A/N: Hi guys. Thanks for your readership and thank you so much for your feedback thus far! Reading your reviews, again, keeps me motivated.
Chapter 29
Apprehensive, they stared at him. Stratos frowned.
"You know you could-uh held back a wee bit, Stranger," he spat. "Knockin' him across the room was a bit much, don'tchyuh think?"
"I was holding back."
Gasps were heard as he eyed everyone, their expressions confused.
"That wasn't full strength."
Their mouths dropped open as Buzz-Off finally came to. Dazed, he shook his head while Mekanek and Ram-Man helped him to his feet. Sy-Klone stared at him.
"Who…where do you come from?" he asked suspiciously, his gaze narrowing.
He-Man met the Gar samurai's gaze. "That's irrelevant. What's important is the fact that you now have one more to assist."
Helping his comrade to a chair, incredulous Mekanek turned to him. "Many of us have known each other for years," he explained, "Now we're supposed to accept some stranger into the fold? I mean…how can we trust you after what you did to Buzz-Off?"
A low rumble of chatter filled the chambers. The Warrior gave a thoughtful nod and shrugged.
"I have my own trust issues so I understand your skepticism. I suppose you're going to have to make a decision on whether you will or won't." He ran a steely gaze over everyone in the room, his expression suddenly darkening. "Just don't piss me off," he warned before turning to the Guardian. "Are we done, Madame?"
The Sorceress gave a warm smile. "Yes He-Man, we will talk again. Thank you for coming."
He inclined his head as a portal opened beside him. Eyeing the others in the room who simply stared at him in stunned silence, he disappeared into the portal as it closed behind him.
"Ancients," Stratos whispered in awe.
"He's kinda scary," Rammy muttered to the nods of everyone in the room.
The Sorceress knit her brow.
"Who was that muscle bound brat?" Skeletor fumed while pacing in the Throne Room of Snake Mountain.
Bored, Evil-Lyn reclined at the stone council table examining her nails. "What did he look like?"
"Blond hair, blue eyes, deep tan, scantily clad," he rambled angrily with a wave of his hand. "Real pretty boy type," he spat.
The witch snapped her head to her master, her violet gaze dripping with lust. "Really?" she asked with interest.
He stopped and glared at her. "You're my woman," he warned. "If I catch you ogling him…you are dead."
She frowned. "Like you I suppose?" she retorted, her voice hoarse and demeaning.
An angry beam shot across the table frightening the beast and the cyborg, striking the woman and knocking her to the floor, she yelping in surprise and pain. He came and stood over her, a clawed finger in the air.
"I will not abide insubordination," he growled, his eye sockets burning, his skeletal grin menacing. "Go ahead and tempt me, bitch."
Fearful and trembling, she pawed at the floor, her eyes locking on his. She nervously shook her head.
"Good."
"What are we gonna do about it?" the cyborg asked gruffly.
"We lay low and regroup. Then when they least expect, we come full throttle against it striking a deadly blow," he replied. "A lone warrior is no match for us all."
"B-but Master, Hordak wants to meet with y—"
"Forget Hordak!" he shrieked at the trembling crimson beast. "This is my planet! He had his chance years ago and failed miserably! Besides, I locked the portals so he has no way of entering Eternia," he said with a dismissive wave.
Confused at his curious ability to do so, the three villains looked at one another.
Stepping to the throne and taking a seat he glared at them, his searing red gaze pulsating. "I will defeat this upstart blond buffoon and take Castle Greyskull. The universe…will be mine."
"Traitor!" Horde Prime's second in command growled pounding the table with his fist, the table wobbling under the onslaught.
Catra flinched while the other two women of his inner circle simply sat unfazed, their arms folded.
"I told you he would betray us," Weaver hissed. "You never listen to me."
Hordak's crimson gaze narrowed. "What is the point of gloating after the fact?" he snorted haughtily.
"The point she is trying to make, my Lord, is that you do not listen to any of us," the young blonde woman stated calmly, her sapphire gaze chilling. "Disregarding our counsel does not help the cause of subjugating the infidels…on this planet or on any other."
He stopped, duly chastened by his right hand commander.
"No…no, you're right, Captain," he conceded, the rage now calming. "You three are my advisors as well as comrades in this war. I must learn to trust that you all have the Horde's best interests in mind."
Adora eyed him. "Trust is key," she replied. "If you want to win this war we must band together to serve the will of Horde Prime." Unfolding her arms she stood, her height filling the room. "I have rounds to make. May I be dismissed, Commander?"
"The Whispering Woods," he asked, "Where are your plans on the infiltration of The Rebellion's officers?"
"They are on your desk, my Lord. I completed the draft last night."
He smiled. "Good. You are intelligent and tremendously disciplined, my child. Yes…quite the asset in the Fright Zone," he remarked, leaning back and stroking his chin. "You will go far with the Horde my dear…very far."
