A/N: Sorry again for the long wait. Today's a dual update so please read Chapter 20 prior to this one. Please review! Thanks.
Chapter 21
The King signed the necessary documents authorizing the exile of his brother, Keldor Zelepfian-Miro, ending it with the seal of his signet ring in hot burgundy wax.
"Very good, Your Majesty," the Prison Keeper remarked. "Would you care to see him before the orders are carried out, Sire?"
Marlena watched him, his expression resolute, the corners of his mouth turning downward. "No. Do what you will with him."
"Yes, Sire."
With a bow, the Keeper gathered the papers as everyone present bowed and filed out of the front chambers. Randor turned to his wife.
"It's done."
"It's over," she encouraged.
His troubled hazel gaze bore into hers. "We can only hope."
-Eight Years Later-
She held the elegant ivory envelope in her hands, discordant feelings tumbling as her mind mulled over the words of the grand and ornate gold-tipped invitation:
Their Majesties the King and Queen of Eternia
Are Delighted To Invite You As Their Special Guest
To The Announcement Of The Engagement Of Marriage Between
His Royal Highness, The Crown Prince Of Eternia
And
Her Ladyship Cylvia Simonidese Of Lyvinia
+Festivities Begin The Twelfth Day Of The Month+
+At Six In The Evening+
Although she herself was happily engaged to Malek Endoar, Sergeant Teela Duncan pondered.
What would her life been like had she remained at the Palace? What could have developed between the two of them had she not decided the Royal Guard was her destiny, if she'd stayed in the suite down the hall from him?
Why did she have to live at the Academy? Couldn't she have just stayed home and commuted?
She sighed as her mind continued to ramble.
Military protocol. Despite the fact she was the daughter of the King's Man-At-Arms, protocol states all cadets must live at the barracks on campus.
Of course her father didn't want others to view her as having any special treatment. That was his way and she loved him for his fairness and ethical sensibilities.
Now suddenly nervous, she bit her lip.
It's been many years since she laid eyes on him whether in person or by photo, the Military frowning on indulging the mind with exposure to gossipy media. They mainly got their official news from Eternos via communicator.
What if…
"Darling?"
Startled Teela snapped her head to the doorway, her fiancé eyeing her with worry.
"Are you okay? I've called your name three times."
She sighed. "I'm fine Malek, I'm sorry. I just...I just have a lot on my mind that's all."
Standing at 5'9", Malek straightened and entered, a small smile crossing his lips, his round and slightly portly features doughy in nature. Okay so he wasn't exactly the Blond-Adonis-Whatever the Prince was purported to be as alleged by the media but he was hers.
Her fiancé, his modestly styled auburn hair parted conservatively on the side, barrel chest and stocky build was what she considered 'adorable'. But there was the small matter of stature however.
Barefoot, she had an inch on him. Donning her boots made it worse putting her at a solid 6' feet in height, a slight embarrassment to the wizard as he sometimes jokingly referred to her as his 'Amazon Girlfriend' at dinner parties.
Deep down Teela knew this bothered him, his ego taking a bit of a hit with his elevated sense of virility. At times the height differential resulted in a quarrel though not terribly biting thankfully. Just an unfortunate 'sore spot' as he sometimes remarked. But they never quarreled for long; the hurt feelings at once dissolved deferring to bouts of make-up sex as they called it.
Malek was her first and only; prior to him she was a virgin and totally fine with it, her attentions focused on her studies and combat training, something that never interested him. As a matter of fact they didn't have much in common other than school, a shared sense of humor, and…sex.
Teela shrugged. He wasn't bad in bed. Then again she had nothing to compare him to. He on the other hand had prior sexual experience and often remarked on her 'hot body' and how satisfying making love with her always remained.
She stopped.
She wondered whether he finally crossed that barrier knowing his aversion to the thought…his foster father negatively influencing sex and intimacy—
"Honey, where did you go just now?"
Teela blinked and glanced at him. "Go?"
