A/N: This is a short filler chapter and I have another one coming tomorrow then we'll be able to get on with the story. :) The pace will then quickly pick up. Again, this is a somewhat 'eh' chapter as I'm not that great at fillers but I have to resolve what's going on between father and son before the action can resume. I hope you enjoy.

Hazza will think this is boring drivel. (LOL) He likes to tease. :D He wants sexual dominatrix stuff happening to Adam :P

Chapter 51

It was after lunchtime and after his routine meeting with the Guard, Duncan walked the palace halls still a bit rattled since learning of his daughter spending the night in Adam's chambers. Nervous about what may have transpired last night, he decided to discuss the situation with Randor and Marlena but learned they had checked out of the infirmary.

Knowing his good friend well, he took an educated guess and headed toward the King's chambers. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.

"Come!" an agitated female voice called out.

Duncan opened the door and entered the sitting room to find the King and Queen sitting on the couch, both wearing somber expressions, their red-rimmed eyes tinged with emotion.

"Sire, forgive the intrusion…," he explained.

"Nonsense. Your presence is never an intrusion my friend," Randor replied sharply cutting him off. "Please, do have a seat," he motioned to the overstuffed chair.

Bowing, Duncan replied, "Thank you, Sire." He made his way to the chair with a quick glance at Marlena who offered him a wan smile and a nod.

"What is on your mind, my friend?"

His friend drew a deep breath and blew it out slowly. Eyes heavy with concern, he locked gazes with Randor.

"I'm concerned over my daughter's emotional state. She's strong and capable but her kidnapping and subsequent captivity at Snake Mountain is enough to make even the strongest warrior question their courage and abilities," Man-At-Arms began. "You spoke to the Prince over the communicator last night…,"

"And this morning," Marlena interrupted. "Face to face. In his chambers."

Duncan's eyes went wide. "And what transpired?"

Randor opened his mouth to reply when Marlena cut in, "You don't want to know," she quipped.

Duncan knit his brow in curiosity as Randor snapped his head toward his wife sending her a small scowl.

"Marlena, please," Randor protested as his wife pursed her lips and shrugged her shoulders before looking away.

Randor cleared his throat and regaining his composure he replied, "Yes, I went to see my son this morning at dawn and demanded to know why he disobeyed me. Our discussion then turned into a full blown argument," the King blinked in anger and disbelief as he replayed what happened in his mind earlier this morning. "He was quite combative which is unusual for him; I was quite taken aback I must admit." He took a breath and lowered his gaze to the floor.

"Perhaps his visceral reaction was due to the way you approached him, my love," Marlena explained. "You said it yourself; you arrived at dawn and demanded answers from him in a way he didn't seem to appreciate." She eyed him. "Randor, his temperament is very much like my own and quite frankly, I'm surprised he didn't deck you," she replied, one eyebrow slightly raised in mild annoyance.

"Deck?" Duncan repeated in confusion.

"American-Earth slang for throwing a punch," the Queen explained.

"I see," Duncan replied with a small nod.

Randor whipped his head toward his wife. "Marlena, you and I both know Teela shouldn't stay in his chambers. I know we are two different men with different experiences but the sexual temptation is too much for any man to resist," he explained.

Marlena stole a glance at Duncan's now pale expression. She reached out a hand in comfort.

"No, Duncan. Nothing happened between them last night."

"How do you know that?" Randor challenged still angered by the thought of his son's rebellion. "I asked him whether he slept with Teela and he never answered me which tells me that they did sleep together!" he countered sharply, his voice slightly raised.

The Queen's eyes flashed in anger. "Because I know my son, Randor, as should you!" she barked, raising her own voice.

Duncan shifted uncomfortably in his seat as the room momentarily went silent. Randor clenched his jaw in frustration and shot to his feet. He began to pace pensively about the room, hands clasped behind his back as Marlena breathed slowly, arms folded across her chest, her hazel blue eyes trained on the wall in front of her.

"Perhaps we should discuss this later, Sire," Duncan quietly offered as he began to move out of his seat.

"No!" both monarchs shouted simultaneously.

Duncan froze looking quite confused as Randor stopped pacing and, taking another deep breath calmed himself. "Forgive me, Duncan. I'm just trying to…," he stopped and glanced at Marlena who was now observing him from her seat on the couch. The stern look she possessed earlier now slightly softened as she gave an encouraging nod to her husband.

Randor took another deep breath in resignation and expelled it quietly. "Duncan, I must ask you to forgive me."

His friend's eyes went round. "Forgive you, Sire? Whatever for?"

"For how I have handled this whole thing between my son and your daughter," he began as he sheepishly fiddled with the cords of his royal robe. "Teela was present during the heated exchange between my son and me. I said some things that I did not mean to infer and in the process, I inadvertently insulted her honor," he explained quietly while gazing at the floor. "I suppose I am still haunted by the choices I made at his age."

Duncan gave an understanding nod. "I understand, Sire. Parents cannot help but become overprotective of their children in light of their own experiences. I make the same mistakes with my daughter," he explained.

Randor's eyes jerked up. To bring levity to the discussion he jested, "You, Man-At-Arms? You make mistakes?"

Duncan and Marlena chuckled softly.

"Yes…even I make parenting mistakes, Your Majesty," he replied with a grin. "Even I."