A/N: Hello all. I'm so sorry to keep you waiting for a month. Thanks again to Guest for asking for an update! I apologize but in the middle of writing this update, I caught a pretty bad case of the flu and was off work for an entire week. Although still not 100 percent, today was the first time I could actually get out of the house and do a few things. I finished this chapter late last night…got it done at about 2AM. I proofed and edited today and I hope it makes sense and you enjoy. Again please honor me with reviews. I appreciate you all.
Warning: This chapter contains graphic violence and references to rape. You must be at least 18 years of age to read this update.
Chapter 14
Ernest lay in bed recovering from a brutal beating at the hands of a couple of hard-nosed goons.
They snuck into his dilapidated country shack late last night, dragged him out of bed and beat him senseless all the while demanding he quit pussy-footing around or else.
He swallowed hard. He didn't want to dwell too much on the or else. His dulled and alcohol saturated mind was sharp enough to realize how that sentence would end.
As if the beating wasn't a clear enough message, the men threw down a note written by a mysterious "Yours Truly", the words Ernest could now recite verbatim:
By now, it's obvious you haven't decided whether your life means anything to you
I thought when we last met I made it perfectly clear that you were to eliminate the lad
You now have 72 hours to make up your damn mind, grow a spine, and kill the little son of a bitch
Or else you can toast your last whiskey sour, my friend
With this unfinished business, I cannot afford to keep you breathing for much longer
You're a LOOSE END.
Nervous, Ernest swallowed again. His beady black gaze darted about the room looking for something to stave off the panic attack he knew was coming.
He desperately needed the money promised by the snotty royal. Devoting all his time to Palace surveillance got him fired from his job at the loading docks due to excessive absences. It had paid a measly pittance but at least was enough to keep the lights on, a bottle of liquor in the cabinet, and a few morsels of food in the fridge.
His hands began to shake, a nervous tick he'd always had yet which had now grown into full on tremors.
In the past, he could rely on releasing pent up tension by getting drunk and having sex with Pearle…or even with the boy. With Pearle dead and the kid gone he was alone; all alone to deal with his pitiful reality.
Lying there, he knew he'd used too much force around his wife's neck that day.
A month after sending the boy away she'd unwittingly angered him by not having dinner ready at seven. He choked her, all of his frustrations centered on his fingers around her neck. Her eyes bulging, gasping for air and her hands clawing at his, she finally lost consciousness. He thought nothing of it having done this many times with Pearle passing out only to revive later.
This time, she never woke up.
With the money she had earned as a domestic and his money from the docks, he was able to scrape up a little change to order a pine box and a priest to do the two minute eulogy.
Indifferent at her death, he had returned home to find the snotty royal's note in the box on the top shelf of the closet; the place Pearle kept her fake jewels hidden for safekeeping. In a moment of desperation he'd fished it out and rummaged through it hoping for something valuable he could hock.
Now lying in bed battered and bruised, Ernest sneered as he recalled smiling at the letter promising gold in exchange for killing the infant heir. He thought he'd hit pay dirt.
He snorted sarcastically. The blackmail he intended at the pub didn't go so well and now his own life hung in the balance.
He ran a hand down his face, his beard stubble scraping against his palm.
It was now or never.
-Thirty-six hours later-
The cub affectionately known as "Cringer" had become quite attached to the little Prince following him everywhere from tutoring sessions, to martial arts classes, to every meal.
The Prince, a year older and engaged with a full schedule, enjoyed his feline shadow as he walked the opulent halls. Playful and loyal, Palace staff enjoyed the presence of the green and gold Eternian tiger who'd now grown a bit reaching a weight of twenty pounds and standing two-feet tall at the shoulder. They smiled noticing how the tiger's constant presence did wonders for the boy's emotional well-being.
At times a bit short-tempered, Adam's disposition had now waxed temperate; the nightmares subsiding a bit in intensity thus relieving his polar mood swings. In the past, the night terrors visited him every evening without fail.
The cat now sharing his suite, Cringer would sense his unease and subsequently climb into bed with him, purring and nuzzling as he slept. As a result, the boy experienced a more restful sleep.
