."

Adam and I nodded in unison. He wasn't exaggerating on that one.

"And I suppose food is your main import?"She asked.

He nodded. "Yes. I wish we could produce at least the bare minimum of flour and basic vegetables necessary for us-nothing more. You see, the Horde almost starved us in the last year. They cut off our routes and did not allow outside access to food. Things were at a pretty desperate pass and I honestly don't know what would have happened if the war had not ended when it did." He turned to me , and the gratitude was clear in his voice. "One of the first things your father did when he came home after that last battle was to commission an entire fleet with food for my people Teela. Just meal and tubers and basic medicine. He couldn't send more because at that point with all the rationing, he probably could not get his hands on anything else."

He paused and we all waited for him to go on, silently thinking about how much we had suffered in this war, and how many more stories of loss and pain and torture were going to come out.

"My people and I waited in that biting cold, lashed by the arctic winds, almost all that night, waiting for the transport ships to arrive. Like I told Teela, Adora, the stars over my kingdom seem very near to the ground and are beautiful to watch, and they heal the heart and soul many times by their eternal beauty, as generations of my people know…but on that night, as we waited, we sought not them but the drone of the ships and the food that we would eat –a proper meal after a long time."

I heard Adam draw his breath next to me, and Adora's eyes had a suspicious-looking film on them. I kept my eyes on Ryan, fascinated as the young King continued.

"Watching the flashing beacons of the lead ships truly brought home the fact to us that we were free and could live in peace once more. My people were too weak to cheer them, or even wave as they landed. We lost a lot of infants and children and aged people in that last year-and the causes were malnutrition and starvation. We did everything we could, but still…" His voice changed and he stopped.

I was not able to say a word but Adora did. Her lovely face full of frank sympathy , she put out her hand and held his. "I am sorry Ryan," she said, and it relieved the pain in the room, somehow. "You are right. You do need to produce a lot of food on your own to ensure this never happens again."

Adam looked at him, and I knew the ice-blue gleam in them. "What about massive greenhouses? Wouldn't the fuel you produce keep them functioning? And does Father know about this, Ryan?"

"We considered that, Adam, but it would require a lot of money and manpower to build them. I suppose the yearly fuel we produce would keep us self-sufficient, but anything more and we'd need to import. You see, the main problem is the distance from the capital and other main provinces. But now it is imperative that we start producing our own food. I never want to risk something like this again. And, no-I have not discussed this with King Randor yet."

Adam's eyes were distant and I could almost hear the wheels turning in his brain. His hold on my waist was so tight now as to hurt me, but I kept quiet because I did not want to draw the attention of the others to the fact.

"What about your casualties in the war?" he asked Ryan, suddenly. "I mean,- military casualties?"

"My entire air fleet and half my army stationed in my kingdom has been decimated," he answered simply.

There was a collective sigh of defeat. I tried to lean back against the sofa and found that I was securely lodged against Adam's shoulder instead. My three other friends were deep in thought.

Finally, Adora spoke gently. "It looks like Teela's job will be the toughest of all."

"Yes," I agreed, and as the blood began to rush in my veins, I spoke with determination. "AND the most challenging as well. I can't wait to go out there and get started."

Ryan looked directly at me and smiled, with his lips and eyes, while the arm round my waist exerted a little extra gentle pressure for a moment. Adora smiled, "Teela-I just hope we finish the war on Etheria fast enough to come back and help you. At the rate at which you work, there will be nothing left for us to do back here."

I laughed and nodded. Ryan suddenly exclaimed. "Do you all know what the time is? It's two hours past our dinner time. Adam, the lovely ladies must be famished!"

I indignantly denied it but Adora enthusiastically raised her hand and said, "Me for some food," trying to stifle a yawn at the same time. Adam laughed and pulled me to my feet and held out a hand for his sister to take, which she languidly did and slowly got up.

The librarian came in; full of profuse apologies. "I am sorry Your Majesties, but you were all so engrossed …."

"That's all right,"Adam smiled at him as he led the way out the cubicle, my hand firmly held in his-I wondered what was wrong with him and how the others did not appear to have noticed, thank the Ancients.