He studied her, his gaze roaming over her strong and beautifully shapely body dressed in a red form fitting bodysuit, white turtleneck and long sleeves. Cinched with a black belt, the accessory accentuated her perfect figure. Her thick blonde locks tumbling past her shoulders, her pouty ruby red lips pursed impatiently as he came to himself, dropping his hand to the table.
"Go. You are dismissed, Captain."
Without a smile she stared back giving a sharp nod. Snapping the heels of her boots together, she stood at attention and saluted him. Nodding to the others she approached the door and stepped out. Hordak turned to the two women.
"She is special."
Weaver nodded as Catra's jealous gaze narrowed.
The Prince sat behind his desk, his arms folded listening to representatives from the security council of the Eastern Provinces; his territory.
"Your Highness, people are afraid," they continued. "That haunted castle sits only several hundred meters from the village. Two men told us of their encounter with it years ago…how it suddenly and very violently came to life," they stated worriedly.
Commander Marcus and Sergeant First Class Duncan listened intently, included in the meeting seeing this was a security issue for Eternia as well as the Prince. Adam squinted in thought.
"What's the fear?"
"My Prince?"
"What are you afraid it will do?" he clarified.
Yoli spoke up. "Villagers are hearing sounds emanating from the castle and its surrounding caverns. We're afraid spirits will attack the outlying villages during the night," he said. "It carries Death's shroud…just look at it! It's damned for all eternity. It carries a curse—"
"It's not cursed."
All eyes shot to the Prince. "How do you know?"
He unfolded his arms and leaned forward in his chair. "It was once the abode of my ancestor King D'Vann who by no means was cursed so I wouldn't worry about it."
"But Your Highness, we live in constant fear!"
He leaned back and ran a hand over his face as Teela watched him. "Tell me about the two men."
Yoli recounted their tale of eleven years ago when as young boys, they threw rocks at the abandoned castle until it suddenly "woke up" and screamed at them, they running home in fear. Adam pursed his lips.
"Eleven years ago…," he pondered, a hand on his chin. "And when did your people start hearing noises?"
"A week ago."
"Has anyone else engaged with it besides the two men?" Marcus asked.
Adam cut his eyes to the Commander, Teela noticing.
"No."
"I'll meet with Man-At-Arms this week. Meanwhile, no one is to engage," the Prince advised. "If the so-called entities become threatening, notify the tower chief. He'll contact the Commander," he stated gesturing to Marcus who nodded back. "Duncan and I will meet with Marcus thereafter to discuss what's to be done. If need be, I'll get my father involved. Agreed?"
"Agreed. Thank you, Your Highness."
xx
The meeting broke, everyone bowing as they made their way out of his office. Now alone, Teela turned to him.
"What do you know, Adam?"
He looked at her. "What do you mean what do I know?"
"I know you," she smirked. "That little thing you did with your eyes."
He quirked a brow. "What thing?"
"Don't play dumb with me, pal, I know you too well," she warned. "You know something about that castle and you're keeping it to yourself." She put her hands on her hips. "Does it have something to do with you and Daddy disappearing last night?"
He knit his brow. "Don't be nosy," he warned standing and stepping away from his desk. He headed to the door as her mouth flew open.
"Nosy? Who are you calling nosy?"
"You," he threw over his shoulder as he disappeared through the doorway, she getting up and following. They walked the halls together.
"Adam, I'm your bodyguard. There are certain things I need to know – especially when it's security related," she explained. "The personal stuff…okay I leave that alone but something's up with that castle and it's happening in your province."
As she spoke Adam continued to walk, inclining his head to passersby as they acknowledged him.
"Hey, you need me on this!"
Stopping abruptly, he turned to her, his arms folding over his chest, her fists impatiently going to her hips.
They stood in the middle of the busy hallway staring each other down, passersby glancing curiously and mumbling to one another. His gaze suddenly softened.
"Would you care to join me for an early dinner?"
Blinking in confusion at the sudden shift, she opened her mouth then closed it. "Umm…sure, okay."
Gesturing ahead and resuming she followed him as they made their way to his chambers.
Entering his salon, an elegant round table draped with a snowy white silk cloth and topped with a simple bouquet of red roses as its centerpiece awaited them. Ornate silver serving platters all lidded sat atop the decadent fabric with a bottle of white wine chilling in a beautiful silver canister, a candle shimmering in the low romantic light. Teela knit her brow at him.
"What's this?"
"It's called dinner," he said matter-of-factly walking past her.
She rolled her eyes and followed. "You know what I mean," she drew out. "It's such a beautiful romantic setting…the candle's not even melting."
Adam snorted at her keen observations. "I told Elda I'd be turning in early so she suggested dinner in my suites," he explained. "As always, she has perfect timing. She's good to me."
Teela parted her lips and nodded as Adam pulled out a chair for her. Thanking him, she took it as he settled into the one next to her.
Noticing something he stood and went to the draped silver cart nearby. Returning with an extra set of silver utensils wrapped in a silky white linen dinner napkin, a second wine glass, and a second plate made of bone china he gently placed them before her, she thanking him.