Cringer also seemed to improve having a constant friend by his side. Although he continued to fear everything and everyone he came in contact with, his courage grew whenever Adam was around, the two forming a trusting bond sharing similar difficult pasts of abandonment.
xxx
As for the other Prince in the Palace, sullen as ever Keldor continued to sulk in the halls, his resentment over his nonexistent chances at ascendancy growing with each passing month.
Having successfully evaded each other for the first several months, on occasion the two Eternian princes would find themselves thrown together at a Ball or other official function. The young blond knowing too well how to identify a baleful adult, his senses would shift to a higher level of vigilance as the two simply glared at one another with Cringer growling before darting fearfully behind the boy's boots.
Seething and unwilling to come to terms with his plight, Prince Keldor became a nuisance, all too often engaging in strong drink, philandering, and generally making a public spectacle of himself. He refused to contribute to the daily administration of the kingdom resulting in Randor's increasing irritability with his younger brother.
Often the two would argue with the King lecturing him on the appropriate conduct of a Prince. Keldor of course responded by deflecting the blame to his staff in their ineptness in handling the various land parcels that were essentially his responsibility.
Randor and Keldor's relationship unfortunately became more strained as the year progressed.
xxx
Meanwhile, Man-At-Arms and Commander Marcus continued their investigations having uncovered several plots to overthrow the King and illegally secure the throne.
To Duncan's horror, some planning Randor's demise were high ranking nobles including several members of his close cabinet. These plans brewing for years, needless to say the men were summarily arrested, tried, and imprisoned for treason.
The investigation into Lord Quinton's background turned up nothing to the surprise of a very few. Although an elitist and entitled, he was never a threat. He simply had the indecorous habit of speaking his mind in making judgmental utterances; oft times much to his chagrin, in the presence of the King.
xxx
Teela's busy schedule only increased seeing Adam and Cringer rarely. Her military studies and combat training demanding more of her time, they barely saw one another; at times going a full quarter without so much as passing in the halls.
Although still good friends, the separation inadvertently made room for others to take positions of prominence in their lives.
"How's Cylvia, darling?" the Queen asked at dinner.
Contented, Cringer napped curled at the bottom of the Prince's chair as Adam gave a noncommittal shrug. "She's okay I guess."
"You guess?" Randor echoed, his brow quirked. "Dinner at her parents' not go well?"
"It was okay. Her Mom's got the new baby and her Dad works late," he explained. "I think she's feeling left out," he replied, his features slightly downcast.
"Well maybe you could do something to cheer her up," he suggested.
Adam's clueless gaze flew up to meet his father's. "Like what?"
"Like…take her to the park."
The boy crinkled his nose causing the King to chuckle.
"How about spending a day at the beach?" the Queen asked.
Adam's countenance brightened. "That's a better idea, Mother."
His response caused both Randor and Marlena to freeze and stare wide-eyed at each other.
"What?"
His parents shifted their surprised gazes at their son. "It's…it's just…," Marlena stammered, her eyes misting over. Composing herself, she gently placed her utensils down and gazed at her son. "Adam, that's the first time you've used that term with me."
Confused, Adam knit his brow. "What term?"
"Mother," Randor interjected, his hazel eyes glistening slightly.
Surprised, a flurry of emotions flickered across his features. His expression at first pained quickly morphed unreadable. Blinking, he turned to his father then back to Marlena. "Was that wrong?"
"Absolutely not, dear," she reassured with a broken smile. "I'm simply elated that after all these months, you not only feel comfortable but trust us enough to use it."
"Oh," he replied quietly.
Randor furrowed his brow. "Something wrong, son?"
"No." Remembering Pearle, he suddenly shuddered before cutting his eyes to his father. "May I be excused?"
Marlena eyed him, her features laced with concern. "Adam, you haven't finished your dinner," she pointed out. Are you ill?"
"No."
Randor placed a hand over his son's causing Adam to snap his head to him. "Son, I've noticed that you never finish your meals. Is there something wrong?"
Averting his gaze, he shook his head.
"I think there is, sweetheart," Marlena suggested. "Please honey, you can tell us. It's okay."
His gaze now locked with his mother's, he nervously chewed his lip.