He nodded. "I know I'm just gathering our things but darling…I've been talking about our trip and this whole time you're staring into space," he stated, his ego a bit bruised. "What's on your mind? Penny for your thoughts?" he asked with a small grin meant to be charming.
"Oh. I was just wondering whether we'll umm…make the transport to Eternos in time," she lied. Abruptly standing, she stepped over to her duffel stuffing the envelope inside. Malek smiled, approaching and embracing her from behind.
"Beautiful Teela. I can't wait for our own special day, honey," he crooned in her ear. "You'll make me the happiest man alive."
Her face turned away she knit her brow. "Yes. Indeed."
He kissed her neck as she stared longingly at the doorway.
The Raider reached Eternos airspace and landed in Hangar 9, Teela agilely hopping out while Malek struggled. She glanced behind her.
"Look alive, Soldier!" she teased.
He snorted a chuckle. "Dearest, I was a Wizardry and Chemistry major," he pointed out. "Yes we attended academy together but my group was never expected to achieve the fitness requirements you all were subjected to," he complained slightly panting as he jumped from the bottom step. He eyed her. "The troops will call on us for more scientific reasons, my darling, not for grunt work," he stated with a smirk.
Feigning offense Teela's mouth dropped open. "Grunt work? Really, Malek?" She turned and headed to the halls. "No doubt you won't pooh pooh my regiment when you guys find yourselves under attack by the enemy," she jokingly sassed over her shoulder.
He grinned, shaking his head as he followed having instructed the Palace valets regarding their bags.
xxx
Happily installed in the guest suites on the opposite side of the Royal Wing, a knock at their door drew their attention away from unpacking. Grabbing the doorknob, Teela swung the door wide.
"My Dear!" the Queen announced entering the salon, her arms wide as the two women embraced. Pulling back, Marlena, her hands on the younger woman's shoulders surveyed her.
"My God you are absolutely beautiful, Child," she gasped. "Your father must be so proud," she cooed. "You've grown into such elegance, so statuesque," she noted.
Overjoyed to see the woman she considered the maternal standard, Teela beamed. "My Queen, I thank you," she stated with a curtesy. "I've missed you terribly!"
Marlena, her auburn tresses slightly traced by elegant strands of gray waved a dismissive hand. "My child don't bother with royal protocol. You're a member of this family. Don't ever forget that," she grinned, lightly cupping the Redhead's chin.
Just then, the sound of paws striking the marble flooring reached Teela's ears. The women turned to the door as a nine foot green and gold adult male tiger trotted through, his tongue dangling signaling a cheery mood. Teela's eyes widened in surprise.
"Oh my Ancients, Cringer?" she shouted gleefully.
Recognition dawning at the sound of her voice, the cat's golden gaze locked on hers. He gave a cheerful roar, the savage and powerful sound of it filling their chambers and having the unfortunate effect of seizing Malek with sudden fear. Shaken, he took several steps back, his gaze wide. Hiding her amusement, Marlena bit her lip not wanting to offend the young man.
Kneeling Teela coaxed the tiger to her, Cringer approaching, his head low, his shoulder blades rolling with his smooth, cat like movements as he bumped foreheads in a feline hello.
"Dear Cringer," Teela purred as she nuzzled his cheek. "I can't believe how big you are!" she glanced up at the Queen. "How much does he weigh now?"
"Seven hundred pounds," the King answered from the doorway with a youthful twinkle in his eye, despite the slightly gray tint at his temples.
"My King!" the young woman stood shouting in excited surprise.
Embarrassed by her lack of decorum, Malek stepped forward. "Your Majesties, I beg your forgiveness for my fiancée's casual address."
Teela shot him an annoyed glance.
"Don't be silly," Randor stated entering the room and giving the girl a fatherly embrace. "She's practically a daughter, Malek. Please don't forget that."
Duly chastened, the Wizard inclined his head.
"And may we offer our congratulations to you two on your upcoming nuptials?" the King added.
