A/N: Hi guys. Dual update today so Chap 44 immediately follows. Thanks to those of you who consistently post reviews. *hugs* I honestly don't know if it's good unless you guys tell me yay or nay ;). I really hope you're all still interested in my story. To those who like action, my apologies in advance; these next several chapters surround a significant event in the lives of our favorite couple. Keldor will have updates as well peppered throughout, however.
Chapter 43
The cold stone walls of Greyskull stood in silent witness as Adam and Teela glared at each other, neither speaking a word.
Finally after a lengthy silence, Teela'Na broke the tension.
"Knock it off, you two!"
The Sorceress' harsh command startled the couple out of their angry stupor. Their heads snapped to her, eyes wide over the sharp tone of maternal authority in her voice that prior to today was never before heard. Adam's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Yes, ma'am," he replied before quickly straightening his posture in deference.
Teela pursed her lips and mumbled grudgingly, "Yes, Mother," before folding her arms in frustration.
Teela'Na and Adam locked gazes, the corner of his mouth slowly curling into a knowing smile. The Sorceress returned it, albeit a bit sheepishly.
Taking a breath, she approached them and, cupping her daughter's face she continued, "My dear daughter, you have obviously inherited my fiery spirit. Take care to temper it as you carry within you a unique gift that, if left unchecked, has the power to level villages."
The Prince raised an eyebrow at this insightful piece of information. Something clicked. "Veena…"
The Sorceress stiffened and snapped her head to him, her expression clouded as she studied him. "Your eyes have been opened, young Prince."
He gave a sad nod as Teela crinkled her brow. "Queen Veena, King Greyskull's wife?"
"Yes," she replied turning toward her daughter. "Your powers originate from the Queen, telepathy numbered among your many gifts," she explained.
Teela and Adam's eyes met and held, a horrible thought passing between them. He then shifted his troubled gaze to the Sorceress. "If Teela and I are related...then this marriage constitutes consanguinity…," he trailed off, the thought paralyzing him, unable to go on.
Teela'Na shook her head. "No Prince Adam, you two are not related," she reassured. "Five centuries ago, the Omniscient One directed the Queen to one particular family descended of the Warriors; individuals highly skilled in combat and fiercely loyal to the King. Knowing her husband would soon go to war, Veena bestowed her powers upon my ancestors," she stopped and looked at Teela. "Our ancestors, the family of T'Allarma."
More silence as Teela blinked in shock with Adam studying his fiancée and his future mother-in-law. "Greyskull eventually died in battle leaving Queen Veena the sole guardian of this castle," he looked at Teela. "And of the sword," he stated quietly.
The frightening notion of Adam dying while fighting Skeletor and Teela succeeding her mother as Guardian of Greyskull hung in the air. Teela turned to him as they both stared at each other, a heavy foreboding settling over them.
"Fate continues to conspire against us; to keep us separated, my Love," Teela woefully replied, her eyes welling up with tears. "Why?" she raged, suddenly becoming angry.
Adam stepped over pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly, her face buried in his shoulder.
The Sorceress sent Teela a sorrowful glance. "I did not wish to burden you at this time with such history, my child. But The All-Knowing urged me to reveal this to you. He felt it necessary for you to have this knowledge before your wedding to the Prince," she quietly explained.
The young couple shifted their gazes to her. She slowly lowered hers to the floor.
"Forgive me, daughter. For everything."
Teela released Adam and approached her mother. Putting a hand on her shoulder, she replied, "There's nothing to forgive, Mother. Despite the frustration, I'm a soldier and am well acquainted with personal sacrifices that must be made for the sake of all." She released a heavy sigh. "I only wished none of us had to find ourselves in the position to make such heartbreaking decisions."
Teela'Na's tear-filled gaze met Teela's as they embraced. After a few moments, the Sorceress pulled away and, taking her daughter's hand, she stepped to Adam and placed Teela's hand in his.
"I am pleased that you found each another," she stated with a tearful smile. "Cherish one another. Always," she admonished.
Discerning there was more behind that statement, Adam nodded slowly as Teela sniffled. After a beat, she asked, "Will you come to the wedding, Mother?"
"I cannot, dear heart. But I will be watching," she replied with a sad smile.
Teela nodded as the two women hugged tightly. The Sorceress then broke away pulling a shocked Adam into a warm embrace. She released her future son-in-law and shooed them away.
"Now go. Return to the Palace or you will be late for your engagements and your mother the Queen will have my head," she teased.
He smiled. "Yes, ma'am."
xxx
In silence, they exited the family room hand in hand making their way toward Greyskull's front entrance when Teela suddenly stopped. Adam watched her as she released him and let out an angry, frustrated scream, her hands balled into fists beside her.