Randor squeezed his hand for support as the boy dropped his gaze to the table and sighed deeply. "At my foster's home, although I wasn't given much food to start with, I was never allowed to finish my plate," he finally explained, his voice low.
Her hackles raised, Marlena's eyes flashed. "For heaven's sake, why not?"
"He said I was a drain on his resources and needed to get a job."
The royal couple gasped, their gazes mirroring disbelief, sorrow, and finally anger.
"That's not true, son!" his father bellowed. "He was responsible for you. As your foster father he was entrusted to care for and provide for you. You're a child, son," he maintained. "You're not expected to obtain employment," he spat angrily, "That's absurd!"
Adam went silent lowering his gaze as Marlena put a hand on his. "Adam, what your father is saying is that you are not expected to contribute to the household as a minor," she stated, her voice calm and soothing despite her ire. "Adults shoulder that responsibility. And those who are healthy of mind and spirit are happy to do so," her eyes went heavy with emotion. "Dear heart, no wonder you were so skinny."
"Can I go now?" he asked, his voice strained, his eyes now on the floor.
Taking a deep breath, Randor calmed himself. "Of course, Adam," he replied. "You're free to come and go as you wish. This is your house too, son."
He scooted his chair back inadvertently waking Cringer, his golden eyes popping open and darting about in confusion. Adam rose when Randor suddenly put a gentle hand on his arm.
"Son…"
Agitated at the memory of the abuse, Adam's blue gaze wandered before meeting his father's hazel ones. "I'm not angry at you, Adam. I'm angry at the ill treatment you received at your foster home that is all."
Glancing away, he replied, "Yes sir."
Nodding, Randor released him as the boy and his pet tiger left the Dining Hall leaving the King and Queen gaping, their expressions heavy with sadness.
"I heard Prince Adam is a wuss."
Teela's mouth fell open. "He is not!" she replied sharply. "Where did you hear that lie?"
Malek shrugged a shoulder. "Phineas Quinton, Lord Quinton's son."
She rolled her eyes. "Oh, of course," she replied sarcastically, "Everything he says is the truth. Malek, he's the idiot who got trounced by Adam the night of the Ball. Of course he's gonna say Adam's a sissy."
He quirked a brow. "Trounced? Really?"
"Yeah. Really."
"But, the guy's three years older than the Prince and outweighs him by at least thirty pounds—"
"Now you know why he's gotta spread stupid rumors like that," Teela cut him off. "He's embarrassed that my friend cleaned his clock, that's what," she explained. "And Adam didn't start the darn thing anyway."
Malek sent her a look of confusion. "Cleaned his…clock?"
She blew a sigh. "Her Majesty's way of sayin', 'Suffered a humiliating beating'," she explained.
"Oh."
The two sat by the pond that morning working on their reports while the others foraged for worms, turtles, frogs, and other amphibious creatures within the Evergreen Forest. Their biology class sent them on a weekend camping trip equipped with chaperones and a small retinue of the Royal Guard seeing as the daughter of the King's Man-At-Arms accompanied them. They were just finishing up their last day under the open sky learning about their planet.
-Fifteen hours later-
The clear cerulean waves crashed against the sandy shore in enormous layers of white crested breakers as the two sat underneath cabanas watching the morning surf.
With a leg folded underneath him, Adam sat hunched over a book, his eyes focused intently as Cylvia watched him. "Why don't you ever take off your t-shirt, my Prince? You went swimming in it."
He straightened and turned to her. "I did?"
"Yeah."
Adam looked down at himself then back at her. "I don't know, I guess I forgot I had it on," he eyed her. "And you can call me Adam, you know. Nothing's changed since Mrs. Stoley's." He began to tug at his shirt.
Cylvia's brown eyes brightened. "Of course things have changed," she countered, "Many things have changed. You're royalty now…the Crown Prince. And you'll be King one day," she replied in awe, her eyes studying his handsome profile.
Sliding it off over his head, he mumbled something through his shirt.
"What?"
"I said if I don't lose my mind first," he repeated tossing the shirt aside.
