A/N: I wrote 26 and 27 to demonstrate something about Adam's character and physical agility as well as illustrating he and Teela's maturing relationship. Also, the Masters are starting to enter the story. I'm posting chapters 25-27 today so don't forget to check the previous chapters out first. :D I hope you enjoy! All mistakes are mine. Thanks again for your support.

Chapter 26

The winter months passed quickly as Teela acclimated herself to the schedule and new environment. She made friends and flourished at school, excelling in her studies and combat training. The Masters were there guiding and training the young cadets increasing Teela's enthusiasm for learning.

Likewise, the prince's schedule stayed full with state functions, mediations, and physical training. His mother taught him Earth-Karate and he polished his already acquired skills in other martial arts and swordplay. During down time, he and David spent lots of time together. David also occasionally accompanied Adam on state business as the ranking noble.

The summer couldn't arrive soon enough as Teela returned home and flew into Adam's arms the moment they saw each other. The reunited family enjoyed each other and the teens spent every waking moment together; with Cringer present of course, but as a friend not only as an unintentional chaperone. Orko floated happily, calling attention to himself by blowing up a soufflé here and there and inadvertently dropping eggs on Duncan's head in magic tricks gone wrong. Regardless, the family laughed heartily at his antics; Duncan, maybe not so much.

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Autumn arrived and with that, the prince's 17th birthday. A celebration ensued and Adam of course enjoyed himself, however feeling slightly melancholy as this was his first birthday without Teela. Knowing her schooling was important, he pressed on and appreciated his friends and the festivities.

Winter came prompting the prince to send a card and gift to Teela's school for her birthday. Her two friends were in her dorm room as she opened them. To her shock and to the others present, a beautiful emerald necklace twinkled at her as she unwrapped the tissue. She called later to thank him and to talk more with her beloved.

A second summer arrived and Teela came home to Eternos. For this visit, she was able to see David for the first time since the Summit almost two years ago. She took the opportunity to introduce Lady Irene and the two hit it off immediately to Adam and Teela's delight. The two couples were inseparable.

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That same summer, Adam prepared to make one final visit to Carpasia as Lord Dewhurst sent word that the coastal leaders were once again violating the treaty. Knowing the King would be engaged in talks elsewhere, the Carpasians specifically asked for the Prince as they had heard of his wisdom in his dealings with other territorial disputes and trusted no one else. The King reluctantly agreed on the condition that Adam would travel with a full Royal Guard and two Masters, and if talks became volatile in the least, they would pull out altogether with no chance of renegotiation. The terms were accepted.

Teela knocked on the door.

"Come," Adam replied.

She entered the foyer and crossed the threshold to his bedchambers wearing a solemn expression. She sat on his bed as she watched him pack.

"You're going," she huffed.

He stopped and placed his hands on his hips. "I must," he answered sadly. "They will have no one else," he explained as he resumed packing.

"Then I go with you," she stated emphatically.

He stopped again and gazed at her, concern written across his handsome features. "We've been through this, Tee."

She folded her arms defiantly. "We have, but it was never resolved."

"Sure it was: I go. You stay," he answered matter-of-factly.

"That's not how I remember it," she replied sharply.

Adam sighed. "First of all, it could take weeks to resolve; you have school. Secondly, they're crazy out there. One slip up by us could result in all-out war. We may end up having to fight our way out of there."

"And your point?" her eyebrow quirked in response, holding his gaze.

He stopped for a beat then grinned and sat down beside her.

"Okay here's what I think is happening. The two sides accepted the established border agreement but there's one small group spurred on by a low life continuing to sabotage the peace there. His name's Jakarton and he's a sneaky rat. My idea is that if we can entrap him with a mock meeting and lock him up, then the rest of the northern coast of Carpasia will be on board."

She nodded. "What about Dewhurst? Does he know about Jakarton?"

"Nope. And let's keep it that way because he has no clue on how to keep a secret, let alone keep an ambush a secret," he scoffed.

She smiled. "I like it. Who's the bait?"

"Me."

"Wrong."

"And I'm wrong because…?" he asked annoyed.

"For obvious reasons, Adam! You're the sole heir to the throne. Our fathers were completely against you even going at all but they had no choice. Your mother is already beside herself with worry."

He waved a hand, "I know that but he won't believe the meeting is legitimate unless I'm there. How else am I going to lure him?"

Her steely glare slowly morphed into a sly smile.

"No," he replied.

"Oh, come on Adam! It'll work."

"No."

"We can release a bogus communique that says you've become ill on the road and I'm to fill in for you on the first day of talks," she explained.

"Your father would have my head, Tee."

"And your father would have mine if I let you waltz into the middle of some sting without support."

He gave a lopsided smile. "I hadn't planned on waltzing. I rather planned on strutting into the din and striking a pose," he joked.

"Stop it Adam, this is serious," she pleaded. "Do our fathers know of your suspicions?"

He blew out a breath in frustration. "Yes. And intelligence gathered by the Masters confirmed Jakarton is aware of our impending arrival and he's moved money between accounts. No doubt to bankroll another raid while I'm there."

She glared at him. "Why didn't I know any of this?"

"Because our parents didn't want you to worry while you were in school," he cupped her face with his hands. "And neither did I."

She covered his hand with hers. "Ignorance is not bliss, my love."

He shrugged and stood, making a move toward his bag. "True, dear heart. But it can be useful," he quipped.

She smirked and shook her head. "Too bad. I'm coming with you and that's final. In case there's trouble, you've got another Kar-jitzu fighter on hand to watch your back," she persuaded.

He cut his eyes to her. "You forgot that I know Kar-jitzu too, babe. And Karate which no one here on Eternia even knows, besides Mother," he winked.

"Show off," she stuck her tongue out at him.

He made a quick playful move towards her catching her off guard as he began tickling her mercilessly. Between peals of laughter, she cried out, "Auntie! Auntie!"

"The word is 'Uncle', Tee," he snorted with laughter.

"Whatever just stop…please!" she laughed, tears rolling down her face.

"Fine. Let that be a lesson to you, babe. No one sticks their tongue out at me without suffering the consequences," he joked.

She settled down and wiped a tear away as she stood and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Fine, you'll be the bait but I'll be hidden nearby in case it gets rough."

He nodded then thought for a beat. "It would actually be much better if we could get rough instead," he teased as he kissed her lips.

"Much better," she echoed as she sensuously licked his bottom lip.

"Careful," he warned. "We're in my room. Alone. Cringer's not here."

"And your point is again?" she teased.

"I don't remember," he replied as he deepened the kiss.

When the kiss broke, the two 17 year olds stared at each other, then down at the bed, then back at each other.

"Okay, that's enough," he stated nervously.

"Quite," she agreed and cleared her throat.

They awkwardly shook hands as she hurried out of his room to head for her chambers and pack.