"Can you drink?" he asked.
"Yes. You're my last assignment of the day," she replied with a small smile.
He nodded before taking the wine which had been breathing sufficiently and wrapping a linen napkin around the bottom, he poured the chilled Chardonnay into her wine glass before pouring some into his.
"Please," he gestured to the platters before reaching over and pulling off each lid setting it aside. The steam from the hot entrées rose and gave off such a decadent aroma, Teela had no choice but to close her eyes and breathe it in. Amused, Adam looked at her.
"It's like you haven't eaten in days."
Her eyes popped open and cut directly to him. "I'm on a diet if you must know," she shot back teasingly.
As they began dinner he glanced at her. "I don't see a reason for it."
"What?"
"The diet. Your body is beautiful, Tee."
Shocked, her mouth fell open. "Uhh…thank you, My Prince."
At the use of his formal title, he stopped. "Umm…I didn't mean that as a come-on," he explained, "Just an observation."
"N-no, I understand," she replied.
"Sorry."
"For what?" she asked.
"If I embarrassed you," he replied.
She smiled. "You didn't."
"Well…I'm embarrassed," he replied sheepishly before taking a gulp of wine and pouring himself a little more.
Watching him, Teela giggled before attempting to hide her amusement. "You are too cute," she took another bite of dinner.
Adam simply snorted in self-derision. Waxing serious, he turned to her.
"Tee, there's a reason I asked you to dinner, apart from simply wanting to spend time with my friend of course."
Taking a sip of wine, she put it down and held his gaze. "Okay, shoot."
"You were right. I do know something about the castle. Your father does as well," he stated. "We've both been sworn to secrecy and it's something I can never reveal to anyone…not even my parents."
Teela's eyes widened in alarm. "Oh my God. Okay…," she drew out hoping he would elaborate a teeny bit more.
"As my bodyguard, you're with me practically every hour of the day parting only for sleep," he continued, "But I'm alerting you that there will be times I'm going to have to disappear. I need you not to worry and to know that I'll be safe. Okay?" he asked, his expression hopeful.
Blinking slowly, she swallowed hard. "Adam…that's…that's going to be very difficult for me," she confessed quietly. "You're my best friend not to mention the Heir to the High Throne. I'm appointed by His Majesty to watch over and protect his son the Crown Prince," distraught, she shook her head. "I take my orders very seriously. H-how am I supposed to be okay with this?"
"I know it's hard. It involves keeping secrets from my father; something I'm having a hard time with as well. But for the sake of the bigger picture it's critical. Promise me you'll keep it between us?" he asked.
She gave a heavy and pensive sigh. "It's not only that but Adam…I worry about you," she insisted. "I love you and am constantly concerned for your well-being."
Adam stared blankly at her causing her to rethink her words.
"Umm…wait…I mean, I love you as a friend nothing more," she clarified, promptly blushing.
He gave a small crooked smile. "I love you too, Tee."
Their eyes locked, sapphire and emerald studying one another in the awkward silence. Shifting in his seat he bit his lip.
"Perhaps it's a mistake," he stated going back to his plate.
"What's a mistake?"
"Telling you this."
Teela furrowed her brow. "Telling me what; that you loved me or that you were going to split every now and then?"
His eyes going wide, Adam snapped his head back to her. "Umm…that was…uhh, loving you as a friend obviously," he replied with a faint blush.
She gave a small smirk, cheerily going back to her meal. "There. Now we're even."
Adam's blue gaze narrowed.
Silence as the two ate quietly.
"This reminds me of the last time we shared a meal in your chambers," she reminisced.
"Yes."
Surprised, she glanced at him. "You mean…you remember?"
He looked at her. "Yes."
Teela squinted. "Tell me," she challenged.
He put the fork down and met her gaze. "It was the morning after my first night at the Palace. You had snuck into my room the night before and slept with me. Elda interrupted us in the morning and after she left, we shared breakfast," he stated matter-of-factly before going back to his plate.
At the words, slept with me, Teela stared, her blush deepening. Adam glanced at her.
"I'm one up on you now," he teased before taking a sip of wine.
This time, her gaze narrowed.
"Okay fine," she finally replied. "You'll take off and I'll be left to explain what's going on," she stated with another bite. Chewing and swallowing, she added, "What the hell is our story going to be?"
Pensive he replied, "I have an urgent private matter to take care of—"
"Oh come on," she interjected, "That's so weak!"
"What?"
"It sounds like you're running to the privy or something."
They locked gazes before bursting into laughter.
The mirth dying down, Adam finally said, "We're going to have to come up with a better excuse I suppose."
More thoughtful silence, the clinking of the dishes the only sound.
"Hey…maybe it could be something physiological you'd be experiencing, Adam. No one would dare question say, a medical condition."
Adam froze, his gaze slowly turning to her. Their eyes met again.
"Perhaps."
