A/N: Hi. Thanks for your patience as I settled back into the R/L. Thanks to all for your reviews and Guest, wow. Thank you for your sentiments. Indeed I truly love MOTU and enjoy being inspired by this wonderful world. I didn't create the main characters but I sure love messing with them; they're awesome. Wow again, thank you so much. I hope you will decide to post your own story. I'm sure I can speak for everyone when I say we'd love to read them :). Step out onto that limb with us haha. Writing these is a labor of love but entirely worth it in my humble opinion.
Warning: You must be at least 18 years of age to read this chapter. Contains some language and adult situations.
Chapter 22
Arms folded, he sat in the cold, barren cement cell, caged like an animal behind iron bars.
Keldor squinted at them, the bars humming and glowing, imagining what his life would have been like had he not engaged with Hordak and his bitch Weaver.
Why did he allow jealousy to get the better of him? Why couldn't he have just accepted his lot in life and served in the innocuous clichéd role of "black sheep" of the family? Why did he have to engage with that scum Hordak and sell his niece and nephew like cattle?
Frustrated, he exhaled, his eyes now locked on the hard floor.
Now look at him. Alone, cast out, demonized.
And no one to blame but himself.
"I'm an asshole," he said aloud to no one in particular.
"Pretty much," came an unseen reply.
Keldor's brown gaze shot up to lock onto his nephew standing beyond the protective bars, arms folded across his chest. Keldor smirked.
"Well if it isn't Mr. Invincible coming down to the dungeons to pity us poor forgotten folk," he jeered. "What is it? Did Greyskull give you permission to gaze upon the enemy?"
At his words, the guard sent a confused glance at the Prince, Adam giving a dismissive shake of his head. "Would you mind giving us a minute?"
The man blinked. "But…my post—"
"It's okay," he interrupted, "If anyone questions you, I'll back you up."
Another unsure glance at the cell before settling uncertain eyes on His Highness.
Adam gave a reassuring nod.
Sighing, the man reluctantly left, closing the security door behind him.
Keldor stood and approached the pulsing bars, the two men eye to eye.
"What do you want?" the older man snapped.
"What do you think I want?"
The question threw him off. "To gloat, no doubt."
"Besides that," Adam replied.
Surprised at the response, Keldor's eyes went wide before narrowing.
"Obviously your Dad has failed to instill some semblance of integrity in you, boy," he mumbled bitterly. "The noble, pure and just He-Man isn't supposed to revel in anyone's demise."
His nephew quirked a brow. "Oh you're not just anyone," he shot back, "You're Skeletor: self-proclaimed Master of the Universe, Wizard of Snake Mountain and Public Enemy Number One," he said, his gaze going hard. "Seeing you caged up is special satisfaction."
"I am not Skeletor!" he screamed, seething. "I'm—" he stopped.
Adam's eyebrows flew up. "I'm waiting."
Conflicted, his uncle turned and walked toward the old worn out bench. Running his hands over his face in frustration, he sat heavily.
"You don't know who you are, do you?"
Keldor whipped his head up to him before shifting his gaze to the floor.
"No."
Adam tilted his head. "Well that's a start." He turned to go.
"Wait."
The Prince stopped and whirled around training an expectant gaze on the older man.
He frowned. "What did you do just now?"
"What do you mean?" Adam asked.
Prince Keldor gestured between himself and the younger man.
"This. Was all this just an exercise? You were simply exploring my triggers, weren't you? Reverse psychology. You were employing some sort of amateur therapy session, were you not?"
Adam waved a dismissive hand. "Nahh. I just came to gloat. Have a nice evening," he said flippantly before turning on his boot heel and walking out of solitary confinement.
Keldor angrily narrowed his eyes.
"Kids," he spat.
Adora had holed up in her suites the entire day as her father and brother confronted her "so-called" uncle.
She sat on the couch, attempting to read a book, her mind too distracted. Giving up, she tossed it on the coffee table.
Suddenly feeling guilty for not accompanying them, she stood and selected a bottled mineral water from the fridge. Twisting off the cap she took a gulp, her eyes settling distant.
Why did I let Adam talk me into helping that scum? her mind wondered. The man sold us for goodness sake. No. I'm glad I didn't go…
Her thoughts turned to Hordak, her beautiful features shifting to a scowl.