"Thank you, Sire," the younger couple replied in unison.
"Hi Miss Teela!" a high-pitched sing song voice reached her ears.
She whirled to the door. "Orko!" she shouted excitedly as he levitated towards her, the two embracing. "How are you?"
"I'm great thanks," the little Trollan answered. "So glad to see ya, Teela." His yellow eyes suddenly shifting to the man behind her, he floated to him. "Hi! My name's Orko. What's yours?" he asked holding an arm out in friendship.
He smiled and clasped arms with the Tiny Magician. "My name is Malek Endoar, Wizard First Class."
The Little One's eyes widened in awe. "You're a wizard? I gotta show you my latest trick—"
"Orko," Randor drew out in admonishment, "Not now my little friend. Maybe later."
Disappointed, Orko shrugged. "Oh, alright Your Majesty. But remind me later!" he said with a bounce in the air.
Randor gave a small eye roll.
"Where's Daddy?"
"In his workshop. He just completed instructions to the Guard for tonight. He'll be by to see you later," Marlena replied.
"And Adam?"
Her fiancé scowled, the Queen noticing and lifting a surreptitious brow.
"He's with your father and will most likely accompany him up, Teela. He just returned early this morning having spent the night at the Simonidese Estate," Randor offered.
A twinge of jealousy curiously bit at Teela's gut. Hiding her disappointment, she smiled. "Of course."
The room fell in awkward silence.
"Well," Marlena broke it, "We'll leave you two kids alone to finish unpacking," she stated with another kiss to the cheek. "If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to inform us. My husband has assigned a personal Valet and Lady's Maid for your entire week's stay. Let us know if you need anything at all."
Malek's eyes widened.
"Thank you, My Queen," Teela cheerfully replied with a short curtsey.
Marlena smiled shaking her head at the instilled formality as the two monarchs left, Cringer and Orko in tow. Malek approached.
"We don't need attendants."
Teela eyed him before turning back toward the hallway. "Accept the gift, Malek. It's considered an insult not to," she warned before disappearing into their chambers.
He paused, staring after her.
While Malek napped, Teela lounged on the salon sofa with a book. The servants had arrived earlier with carts of a myriad of refreshments ranging from fresh fruits, assorted regional cheeses, biscuits, chocolates, and wines. Enjoying the peaceful and luxurious surroundings, she'd forgotten what it was like staying at the Palace as she gazed out the terrace glass doors to the lush and verdant landscape below. A knock at the door prompted her to stand and approach.
"Coming Daddy," she sing-songed. Grabbing the knob she turned it swinging the door wide. She gasped, her hand going to her heart.
Prince Adam's intense sapphire gaze captured her startled emerald ones. Standing at a strapping 6'5" he towered over her, his broad shoulders and lithe muscular build filling the doorway.
"Hello, Teela," his voice deep and rich causing the adolescent butterflies of years ago to suddenly awaken within her.
"H-hi, Adam," she managed slightly shaken.
They stared at one another in silence.
The Prince finally eyed her, a brow lifting in curiosity. "May I come in?"
She blinked in confusion. "What? Oh! Yes. Yes of course please do," she gestured, backing away as Adam gave a shy smile and entered. She watched him as he came through, his long smooth strides boasting of his athleticism causing something to stir within her. She turned and shut the door walking toward him as he came to a stop and turned. His boots shoulder length apart, he clasped his hands behind his back and smiled again, glancing about the room.
"Where's Malek?"
"Who?"
Adam's eyebrows shot up as Teela nervously shook her head. She cleared her throat. "Of course yes Malek," she recovered. "He's in our bedchambers taking a nap," she waved at the hallway, Adam glancing in that direction. He turned back to her.
"So umm…how have you been?"
"Good. And you?"
"Good."
Awkward silence.
"Oh...please have a seat."
Glancing at the sofa he turned back to her. "I'm sorry I can't stay long. I have to meet my Valets for a final fitting in twenty minutes."
