A/N: Hi guys. Sorry for the long absence. I work for a major airline and summer is the busiest time of year. We're working overtime and it's nuts. I hope this was worth the wait as I'm sort of 'eh' about these two updates. Dual update today; Chap 26 immediately follows. Please, I need reviews to keep me going. :) It's...like a drug. haha

It's love that makes the world go 'round. :P

Chapter 25

After the sleeping arrangements were settled, Greyskull's Guardian raised her arms and a late lunch appeared at the table in the sitting area of Adam's quarters. She gestured to them.

"Come. It has been a long and difficult day. You all must eat and rest."

"Thank you, Sorceress," Marlena replied. "I don't know if I have much of an appetite but I'll try."

Everyone thanked her for her hospitality and grudgingly moved away from Adam's side. They sat at table, their eyes periodically darting over to their loved one lying in bed quiet and still.

Food appeared inside of Cringer's bowl as he nodded his thanks and nibbled lightly, his own appetite waning.

xxx

As early evening approached, they all took turns watching over Adam as they got ready for bed. The Sorceress waved a hand as the transfusion pouches were replaced with fluids to aid in the repair of his organ function. Another I.V. appeared to provide nutritional supplements for his body.

Marlena, reluctant to leave her son's side studied his features and caressed his cheek. She took his hand in hers and talked softly to him. An hour later, later she finally bent over and kissed his right eye. "I love you, my son."

Likewise, Randor kissed his son's cheek. "Good night son. We love you."

"Yeah, we love you Adam!" Orko echoed enthusiastically.

Duncan quietly patted the young man's shoulder good night as Teela tenderly kissed his lips.

Everyone haltingly retired to their rooms and a half an hour later, everyone settled to bed, lights doused.

xxx

Two hours later, a shadowy figure slipped into Adam's bedchambers as Cringer slept by the footboard. His ears flicking toward the sound of the footfalls, the cat awoke and abruptly lifted his head snapping it in the direction of the intruder.

Recognition dawning, he lowered his head to his sleeping cushion.

Holding an index finger to her lips, Teela shushed his pet tiger as she crawled into bed and snuggled next to Adam, curling against his warm body. She kissed him and, after an hour of listening to the sound of his rhythmic breathing, she drifted off to sleep.

xxx

The Queen awoke in the middle of a sleepless night of tossing and turning. Determined to look in on her son, she donned her robe and slippers and moved to his bedchambers. She gasped as her hands flew to her face then quickly recovering, a smile slowly tugged at the corners of her mouth.

Smoldering embers in each hearth bathed Adam and Teela in a soft glow of light; their serene expressions peeking just over the hem of the bed covers sound asleep, Teela's body curled up against his, her hand on his chest, their temples touching.

Cringer startled awake and sat up abruptly, his tail snapping as his nervous gaze switched between the Queen and the two in bed.

Compelled to check on his son, the King shuffled into the room and froze at the doorway, his eyes wide then softening as he stared at the two. Marlena snapped her head to her husband as they both locked gazes and shared a smile.

"So, I take it you're not opposed to them sharing a bed now, are you?" the Queen whispered sardonically.

Randor flinched then playfully narrowed his eyes. "Careful, woman, or I'll take you across my knee," he threatened in a whisper, his eyes darkening.

Needing the lighthearted moment, Marlena stifled a giggle with her hand then promptly blushed as her eyes darted anxiously to Cringer.

The cat had lain his head back down onto his paws, wisely pretending to ignore the royal couple's playful innuendos.

xxx

The sun crept through the royal chamber's curtains and settled on Teela's eyelids. She stirred and yawned, her arm coming out from under the covers, her elbow locking in a long indulgent stretch. Her eyes fluttered open and promptly went round as the horrible events of the previous day flashed before her eyes.

She snapped her head to Adam who lay beside her, still and unconscious, his raspy and labored breathing catching her ear. She blinked at him and gave a worried smile as she propped herself on an elbow and studied his handsome and quiet profile. His unruly bangs drooping over one eye, she eyed him as his thick long lashes flat against his cheek, his perfectly tipped aristocratic nose and full sensuous lips made her stomach flutter with desire. His beauty notwithstanding, she had just discovered that he was Eternia's Defender. His courage and sense of duty overwhelmed her.

And to think, after all these months she thought he was either lazy or unfaithful.

Discordant feelings tumbling all at once assaulted her; awe, admiration, guilt, lust, frustration, love. She shuddered as her body spasmd with poorly timed desire.

Confused and feeling guilty at the awkward timing, she shook it off chastising herself for feeling aroused with him in this condition. She then quieted and resumed her intense observation of him as his nightshirt rose and fell softly with every breath.

Suddenly, she heard muffled voices emanating from the hall. She inhaled sharply, gave Adam a quick peck on the lips, and jumped out of his bed. Cringer was not in his usual spot so she assumed he was outside bathing.

Peeking through the door into an empty hallway, she furrowed her brow in confusion. Stepping into the hall, she darted into her room and shut the door to bathe and dress.

xxx

"Teela is aware of Prince Adam's secret."

Marlena and Duncan stared dumbly at the Sorceress.

"How?" Duncan finally managed. "Did she figure it out?"

"No. The Prince decided it was time to reveal his secret identity and Greyskull agreed," she answered softly.

"Why now?" Duncan asked then just as quickly, he exchanged a knowing look with the Queen.

"The ring," Marlena stated, her expression radiating understanding.

The Sorceress nodded.