It had been many weeks since she first came home to Eternia. So much had happened. Such a whirlwind of meeting her parents, meeting her father's military commanders and the Palace staff, by Horde World just getting acclimated to this type of living.
Then of course the Adam/Teela breakup thing.
She hadn't had a chance to really settle and explore her feelings about the creature she once held in such high esteem…the man she once called "Guardian".
Her features darkened.
So he was a liar. A thief. An abuser…
A murderer.
Her sapphire gaze went hard. And now I'm supposed to just forgive them? After all the damage they've done to my family…to me? To Eternia?
*There…is a reason for your suffering…*
Adora started at the faint ghostly voice, her eyes wide as her gaze darted about the room.
"Teela?"
Silence.
Her skin prickled at the eerie interjection.
Remembering something, she glanced at the timepiece in her kitchen.
With a gasp, she hurried to her bathing chambers to get ready for dinner.
xxx
The table was silent; the sound of clinking silverware and dishes breaking up the heaviness, Cringer reclining on the floor by his friend's chair, his head on his paws.
Randor eyed his son.
"So has Evil—I mean, Lady Evelyn created any disturbances since she was remanded to Scinterian Detainment?"
"No, Sir," Adam replied. "She's pretty quiet."
His father leaned in. "I'm told you saw him today."
He groaned inwardly. Can't anyone keep a damn secret? "Yes, Father, I did."
The King frowned. "And why did you feel it necessary to do that?"
The Queen glanced at her husband before locking eyes with her daughter.
Adam shrugged. "Just wanted to talk to him."
"Why?" he pressed, irritated.
He stopped and looked at him. "Because he's my uncle, Dad."
Nervous, Cringer's golden gaze volleyed between the two.
"You mean, used to be—"
"Oh dear God, are we really starting that again, Randy?"
He shot a perturbed look at his wife before focusing back on his son. "Keldor's just trying to gain sympathy so he can turn around and stab me in the back again," he spat waving a hand. "He betrayed me. I don't want you going back down there again."
Adam frowned. "I'm going."
Randor stopped, the two men glaring at one another, Marlena and Adora exchanging troubled looks. The King clenched his jaw.
"You will not. You will stay away from him. And that's final."
"Make me," Adam shot back, hot.
Feeling a jolt, his father's eyes went wide with anger and incredulity. "You openly defy me, son? How dare you—"
"How dare you forgive my sister but not your brother."
Someone gasped as Randor frowned.
"No comparison!" he bellowed. "My daughter was at the mercy of powerful sorcery, influenced by evil without her consent, Adam. Keldor sold you two! He robbed me of decades with my children just to get what he wanted! He willingly betrayed me!"
Adam's gaze narrowed. "You sure about that?"
Baffled, the King stopped. "Sure about what?"
"That he went willingly. That it was all his own decision," he explained.
Pensive silence as Randor sat speechless.
"I didn't think so."
"Adam! Watch your manners," Marlena interjected, frowning. "You can disagree without belittling your father. We didn't raise you to be so disrespectful!"
He put a hand up in resignation.
"Sorry, Mom." He looked at his father. "Sorry, Dad."
Unhearing, Randor's hazel gaze went distant. He stroked his goatee and folding an arm over his chest, he leaned back, Adam and Adora exchanging glances.
"Here comes the gavel," Adam mumbled under his breath, Adora lifting an amused brow.
"No…no sentencing, son," Randor replied before dropping his hand and leaning forward, "Stay of execution. For now, anyway."
The Prince pursed his lips, the Princess stifling a laugh.
Pressing her lips together hiding her reaction to her son's comical expression, Marlena cleared her throat. "He does have a point, Love, despite it being rather harsh and tactless."
Adora snorted a laugh, her twin brother cutting his eyes to her.
The King gave a reluctant nod. "He does." He looked at his son. "I see what he's trying to do," he confessed. "Reconciliation. He's attempting to restore the family unit."
The two men held each other's gazes, Randor shaking his head.
"You're the future King, son. You need to work on refining your delivery. You come off as a real asshole at times."
"Outright bitchy," the Queen added with a grin.