Cylvia smiled at the comment…and the view for that matter. Blushing and a little embarrassed, her eyes slipped over his body. Even though they were both adolescents…her mind wandered as she watched him. He had a nice leanness about him no doubt a result of his rigorous physical training. His shoulders were broad and he had long graceful arms and legs. Everything was in proportion however; he didn't look off kilter. And he wasn't a mass of muscles either; his body was too young to develop such musculature, if indeed he was genetically capable of it at all.
According to his mother, he'd experienced a bit of a growth spurt over the last few months, his height now a little over five feet which was tall for an Eternian boy of his age. She shrugged her shoulders. His father the King was quite tall so she guessed it made sense.
Marking the page and closing his book, Adam climbed out of his cabana and held out a hand. Cylvia smiled and took it as he helped her to her feet. With her in tow, he led her to the breakers when she suddenly gasped and stopped, her hands going to her mouth. The Prince stopped and whirled around.
"What's wrong?"
She pointed at him. "Your back!"
Furrowing his brow, he twisted slightly and peered over his right shoulder. "Oh, that's nothing."
"Nothing?"
He shrugged. "Just uhh…a bad fight I got into when I was younger, that's all."
"Was it a knife fight 'cuz that's what it looks like," she asked alarmed.
Adam nodded. "I lost."
After returning Cylvia home, the royal carriages made it back to the Palace late that afternoon.
Thanking the guards and footmen, Adam still dressed in a white cotton t-shirt, long sky blue swimming trunks, and a towel slung over his shoulder made his way through the halls, the staff passing by with curtseys and bows. With a small smile, he inclined his head in acknowledgement turning toward the royal wing. Hearing distant voices, he snapped his head left. His eyebrows shot skyward.
"Teela?" he shouted.
At the other end of the lengthy hallway, the redhead, currently engulfed in conversation with her aspiring warlock friend stopped abruptly and turned her head toward the sound. Her brow initially knit, her face lit up in recognition.
"Adam!"
She started to break from Malek then, her court manners kicking in, she turned to him. "Would you like to meet Adam, Malek?"
Dubious, the boy hesitated then nodded.
Teela grabbed him by the hand and dragged him toward the awaiting Prince.
Adam simply stared as the two made their way to him. Finally face to face, Teela flung her arms around him causing Malek's eyebrows to shoot up in surprise at the absence of courtesan formality. Adam embraced her back then shifted an appraising look at the other "redhead" with his redhead.
"You guys weren't ever formally introduced. Malek, this is Adam. Adam…Malek."
The two boys studied each other.
"Well go on!" Teela encouraged, her voice sharp. When neither made a move, she added, "What are you two gonna do, just stand there and look at each other? Clasp arms!" she insisted waving her arms.
Bowing, Malek straightened and eyed the Prince. He was a couple of inches taller in height than his own 4 foot 11 frame. The guy seemed guarded, his intense sky blue gaze boring into his own brown ones before breaking off to start at the top of his hairline only to end at his boots before meeting his gaze once again. His stillness unnerved him. The power in his body language was also unnerving; he was afraid he was going to get punched.
"Adam," Teela drew out in warning.
Her tone seemed to rouse the Prince out of whatever trance he was experiencing. He blinked, stealing a glance at Teela before turning back to him. "So you're Malek? I've heard a lot about you," he said before holding an arm out.
Malek swallowed. "And I you," he reached out as they clasped arms.
"Did you guys enjoy the Evergreens?"
Both Teela and Malek's eyes went round. "You're so busy…how did you know?" she asked.
"I know your schedule, Tee."
"Tee?" Malek echoed.
Adam's sapphire gaze cut to the auburn haired boy and narrowed. "Got a problem with that?"
He flinched. "N-no, sir."
Blinking in confusion this time Adam was caught off guard. "Sir?"
"Boys will be boys," Teela sighed rolling her eyes. "Hey knock it off you two!"
At the sharpness of her tone, Malek jumped snapping his head to Teela immediately acquiescing. Adam however simply looked at her, his eyebrow calmly quirked. He shifted his quiet gaze back to the budding warlock. "Would you like to stay for dinner?"
The boy's eyes widened. "Oh…kay…yeah. Thanks, Your Highness."