"Adam asked my permission for her hand a week before they left for the lake," Duncan recalled. "He wasn't sure when he would ask her, but with that aside, it makes sense he wouldn't want to enter into marriage with that secret separating them."

Marlena nodded. "That is not a good way to start a relationship; harboring a lie of omission," she mused, her gaze suddenly turning to remorse. Shaking her head as if to clear it, she added, "Randor and I were thrilled when he came to us with his intentions a few weeks ago." She sighed and stared sadly at the throne's golden stairs. "Then…this happens…," she trailed off, her eyes heavy with sorrow and worry.

Duncan sent the Queen a sympathetic look when the Sorceress suddenly stiffened and held up a hand in warning, her eyes closing tightly.

"The power," she muttered cryptically. "Teela is picking up our conversation. However, because she is unschooled on how to wield it, the transmission came through as unintelligible." She slowly opened her eyes, her brow knit in concern. "This is most unexpected as her ability was not predicted to stir until age 21, her third Cycle of Seven."

Knowing the Queen knew nothing of Teela's ancestry, she turned to Man-At-Arms. "Being within these walls has awakened her."

Duncan's eyes widened as Marlena blinked thoughtfully. "Like mother, like daughter I suppose."

Duncan and Teela'Na snapped their heads in surprise to the Queen as Marlena folded her arms and shrugged wearily.

"Like mother, like son," the Sorceress countered with amusement.

"Touché." Marlena replied thoughtfully.

xxx

The family congregated at Adam's bedside talking to him, sharing details of life outside of Greyskull's walls as briefings arrived from Trevian.

Teela's eyes flew up to meet her father's.

"Can David and Irene come? They don't know where we are. They must be worried sick!"

"That's up to the Sorceress, daughter. We wouldn't want to tread on her hospitality," Duncan replied.

Crestfallen, Teela acquiesced with a slight nod as she turned her gaze back to Adam.

"Speaking of which," Randor began, "Where is the Sorceress? I'd like to discuss what we witnessed in the infirmary."

Everyone's eyes widened as the room went silent. All eyes darted anxiously to the Queen.

"What are you referring to, my dear?" Marlena asked, her voice quivering only slightly.

The King blinked. "Well, that sword of course!" he replied incredulously. "Don't tell me I'm the only one who saw it? Surely all of you there saw the same thing?"

The others looked quizzically at each other feigning confusion.

"What sword?" the Queen replied blankly.

Randor knit his brown in confusion. "You've got to be kidding. No one saw it? Was it a vision?" he paused for a moment. "Am I going insane?"

Marlena stepped to him and placed a hand on his chest. Looking up into his eyes, she replied, "Not insane dear. Sincere and heartfelt anguish over what transpired," she managed swallowing hard at yesterday's nightmare.

The King blinked and grudgingly nodded acceptance albeit still dubious at having possibly witnessed a vision. He placed it in the back of his mind and turned his loving attention back to his son lying motionless and pale in bed.

xxx

Each day transpired much the same as the next; everyone awoke, dressed, attended to Adam, took their meals together, and spent all day in Adam's quarters talking and hovering over the Prince. The color slowly began to creep back into the Prince's cheeks and his breathing became less labored much to everyone's relief. The Sorceress assured them that his condition was improving.

xxx

After a week had passed, Duncan announced his return to the Palace to assist Trevian in the defense of the royal residence and surrounding cities. Teela protested immediately as did the King and Queen however, all knew it had to be done as the absence of the Captain of the Guard, the King's Man-At-Arms, and the entire royal family definitely appeared suspicious.

"Come on, Orko," Duncan stated sternly after finally gathering his belongings and hugging everyone goodbye.

Orko's eyes went wide. "Huh? Why do I have to leave? Why can't I stay?" he whined sweetly.

"Because you need to give the family some space, little one."

"B-but, Cringer's not family. And neither is Teela!"

Cringer's eyebrows shot up as Teela's eyes widened then narrowed in a blistering stare.

"Oh," Orko cast an embarrassed downward glance. "Er..uhh…sorry about that Teela," he apologized. "It's just that…I really wanna stay and help Adam."

Duncan's gaze softened. "We're all family, Orko. And I know you want to stay. You've already helped him tremendously. You do realize don't you, that someone in a medical induced state can hear our conversations? You've been talking to him all week and look," Duncan gestured lovingly to Adam. "He's getting better, see?"

The tiny magician floated over to the Prince and peered directly into his face, nose to nose. "Yeah. I guess," he stated grudgingly then pulled back. "Alright, Adam. I'm gonna leave now. But know that I love ya and I can't wait until you're ALL better," he sing-songed with a grand flourish of his arms.

Teela stifled a giggle as the King and Queen looked on in amusement.

The corner of Adam's mouth twitched.

Orko's eyes went round as he pointed enthusiastically at the sleeping Prince. "There! Did ya see that? He heard me!"

All heads snapped to Adam who now appeared expressionless.

"But, he really did!"

"We believe you, dear sweet Orko," Marlena reassured in a motherly tone. "He loves you too."

The tiny Trollan clapped happily before hugging everyone's neck and floating out of the room following after Man-At-Arms.

Duncan turned to the King. "Sire, I'll radio you daily on what's happening back home."

Randor nodded. "Please do, good friend. And…thank you for staying with us…with Adam," he choked out.

His eyes cloudy with emotion, Man-At-Arms nodded and headed down the hallway toward the throne room and front entrance. Orko followed closely behind.

xxxxxxxxxx

A/N: Sorry if this was mediocre. RL is kickin' my butt. I'm really tired...