This time, Adora broke out into full belly laughter as Adam looked at her.
"Keep smiling," he teased a threat.
"Speaking of bitches, Princess Frosta arrives tomorrow, correct?"
"Oh Hera—!" Adora barked amused.
"Randor!" Marlena shouted, whipping her head to her husband.
He shrugged innocently and returned to his plate as Adam gestured.
"Mom. You see where I got this shit from, don't you?"
"You're all crazy," Adora chuckled, placing a hand over her mouth.
"What do you mean you-all? Your name is Miro too, Sis. No escaping this circus."
More snickering.
-The Next Day, The Crown Prince's Chambers -
The next morning came way too soon.
"Good luck…,"
Adam rolled his eyes. "Gee thanks," his mind sarcastically replied.
"Do me a favor. Don't kiss her."
"Teela…," he groaned aloud.
"What?" she sharply replied.
"Like I'd really want to," he said, buttoning his shirt.
"Well you might be tempted," she stated. "It's been months since you've had sex, you know. And years before that. And we only had like, three days together. So…"
"I'm not desperate if that's what you're getting at."
Pause.
"That argument with your father last night…you seem a bit on edge. Have you…you know…relieved some tension lately?" she asked delicately.
Annoyed, Adam dropped his arms to his sides. "I don't fuckin' masturbate and you know that, Tee," he said aloud. "That one time was for you."
"…kay…"
Realizing something, he stopped.
"Have…you?"
Silence.
Adam snorted a laugh. "Busted."
More silence.
"Were you thinking about me or were you just horny—?"
"Shut up!"
He smirked.
xxx
Wearing a heavy cashmere coat, the Prince waited outside Greyskull's walls, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, his breath frosting in crystalized puffs in the cold mid-morning air.
Irritated with him, the Sorceress wouldn't let him in, Adam bouncing on the balls of his feet way too amused at her little temper tantrum. After some teasing about denying entry to "Greyskull's Defender", the drawbridge began to lower.
x
Frosta stepped out of the portal, a smirk on her blue lipstick. She set her bags down and marched forward, a hand on her hip.
"So…Sorceress," she stated derisively, "Looks like the best woman won after all."
Annoyed, Teela's emerald gaze lit ablaze. Her turquoise armor bursting aglow, she lifted a palm.
xx
Adam knit his brow as the drawbridge froze fully lowered, no sign of life emerging from its gaping maw.
He glanced left and right at the Royal Guard, each of them just as baffled as for a few moments, Castle Greyskull sat still in puzzling silence when he finally saw something.
An unconscious Princess Frosta floated very un-ladylike from the mouth and levitated down the drawbridge, her bags following, her body twisted awkwardly as Adam's jaw fell open in the silence; everyone blinking in attempt to decipher what they were seeing.
The Prince finally burst into laughter, the Guard following as the hapless Etherian Princess came to a stop before him, her eyes closed, her head leaning to one side, her mouth wide open.
The magic suddenly released, dropping her unceremoniously to the snowy ground, her bags landing with a thud causing the Guard to roar in laughter.
Joining in, suddenly regaining his composure Adam straightened and sent a censuring look at his security detail, everyone catching it and quickly sobering up.
With a grin, he gave a wink.
Shaking her head, opening her eyes Frosta roused herself propping on elbows as Adam leaned over and helped her to her feet.
"What…what happened?"
"What do you mean?" he asked in all seriousness.
"How…how did I get from there to…out here?" she asked confused.
"You walked. What are you talking about?"
One of the guards behind them snorted.
Standing, knitting her brow she blinked at him. Glancing behind her, the drawbridge was up. She looked back at Adam unconvinced.
"She did something to me, didn't she?"
Adam looked confused. "Did what?"
Frosta pressed her lips together. "Never mind." Seductively swinging her hips, she stepped to him and wrapped her arms around his neck as the Guard took up their posts about the royal carriage, Adam hesitating before returning the embrace. They let go.
"I missed you."
He gave a small smile before gesturing behind him. "Shall we?"
xxx
He walked her to her chambers, the valets following with her things. Rounding a corner, Princess Adora nearly collided with them.
"Sister," Adam stated, "You remember Princess Frosta?"