We stood a moment uncertainly outside the library. It was pitch black outside except for the lights of the palace, and the entire second floor was deserted and hushed.

Adam looked at me. "Do you want to change?"He asked gently.

I did want to, actually. I wanted to wear something light and loose and just let my feet sink into a soft deep carpet.

Adora looked at me; she was now wide awake. "Adam –why don't we have dinner in the sitting room off our sleeping chambers? That way, we don't run the risk of meeting anyone and we can be as informal as necessary."

Adam nodded and he led the way. Outside my room, he said to me, "Take your time-there is no hurry."

Adora spoke up. "Mind if I come with you Teela?"

I did not mind-it was nice to have a girl of my age with me for once . She sank into a comfortable chair in my room as I changed out of my uniform and into a short light sleeveless frock I had. Then after a moment's hesitation, I added on a thin light dressing gown over it-I really did not feel comfortable sitting with those two men at this time of the night without being fully covered, though there was no way I was going to wear a dress at this point.

We both reached the sitting room and both men got up and drew out the chairs for us. Adora and I sat opposite each other with the two men in-between us. Adam poured out the wine, which both Adora and I refused and started on the bread, which was crisp and fresh. Adam always did work wonders with the kitchen staff even as a boy. I pushed off my slippers and sank my feet into the soft thick carpet-it was heavenly.

Dinner was just right-a light soup, tender well-cooked meat, with a mountain of vegetables. I could almost hear Chef's voice, "Good little boys and girls eat all they are told to…." I met Adam's eyes and could bet that was exactly what he was thinking of too.

As we began on the sweet milk pudding, Adora asked Ryan, "What was that you said about needing Adam and me to support you on something you had planned Ryan? I don't think we ever got around to it."

"Ah," Ryan leaned forward, animated, "Well. I just thought…."

"What?"I asked, sensing something exciting was coming. Adora sat straight up, her chin supported on her hand, her blue eyes eager and curious. Adam was intently watching Ryan as well and I could not read the look on his face.

"Since Teela is going to be in our area of the planet for the better part of the next two to three years, and since all three provinces she is in charge of are close by and fairly easily reachable from my kingdom-I just wanted to ask her-Teela, will you stay with me?"

It didn't sink in for a moment.

"Wh-what?"I asked him again. What on Eternia did he mean?

"I mean, lovely lady, that you base your headquarters in my kingdom. Stay at the Royal Palace with us. Just think of it Teela. Constant access to whatever you need, right at your fingertips, and any amount of helpers necessary. Plus, you won't be lonely. I myself will see to that."

I looked at him uncomprehendingly-the first part of his speech made some sense, but the second felt…off. What was I missing in all this?

Adora looked from him to me and back again, her blue eyes very wide. Ryan turned to her and spoke in his most charming voice. "Well, Adora-what do you think?"

"I-ah-um-well-it does sound like a good idea…."she started unsurely, and I stared in surprise. What was so difficult in giving an opinion for or against the issue? All of us were entitled to our views surely.

"I completely disagree." The words were quietly spoken but with an unmistakable air of finality about them. It was not something we could lightly disregard when the Crown Prince spoke thus. We all stared at Adam. Ryan looked at him enquiringly.

"I totally agree that Teela will have access to the best that your kingdom can give Ryan , and it makes me feel much better that she will have good-friends-who will watch out for her. But you see, all said and done, what Duncan and my parents have taught us, and what we ourselves have realized is that you have to be there on the spot to be able to do one's best in any job. The people will warm more to her and accept her better and what she is trying to do for them if she stays with them, in their own conditions, no matter how simple they may be-" At this, he turned to me and me added, "Teela-believe me when I say that its costing me a lot to say this, for I want nothing more than you be safe and secure with people watching your back when you go to terrain that is not 'home' turf. But if the whole aim of going there is to integrate those provinces more with the rest of the kingdom, and then we must respect their views and lifestyle itself to live it among them. It would make a far more unfavorable impression if you stayed in the Royal palace with all its trappings, and just visited them like it was a morn to dusk job."

He turned to Ryan. "I know we have nothing to worry about with you, about Marr and Faerenia? Do they have at least adequate living quarters for her?"