The Prince nodded. He turned back to Teela. "I'm gonna change. I'll meet you two in the parlor in an hour, okay?"
"Okay," they both replied.
With another nod, Adam stepped to Teela and kissed her cheek. Turning to Malek, he clasped arms once again before turning and heading back down the hall disappearing out of sight. Malek bowed then turned to Teela.
"He's intense."
"Yeah, he is."
Malek's parents were notified by the Palace's Social Office that he would share a meal with the King and Queen of Eternia to which they readily and enthusiastically gave their blessing.
With her father by her side, Teela was allowed to make introductions to the King and Queen in the parlor by the Dining Hall. Nervous yet thrilled, Malek, all smiles bowed and offered his appreciation for the generous invitation to dinner.
Inclining their heads, the King replied, "We have the pleasure of occasionally seeing your parents at court young Mister Endoar. Fine, upstanding leaders of their community. Do they still reside in the Hill Country?"
"Yes and thank you, Your Majesty. Your subjects enjoy the country while I am away at academy."
The Queen knit her brow. "I'm sure they must miss you terribly, dear one?"
He turned to her. "Yes, my Queen. Though sometimes I think they're glad I'm away," he joked. "My wizardry kinda has a way of going awry at practice sometimes. I make a mess of the house."
Everyone chuckled as the Prince quietly studied the boy, his arms folded, his expression unreadable.
xxx
Dinner went well with everyone engaged in lively conversation, Malek occasionally pulling off a magic trick prompting everyone to applaud in appreciation. Fearful, Cringer ducked under Adam's chair at the popping noise while Adam laughed at the cat's response. Reaching down and pulling him into his lap, he stroked his fur to calm him.
As dinner concluded, the King noted the boy's talent. While not a promise, Randor hinted at a possible future among the nobility with dedication and hard work. Malek's eyes went round at the compliment as he thanked his Majesty profusely.
Nervous, Teela snuck a glance at Adam whose genuine smile at the boy's possible career opportunity gave her relief.
xxx
Saying his goodbyes, the royal family provided Teela's friend with an escorted carriage ride back to the dorms as they all retired for the evening. Man-At-Arms kissed his daughter and wished everyone a good night before leaving to check in with Commander Marcus and the evening guard patrol.
As everyone entered their chambers, Teela stopped outside her door. "Adam?"
Stopping mid-step over his threshold, he backed up and looked over at her. "Yes?"
"Thanks for inviting him."
He gave a crooked smile. "Sure."
"Even though you scared the hash out of him at first," she added with a smirk.
Adam's eyebrows went up then furrowed incredulously. "I did not."
"Did too."
He snorted. "Well, I didn't mean to. Please apologize to him for me, okay?"
Teela smiled. "I will. Good night…Blondie!"
"Red!"
The two chuckled as they disappeared into their respective bed chambers.
xxx
Adam switched the water on to get the temperature just right. Stepping back into his chambers, he noticed Cringer scratching at the front door. Knowing he wanted to roam tonight, Adam opened the door and let him out. Closing it, he entered the locking sequence on the LED pad before returning to his bedchambers. He stripped tossing his clothes on his bed. Walking into his bathing chambers, he opened the glass doors and stepped into the hot soothing shower.
xx
Lathering up, he stood under the jets before reaching over and grabbing shampoo. Washing his hair and with his eyes closed he froze, a chill going up his spine.
The sound of an audible deep moan suddenly reached his ears as he quickly wiped the soapy suds away from his eyes. Snapping his head left, he peered through the shower glass doors now dappled with water droplets and saw nothing, just an empty bathing chambers.
His eyes narrowing, Adam continued to scan the room before finishing up his shower and shutting the water off. Stepping out he toweled off and, wrapping the bath towel around his waist, he approached his closet and pulled out a set of black silk pajamas.
Pulling them on, he brushed his teeth and entered his bedchambers shutting off the light behind him. The chill hit him again causing him to stop and scan his suite.
Nothing.
Dismissing his jumpiness to nerves, he climbed into bed and switched off the light.
xx
Sound asleep, something abruptly stirred him awake. His eyes popped open adjusting to the darkness.