Admittedly not her favorite among the Etherian set, schooling her features she nodded. "I do." She looked at the shorter woman. "A pleasure to see you again, Princess."
Frosta gave a cocky smile. "Likewise, Force Captain. I hope we have a chance to talk while I'm here."
Adora blinked in confusion not only at the use of her former title but at the 'chance to talk' comment; her sapphire gaze darting to Adam who shook his head and shrugged in ignorance. She glanced back at the woman.
"Okay, sure. Enjoy your visit."
The Snow Princess smiled again and nodded.
"I will."
Adora turned to go, her eyes doing that quick little widening thing as she left, her brother catching the meaning.
Arriving at her doors, the valets entered first, Adam and Frosta following them as she directed where to place her things. He stared down at her.
"You're feeling right at home, I see."
At the slight, she did a double take. "Of course, Adam. I'm simply preparing for my role," she teased with a sexy grin.
His handsome features leveled, the Prince merely stared.
A bit flustered, she guffawed as the valets left.
"What?"
"Don't count your chickens…," he replied.
She frowned. "Meaning?"
"It's something my mother says," he waved off. With a deep breath, he clasped his hands behind his back. "You have the whole day to yourself, Frosta. I'll return at five."
She seemed disappointed. "But I thought we'd spend it…together?" she pouted.
"I know. I'm sorry but Father called me into a meeting. It seems Evergreen Village is having some infrastructure issues and I must be there. It's part of my territory."
Frosta parted her lips and nodded. "Ahh. Well if you must. I'll see you later?"
"Yes."
At that, she stepped to him and before he knew it, her lips were on his, she slipping her arms around his neck as he quickly ended the kiss. He straightened and took a step backward.
"Five o'clock."
"Yes…He-Man," she teased with a seductive grin, her finger tracing the hard pectorals over his silk shirt.
He rolled his eyes and turned to go, she following and closing the door behind him.
Leaning against it, she sighed, her lips curling into a devilish grin.
"He's definitely mine."
-That Evening -
"See? I told you you'd kiss her…"
Adam sighed as he buttoned his platinum cuff-links.
"I didn't. *She* kissed *me*. And what the hell was that? Sending her out incapacitated?"
He heard his Love harrumph softly, a small smile on his lips. He could visualize that sexy pout.
"She deserved it. She kind of pissed me off with her attitude."
"The Power's going to your head, Tee," he chuckled as he slipped on his expensive designer watch. "First you leave me out in the cold. Next you knock Frosta the fuck out. You'd better check that," he teased.
"I know I know…"
"Not that she didn't deserve it, but still…," he trailed off.
The Sorceress giggled.
"Okay. I'll do better…"
He smiled. He always loved her laugh.
"That's my girl."
xxx
Eternia was already abuzz at the rumor that the Prince was once again dating his former fiancée, their suspicions validated as the two arrived in the royal carriage and stepped out to myriad paparazzi all snapping away, flashes blinding them, the questions coming at them fast and furious.
"Are you two back together?"
"Did you kiss and make up?"
"Why is your hair blue now?"
"Is she the kingdom's new Crown Princess?"
"Do you mind?" the Prince asked sternly, thoroughly annoyed.
"Your Highness," they all chimed with a bow, lowering their cameras.
Frosta tugging at her expensive Etherian mink had no problem with the attention whatsoever.
With a grateful nod to the media, he escorted his former betrothed through the double doors as the sun had just set.
Entering the packed yet elegant property, the maître-d met them offering a deep bow.
Frosta turned her back to him as Adam slipped off her sensuous mink and handed it to the check-room attendant before removing his own.
Her silky bare shoulders accentuated by the halter top ice-blue rhinestone studded gown, she rolled her shoulders suggestively, Adam pretending not to notice.
The others in the room certainly did.
All eyes went to the entrance as the Prince of Eternia and the Princess of the Kingdom of the Snows made their way to a private room, the diners dressed in their finery and sparkling jewels smiling and nodding, many standing and bowing or curtseying, Adam kindly gesturing for them to forego the formality.