Ryan bowed and smiled. He spoke thoughtfully, looking at Adam and there was real respect in his voice. "You have said what is just and true, my Prince. I had not thought of that aspect of things at all. I only wanted Teela to be safe and happy and comfortable as far as we could make her-and help her all we could. But to answer your question, Faerenia has a large guesthouse run by the local government body which will be good enough, I suppose. I think you will be able to be comfortable, Teela."

I laughed out loud. "Ryan-I am a soldier, remember? And I am not going for a holiday."

Ryan smiled and hesitated. "Marr is much more simpler, almost primitive you may say, but the people are good. You may have some problem with Goren their new chief. A pig-headed oaf if I ever saw one."

I thought of the pig-heads I had dealt with over these many years and smiled. "No problem. I can handle him."

"And if he doesn't behave," Adam's voice was dangerously smooth, "I am sure I can persuade him-or Duncan or Father. Best yet, we will ask Mother to deal with him."

We all chuckled. No one had ever bested the Queen yet.

A short silence fell and then Ryan smiled at me. "That doesn't let you off the hook, Teela.I insist you spend whatever free time you have with me."

I smiled at him in genuine appreciation. "That's very nice of you, Ryan. Maybe if I actually get around to having any free time, I'll accept your invitation with pleasure."

"As the best option, I think Teela should work on Faerenia and Marr first," Adam said. "Hopefully by then the war on Etheria will be over and Adora and I can join you, Teela. With the other Masters , of course."

"Oh surely,"Adora spoke and she sounded like she was trying to stifle a laugh. I failed to get the joke and Ryan gave her a quick look of surprise.

"Finish your dessert, Teela,"Adam told me. "Maybe we should call it a night. It's been fun though and I haven't had that in a long time."

We all agreed with him.

After we all finished, we headed for our respective rooms. I slipped inside mine and closed the door behind me, feeling inordinately pleased with myself. I hadn't made a fool of myself with Adam, maybe my body's flutter-and-melt sequence every time he touched or smile at me would soon stop and I would be able to live a normal sane life. Maybe. I knew there was a lot of work to be done in going back to the girl I was before I met him the first time I came back from the Academy and saw him in the hall that night.

I threw off my dressing gown and pushed my slippers under the bed and crawled under the sheets. The cool rays of the moon poured into the room and soft breeze ruffled the curtains at the window. It had drizzled in the evening-not that anyone of us had noticed –and the wonderful familiar smell of wet earth came through the night air and filled the room. The Royal Gardens were now a wilderness and the gardeners were beginning to work full-time with a grim determination to bring it back to its original glory by the first-year victory celebration anniversary, but for now they had made very small leeway. The plus point was that the flowering creepers and bushes had profusely and wildly bloomed and the myriad scents filling my room literally soothed my mind and filled me with peace. It was a long time since I had felt so happy and contented.

I turned slowly on my pillow, my masses of hair away from me and faced the window and the moon shining through it with a growing smile of happiness on my face. How beautifully things were beginning to work out! I remembered my despair and bitterness and loneliness when Adora came back and I thought Adam did not want me anymore. And today…he had proved just how concerned he was for me, in every word and look. Maybe our friendship might not be so…monopolized between the two of us, but in a way, perhaps the change was for the better. We both had to grow and move on.

I stretched my hand out from under the coverlets and let a gust of wind that had swept into the room caress it-slowly, languidly, with all the time in the world. Tendrils of hair blew wildly about my forehead and I did not bother to control them. This one night-it was wonderful beyond words to find the world coming back to normalcy again….

I remembered Adora's wide blue eyes as she looked at Ryan, and smiled to myself. I liked her a lot, and I hoped we would be real friends someday. With a small pang, which I squashed immediately, I remembered my twin cousin sisters and tortured myself missing them acutely for a few moments. I hadn't really had anyone-any woman or girl-as close, and strangely, I was beginning to feel the lacunae in my life. Maybe, to some extent, Adora would fill that gap.

It was nice to know that I would be spending the better part of three years next with a friend like Ryan to help and guide me. I knew without a doubt that he cared for me as a true friend and would help me unstintingly in every way he could. I resolved to work as hard as I could to make my allotted task a success.

Life, I thought lastly, before my eyes closed, was beautiful.