Sensing a dark presence, Adam stared into the inky blackness at the foot of his bed until–
It moved!
His eyes going wide, he shoved the covers out of the way and quickly crawled toward the nightstand as heavy footsteps rushed over, presumably to stop him from revealing its identity. Reaching the lamp Adam switched it on, his arm roughly seized by…
His eyes went wide. Oh my God!
xxx
Next door, Teela had trouble sleeping. Tossing and turning, she couldn't shake the sudden feeling of foreboading.
She rolled over to her nightstand and switched on the lamp. Lying there for a few blank moments, she sighed reaching for a book.
xxx
"What the hell are you doing here?" Adam demanded, his eyes narrowing angrily.
Ernest snickered, clicking his tongue and waving a finger at his former Charge.
"Now now, what kind of language is that? Now that they've finally taught you how to talk, haven't you learned yet how to be genteel living up in this fancy place with the King and Queen?" he mocked.
When Adam didn't answer, he continued. "Well since you asked so nicely, I'm here to take you back home, son," he chortled. "Don't you miss me?"
"No. And I'm not your son so back the hell up off of me!"
His former foster father feigned offense, gasping and dramatically placing his other hand on his chest. "I'm so hurt! And now that you're finally talking…to use such offensive language toward the man that saved your life…," he trailed off, his grip tightening on the boy's right forearm.
"You didn't save my life. You almost ruined it," Adam shot back, his sapphire gaze icy hot. "I'm warning you one last time. Take. Your. Hands. Off. Of. Me," he repeated through clenched teeth.
The man's beady black eyes narrowed. "Oh yeah? And what are you going to do, big shot?" he taunted. "You're nothing but a scrawny little kid. A skinny mute who didn't have the power to stop me while I had my way with you anytime, anywhere," he smiled revealing tooth decay. "Now you will come home to where you belong, brat. I wanna touch that soft, firm ass of yours again—"
He never saw it coming. Adam swung his right leg sideways in a circular motion landing a hard roundhouse kick to the man's temple causing Ernest to release his arm and stagger backward crashing into the five foot porcelain vase behind him breaking it to pieces.
Adam jumped to his feet on his bed giving him some height equality as Ernest, sitting in a pile of broken shards shook his head and quickly recovered. Glancing at the lacerations in his arms from the vase, he looked back at Adam who had broken into a Fudo-dachi stance, his blue eyes completely calm, his body still.
Without blinking, Adam stared at Ernest before finally gesturing with his finger in a Come and get me gesture.
"Why you little…," he growled pulling out a six inch dagger from his inner pocket. Jumping to his feet, he lunged as Adam pulled off his pajama top popping all of the buttons, twisting it, wrapping each end tightly around his fists. Ernest bounded toward him as Adam shifted, dodging the knife and capturing Ernest's wrist with his shirt. Twisting it roughly, he cut off the blood supply prompting the man to drop the weapon.
Ernest cried out in pain as Adam sprung from the bed in an aerial somersault over the man's head before landing behind him, his wrist still in Adam's makeshift sling and following his movements causing his arm to fly up, over his head, and behind him. It came to a stop over Adam's shoulder, the follow through bending the arm unnaturally backwards and snapping the humerus bone with a sickening sound, the man now shrieking in pain. Releasing the shirt and dropping to all fours, Adam kicked out behind him, slamming the heel of his foot into the side of the man's knee effectively blowing his knee out and breaking it cleanly.
The man crumpled in a heap to the floor as another agonizing howl prompted banging at Adam's front door, muffled shouts from the other side now audible.
Ignoring the guards on the other side of the door, Adam pounced and laid into the man, landing blow after blow to his face and torso bloodying the man almost beyond recognition.
"Stop!"
The Prince froze, his head snapping to the familiar voice, his face and chest speckled with his foster father's blood.
"You're gonna kill him," Teela said quietly, her voice timorous. Upon hearing the commotion, she had used the secret entrance that joined their rooms and stumbled upon the bloody scene.
Breathing heavily, Adam silently glared at her, his sapphire gaze darkened and filled with rage.