They reached their private dining chambers, the property a historic mansion renovated into an elegant dining hall with polished hardwood floors, gilded portraits and priceless tapestries hanging from the walls, all topped with beautiful and fragrant sprays of winter flowers and delicate silk upholstered furniture. The wait staff immediately arrived clad in black suits and white gloves, pouring water and fluffing the bouquet of flowers at the ivory lined round table as Adam pulled a chair out for his latest courtier.
"Thank you," she stated to him as he nodded and followed across from her.
After choosing the wine, they poured a glass for her, Adam opting for sparkling water.
Left alone, the two observed each other over candles, the quiet lighting adding to the romantic ambience. Clasping her hands together, Frosta placed her elbows on the table and leaned forward.
"So," she began with a sultry smile, "Tell me what you'd do to me on our wedding night."
"Assuming we'd even have one," Adam shot back.
Throwing her head back, bubbly laughter tumbled from her lips.
"You tease. But no, seriously," she said, her silver gaze boring into his sapphire.
Knitting his brow he tilted his head. "Really, Frosta?"
She shrugged.
"I have three women left to court, you know."
The Princess gave a dismissive wave, her hands covered in elegant silk opera length gloves. "Yeah yeah formalities. You know I'm the best fit, Adam."
He lifted a brow. "Oh? How's that?"
"We have history. You and I not only met at Mrs. Stoley's, but we grew up together even after we found families," she explained, placing her hands in her lap and leaning back. "No one can top that."
"Except Teela," he replied bluntly.
Insulted, her mouth fell open. "You and I both know that's never going to happen," she stated harshly. "She's the Sorceress of Castle Greyskull. And although you're He-Man, you two will never—"
He censured her to silence as a member of the staff entered with their first course. Bowing he left, Adam giving a thank you nod.
Ignoring the man, Frosta sighed and folded her arms.
"You know, you just can't throw his name around," he stated irritated. "It's supposed to be a gottdamn secret, Frosta."
"So what? Light Hope says Skeletor's been captured. Hordak has been weakened, and Shadow Weaver is ill," she stated. "Who's the threat?"
"Beastman, Trap-Jaw, Mer-Man, Clawful, Catra, Horde Prime," he listed, his gaze narrowed. "Did you forget about them?"
She waved her hand and picked up a fork.
"You're much stronger than all of them combined, darling. They're no threat," she stabbed a piece of food and took a bite.
Adam did his best not to roll his eyes.
"How did they know to order my favorite hors d'ouevres?" she said to no one in particular.
He looked at her. "I remembered what you liked."
Her wide silver gaze jerked up to meet his.
"I pre-ordered everything," he sat back and opened a silk napkin. "I hope you don't mind."
"Mind?" she echoed incredulous. "Why would I mind? You remembered?"
He nodded.
"I'm…I don't know what to say," she fumbled. "I'm…I'm flattered."
This time he indulged. He rolled his eyes.
"No. I mean it. That's…that's the most thoughtful thing anyone's ever done for me, Adam," she explained, her gaze misty.
"I'm glad you're pleased," he said cordially.
Silence as they began their meal.
A few moments later, he looked at her.
"You're a capable woman with the moxy needed to be queen. You rule The Snows as its presumptive queen as we speak. You also happen to be intelligent and very beautiful. I have no idea why you feel the need to be so fucking heavy handed with things. Damn," he added, a tinge of frustration coloring his voice.
Frosta stared at him.
"You don't have to try so hard, okay? People like you," he added before going back to his plate.
"Do…do you like me? Because in my book, that's all that matters."
He met her eyes.
"Yes. Although you can be seriously annoying."
She smiled.
-Eternos Palace, The Workshop -
Duncan wiped his brow with a shop cloth, sitting back and admiring his handiwork.
Having worked nearly day and night on the weapon since the day Princess Adora brought it from Etheria, the adjustments to the MasterBlaster had finally been completed. He'll present it to the King tomorrow morning.
Standing he stretched when something in his peripheral caught his eye.
Snapping his head to it, his eyes widened in horror.
xxx
"Teela…"
The faint ghostly voice abruptly awakened her from slumber, she shooting up in bed.
"Your…father…needs…"
She frowned, straining to understand the message, it fading in and out.
"Help me…help her…"
Her eyes went wide.
"Daddy no!" she shouted terrified.