Her voice echoing off the stone walls, a crimson energy bolt suddenly shot forth prompting Adam to snap his right shoulder back in side step as it blew past him and hit a gargoyle blowing it to pieces. The explosion was deafening.
Shaken, Teela's eyes popped open as she viewed the carnage with dismay. Her eyes, now registering fear then darted to meet Adam's as they stared at one another. Sensing her emotional state, he whistled in awe to lighten the mood somewhat.
"Leveling villages," Adam muttered as Teela anxiously furrowed her brow.
"We're going to be quite a pair," she finally replied, her voice hoarse. "You with your lightning bolts and me with my death rays," she added with a sarcastic snort.
Adam shrugged it off. "It's okay…as long as we don't do this on our wedding night."
Her eyes went round as they both began to chuckle, needing the lighthearted moment.
xxx
The next day, the guests began to stream in for the wedding festivities that would extend over a three day period. Eternos buzzed with energy as many citizens watched the spectacle of royals from all over the kingdom arriving in their elegant coaches and transports, maids and valets in tow.
The Palace staff cheerily directed each entourage to their respective suites announcing tonight's Ball and subsequent itinerary for the next three days. They were invited to spend the afternoon at their leisure as the Royal Family would meet them this evening.
xxx
A knock at his office door caused Adam's eyes to fly up from his papers.
"Come."
The door opened slowly to reveal a beautiful raven haired woman with amber eyes and tawny skin. She smiled brightly.
The Prince stood and broke into a broad smile. "Eve!" he shouted as he rounded his desk scooping her up into a friendly embrace.
Chuckling, she replied, "Adam! I cannot tell you how relieved I am to see you, my friend," her eyes suddenly turned fearful. "After what Father and I heard happened to you…that crazy woman Amanda and what she did…," she trailed off swallowing hard as she lowered her gaze to the floor.
Adam ducked his head to find her gaze. He put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm alright. It's over," he reassured.
Her eyes flew up to his. "But, no one seems to know where she has gone," she replied nervously. "What if she tries to harm you again? I cannot bear to think of a world without you, dear friend," her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
The Prince cupped her cheek. "Amanda is somewhere far away," he replied. "She can inflict no more harm here in Eternia," he stated. "Earth however is another story…," his mind mumbled worriedly. Clearing his throat, he asked, "How's Kutan?"
They broke apart as he offered her a seat. Settling in, she gave a sigh. "The same, unfortunately. He has decided to take a wife of common birth stating the notion of marrying a princess as simply too complicated for him," she added, her expression wan.
Adam frowned. "I'm sorry, Eve."
Her eyes met his empathetic ones. She forced a smile to her lips. "No matter. He simply was not the one. Someday, my prince will come," she jokingly sing-songed.
They held gazes as her last remark hung heavily in the air. Princess Eva'Na finally flinched and looked away.
"Now," she stated with renewed vigor. "You are finally marrying the love of your life, dear brother? I am so happy for you and am honored you have chosen me to stand with you on your wedding day."
The Prince gave a slow smile. "Besides Teela, you and David are my best friends. Who else would I have stand with me on the most important day of my life?" he replied with a grin.
Eve's lips parted. "So, coronation is not the most important day, brother?" she retorted saucily.
Adam replied with a lopsided grin, "Not even close."
xxx
"Where's Adam?" Randor asked entering their bedchambers after a particularly long day at court.
"He and Cringer are out at the lake fishing," Marlena replied. "Adam felt some quiet time was needed before the wedding."
Randor's eyebrows flew up in understanding. "Ah yes. The bachelor's life of spending joyful, countless wasteful hours in the company of your pals is sadly over," he stated absentmindedly.
The Queen lifted an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
Realization dawning, the King's hazel eyes nervously darted to hers. He cleared his throat and straightened. "At least, that's my understanding, my dear," he added with a sheepish smile.
Marlena's eyes narrowed tempered by a knowing grin. "I'm sure, my love."
xxx
The sun began to set on what had been a beautifully clear day as they sat together on the side of the water's edge, a fishing rod propped between two boulders quietly soliciting a catch. Adam leaned back on his elbows as Cringer lay curled on the soft verdant grass.
"You're my best bud, you know that, Cringe," he quietly stated, his eyes on the water.
Cringer raised his head and shifted large golden eyes toward the Prince. "Of c-course, A-Adam."
Adam turned to meet his gaze. "You've always been there for me, Cringe, through it all, even tolerating BattleCat to accompany my He-Man," he continued as he sat up straight. "Thank you for being my friend."
"N-no thanks n-needed, Adam. We've b-been together since you found me alone in the brush as a c-cub," he reminded. "No m-matter what life brings, you'll always h-have my f-friendship and t-trust," the tiger reassured with a quiet smile.
Adam returned it as they both looked back toward the water in comfortable silence, words no longer necessary.