Teela's eyes shifted to the injured man on the floor then back to her friend. "Who is that, Adam?"
Blinking, Adam finally mouthed, Ernest.
She gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "That's your creepy foster?"
The boy nodded as Ernest moaned, his lanky body lying on the floor with Adam crouched over him, the man's broken limbs bent unnaturally. Teela approached her friend slowly, her arms outstretched.
"Come on, Adam," she coaxed, her emerald gaze wide with shock and fear. "Leave him be. Daddy's on the other side of that door," she gestured behind her. "He's gonna come in and take him away. Okay?"
Adam blinked. "No. He deserves to die," he replied, his voice hoarse.
"Well I agree with ya but that's not your call to make, okay?" she replied, her eyes pleading. "Come and take my hand, okay? Come on."
His sapphire gaze cold as ice, they narrowed before shifting down to the bloody mess bleeding on his carpeted floor. He glanced back up at Teela then down again. Blinking, Adam straightened, his fists and arms in a boxer's stance slowing going to his sides. Ernest moaned pitifully once more.
"Shut up!" the Prince suddenly shouted before landing one final kick to the man's abdomen.
Ernest released a guttural moan, shifting to his side and curling into a fetal position before vomiting onto the floor. Adam crinkled his nose and spat on him. "How does it feel, asshole?" he taunted before moving away and toward Teela.
Just then, the front door burst open as guards poured into the foyer, down the hall and into the Prince's bedchambers. They cleared his suite and created a perimeter of protection around the two children as Man-At-Arms, Randor, and Marlena all entered, wide-eyed and scanning the room. Immediately, their eyes fell on the intruder writhing on the floor. Randor protectively coaxed his wife to stand behind him, his shocked hazel gaze finding his son.
"Son, are you alright? Are you hurt?"
"No, Father. I'm fine," came the rather monotone reply as the guards broke their perimeter allowing Teela and Adam to approach their parents.
Angry, Marlena noted the man's uniform. "The Launderer at this hour? What's going on?" she demanded. "Who is this and what is he doing in my son's room?"
"It's Ernest, Your Majesty," Teela replied.
"Who?" Randor and Duncan asked in unison.
"My foster father," Adam replied, his voice devoid of all emotion. "The bastard who beat me for five years...beat and raped me for three."
Someone gasped as all eyes shifted to Adam; the royal guardsmen, his parents, and Duncan all silent in shocked horror at the confession as the guards finally came to themselves and began cuffing the now unconscious trespasser.
"Get a gurney in here! Now!" Duncan barked.
"Yes sir!" two shouted before darting out of the suite.
Missing his son's paternal address earlier, Randor's jaw fell open. "So our suspicions were correct; he…he raped you, Adam? Repeatedly?"
Quiet, Adam simply nodded.
Marlena burst into tears as Randor's face darkened. He shifted his gaze to the heap on the floor. "Kill him."
The Prince nodded as the gurney arrived, the Queen, Duncan, and Teela gasping in shock.
"You can't do that, Randor!" Marlena interjected as she approached and wrapped her hands around his arm. "As much as I agree, we're not judge, jury and executioner. We must leave him to the courts to decide, my love."
His hazel eyes cold as stone, Randor glared at Ernest, the guards gathering and fastening him to the hover-gurney.
"Sire," Duncan tried, their eyes all fixed on the King.
His countenance now crimson with anger, the King roared, "Take this piece of vermin out of my sight!"
"Right away, Your Majesty," the men bowed as they rushed out of the Prince's chambers.
"Father?"
Preoccupied, Randor froze at his son's quiet voice. He suddenly whirled around. "Did you just call me…Father, Adam?"
The boy nodded.
Approaching and kneeling before him, Randor looked into his eyes gently grasping his arms. "What is it, my son?"
Adam glanced at the disgusting mess Ernest had left on the plush carpet. "Can I have a different room? This one's sorta contaminated now."
Snorting, Randor shook his head. "Of course. We had planned to move you to a larger suite once you reached your teenage years, but considering what's happened tonight, let's get you moved, Little One."
A/N: So I wrote the scene about the creepy room intruder last night at two in the morning...I was a little creeped out myself lol