Disappointed, she nodded, her gaze shifting to the floor. "Of course. Big day and all."
"But I wanted to see you even if it were just for a moment...before tonight." His blue gaze studied her features.
Teela swallowed. "I'm glad you did. I've missed—" she cut herself off questioning the appropriateness of completing that sentence.
"I've missed you too," he finished.
She studied him. He was dressed in a rich silk burgundy shirt, tailored black slacks and boots. His thick blond locks were cut short over his ears and back with longer silky strands on top, a lock falling over his left eye. The rich golden tones deeper on the sides and back gave a beautiful contrast to the highlighted bleach blond strips chasing through the top giving him a sexy unruly mussed look. Her gaze traveled over his broad shoulders, muscular pectorals, flat abdomen and narrow hips down to his long legs, her gaze falling on well-developed thigh and calf muscles.
Adonis was right.
"Tee?"
Snapping out of it she blinked and met his gaze. "What?"
"I asked if you wanted to come with me."
"Where?"
He quirked an amused brow. "You weren't listening again, were you?"
Suddenly testy she asked, "Again? What do you mean again?"
A sexy lopsided grin crossed his lips. "You used to zone out when we were kids. Remember?"
Teela knit her brow searching for recollection.
"Usually when I'm talking about something boring."
"You're not boring," she shot back.
He gave her an incredulous side-long glance. Suddenly she remembered that look; at the orphanage the day she arrived on her first unaccompanied visit. She was immediately reminded of another memory…
"The ice cream."
"Ice cream?" he asked knitting his brow.
"Yes. At Mrs. Stoley's place. Remember our conversation on the stone wall? You kept clamming up, refusing to talk. I asked if I bored you. I had to practically pry conversation out of you. "
Adam nodded in recollection. "I do but as I recall, I didn't have anything particularly fascinating to contribute at that moment," he quietly joked.
They held each other's gaze.
"Why would anyone want to talk just for the sake of talking?" he offered with a shrug.
Teela's heart fluttered at the innocent gesture. Somehow it was sexy coming from him. God he's gorgeous. "Ask Malek," she replied with a snort. "He's a pro."
They grinned at each other, their eyes locked. Shifting his feet, Adam cleared his throat.
"So do you?"
"Do I what?"
Feigning annoyance, Adam shot her a look of playful impatience. "Are you coming with me to the valets?"
"Oh!" she waved a hand. "Sure. Okay."
The Prince tossed a glance behind his shoulder. "Is Malek coming?"
"No," she replied, "He's taking a nap. Says all powerful mages need their rest," she joked with a playful roll of her eyes.
Amused, Adam lifted a brow. "I'll take his word for it."
Gesturing to the door and one hand behind his back, Adam stepped forward as Teela turned and grabbed the knob. They walked through and into the halls, the Prince closing it behind them.
Malek stood behind the bedchambers door, his expression pained.
Teela sat behind him in his chambers as the royal valets fussed over him, Adam shooting her a barely contained look of tolerance. She giggled.
"This is almost done, Tee, I promise."
She smiled as they tugged, measured, and chalked alterations on the patterns for his suit tonight, her smile fading recalling the official reason for her visit.
xx
A few minutes later, they were done and the two friends made haste. They'd been discussing their favorite topics at the fitting; combat maneuvers and aerial assault.
They walked shoulder to shoulder down the halls as servants and visiting dignitaries bowed and curtseyed, the Prince inclining his head in acknowledgement. A few of them eyed with curiosity the red-haired woman beside him dressed in green military fatigues and black jack boots. Adam didn't seem to notice.
Teela did.
xx
They reached Hangar 7, Adam having stepped into a forest green flight suit, zipping it to his chin. They headed toward the aircraft.
"So what was all that back there?" she threw a backward thumb over her shoulder.
He blinked. "All what?"
"All the stares?" she elaborated.
Adam furrowed his brow. "Who was staring?"
"You didn't notice?"
"No."
