A/N: If you haven't checked out chap 20, please do before this one! Again, short chapter as transition. :) Thanks!

Chapter 21

The next morning, Eternos was abuzz with news of the Prince and Man-At-Arms' daughter. The King, who had awakened early and was already in his study, was inundated by nobles who had prior hopes of their young daughters being chosen by the Prince.

"Silence!" Randor commanded, standing with arms raised in an attempt to settle the nervous Lords. "My son has made his choice and I support it completely." The room quieted down as he continued. "I'm sorry if you had expectations to the contrary but the Queen and I have given our blessing and we couldn't be more thrilled. Now I will hear no more protests."

"But Sire," Lord Bonieaa replied, "My daughter Nancee has been in love with your son ever since she danced with him at his 14th Year celebration. Her heart was set on a courtship," he complained.

"As was mine," Lord Zurvic interjected. "That girl monopolizes all of his time and it's unfair. She's not even royalty," he spat. "This relationship is totally beneath him."

All of the air was sucked out of the room as everyone went completely still. Randor leveled an angry hazel gaze at the now perspiring noble.

"How many times has Man-At-Arms protected this Kingdom? He's risked his life again and again all in the name of love and dedication for not only my family but for all of Eternia." He clenched his jaw. "You of all people should have no objection. Need I remind you of how he rescued your wife from the Carpasian marauders when you were nowhere to be found?"

The room filled with nervous chatter and sounds of acknowledgement as Zurvic shamefully lowered his gaze.

The King continued. "I've heard enough. I will have no more disparaging remarks concerning Man-At-Arms' daughter. A father could not ask for a better partner for his son." He waved a dismissive hand at the group. "An announcement will be made today at the opening meetings."

At that point, the King's assistant quickly herded everyone out while Randor dropped tiredly into his chair. He angrily grabbed a file from his desk drawer as the nobles filed out of his study.

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At 830AM, Adam nervously knocked on the chamber door. It immediately swung open and Duncan settled an appraising eye on the Prince.

"Good Morning, Man-At-Arms. May I please come in?" Adam asked politely.

Duncan suppressed a smile. He wouldn't make it too easy for Adam. "Certainly, lad." He gestured with his other hand and Adam inclined his head and entered.

Teela sat on the couch of the sitting room looking every bit as nervous as Adam yet both smiled warmly at each other. She stood as her father and her soon to be boyfriend entered together.

"Teela, the Prince and I have some things to discuss. Would you please give us a few moments alone?"

She nodded, "Yes Father," and curtseyed to Adam. "Your Highness."

Adam winced at the sound of his title as Teela snorted in laughter and hurried out of the room.

Duncan motioned to the chair as they both took a seat.

"So, Prince Adam, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" he asked knowing full well the purpose.

Adam didn't hesitate. "Sir, I am here to humbly ask for your daughter's hand in courtship."

"I see," Duncan contemplatively rubbed his chin. "And please tell me what makes you a worthy candidate for my daughter's affections?" he couldn't help but size him up a little.

Adam's expression leveled off even more to something all business. "Of course it is Teela's decision whether she accepts me or not, but I'm willing to love, protect, and support her for as long as I live."

Duncan narrowed his gaze. "My Prince, what are your intentions with regard to my daughter?"

"I wish to marry her when we are of eligible age," came the quick reply.

Duncan blinked. Adam's answer was so swift and sure that it momentarily stupefied him. Regaining his composure, he released his daughter with a smile. "Son, you have my full blessing to court my daughter."

Adam grinned.

"Unless of course you do something idiotic. Then I'll have to come after you," Duncan teased.

The prince's expression quickly turned suspicious.

Duncan laughed and swatted the boy on his back. "I'm joking, lad! I couldn't be happier. You're already a son to me," he smiled warmly.

Adam's stared in exasperation. "Neither you nor my father are very funny, Duncan," he replied, squinting his eyes.

At that moment, Teela's bedroom door burst open and she tackled the prince giving him a tight embrace. He hugged her back matching her enthusiasm then quickly tensed and released her, suddenly aware of her father's presence.

Duncan smiled and nodded in approval.