Teela waved a hand. "Okay well nevermind," she brushed off eager to get into a jet with him. "So show me the new equipment," she asked, her emerald gaze wide with fascination.
Adam's gaze lingered, a small smile on his lips. She was as beautiful as he remembered; her thick fiery red tresses once styled in girlish ringlets now smoothed straight and pulled into a pony tail. He studied those dainty faded freckles across the bridge of her pert nose, bejeweled emerald eyes that seemed to sparkle when she spoke and those ruby red sumptuous lips—
"Adam?"
He straightened. "What?"
She snorted a laugh. "Now you're zoning out."
He sent her an annoyed glance. "Never."
"Sure," she drew out teasingly.
"Just get in," he dismissed as they both climbed the loading ladder into the awaiting twin engine dual cabin fighter jet.
Buckling the harnesses and fastening themselves in, they sat shoulder to shoulder on this new prototype, the gunner/navigator beside the pilot. The Prince served as test pilot for many iterations giving his feedback to Man-At-Arms and the design team for any alterations and adjustments. Teela glanced at him as they pulled on their helmets.
"So they trust you with this bucket of bolts?" she teased.
"Unbelievably, yes," he shot back with a wink.
She smiled at his playfulness as her gaze went distant in thought. It was a well-known fact in Eternia that the Prince was an exceptional fighter pilot, quite possibly the best in the kingdom much to Malek's chagrin.
At the thought of his name, an inexplicable pang of guilt charged through her.
"You alright?"
She shot him a quick glance. "Yes. Let's go."
The front and aft hangar doors opening, Adam nodded as he switched on several knobs, the familiar high-pitched scream of the pistons roaring to life. As the powerful engines came online, the Prince punched several buttons programming the data for their particular run. Teela watched in silence, unable to conceal her excitement.
He turned to her. "You ready?" he asked through the speaker system in their helmets.
"Are you kidding me? Yes!"
He turned back to the runways. "Don't blame me if you get sick."
Offended, she turned sharply to him. "I will not!"
Ignoring her, he eased the aircraft out of the hangar and onto the runways. Cleared for take-off by the Palace tower he hit the throttle, a massive wave of G-force pushing them into their seats as the jet powered down the runway and smoothly lifted off for a practically vertical ascent.
Exhilarated, Teela grinned as the Prince sliced through the air with apparent ease, the powerful jet screaming as it devoured the heavens.
With a firm and commanding grip on the joystick, Adam calmly chased them through the skies in barrel rolls, inverted aerial maneuvers, vertical climbs and dives. Her eyes wide she glanced at him, his calm and intensely focused demeanor belying the difficult and dangerous nature of the aerial acrobatics and incredible speed the sleek and modern aircraft continued to deliver.
Eventually, Adam skillfully brought the jet in for landing and taxied it to a stop just outside of the hangar. Powering down the engines, the whistling sound of the pistons calming reached her ears. They pulled off their helmets. In awe, Teela stared at him.
He looked at her. "What is it?"
"Nothing. Thanks for the ride," she replied hoping her heart would stop beating against her ribcage.
"No problem."
"Sergeant!"
The two snapped their heads down to a guard hurrying to the side of the aircraft. "Yes Private?" she asked.
"Forgive me, Your Highness," he bowed as Adam silently nodded back. He turned back to Teela. "Your father wishes for you to meet him in his workshop. He intended on calling on you in your chambers but apologizes and says he was unforeseeably detained."
"Thank you," she replied. "Tell him I'll be there in ten minutes."
"Sir!" the young man saluted, bowed to the Prince, and rushed off.
Placing their equipment behind the seats they climbed down and hopped onto the tarmac. She raised her chin to look into his eyes. "I suppose I'll see you tonight?"
"Yes," he replied staring down into hers.
With a quick nod, Teela hurried toward the hangar, her mind confused and her emotions swelling.
We never even touched today…I can't…I have Malek. He has Cylvia.
She suddenly came to her senses. What's wrong with me?