Pure Intentions? Chapter 2

A/N: Kakerot Bardockson: Yes this story is very OOC. Adam/He-Man will be very 'Rico Sauve' and the older Teela I'm writing about has a great sense of womanly confidence.

Reaching the dance floor, Teela pirouetted right into the Prince's arms. The orchestra was playing a lively Quickstep, the upbeat music brining most of the guests to the dance floor. Teela was sure that the Prince was more than capable in leading her in this dance. Royal protocol decreed that they were both trained in formal ballroom dance styles.

Adam had not danced at a ball in years. He wasn't sure what to do. Did he continue with his 'act' , moving clumsily along the dance floor or did he sweep her off her feet? He desperately wanted the latter, but looking over at her father who gave him a slight shake of the head, Adam was resigned to once again act the clumsy fool. He hated this. He was tired of putting his own desires on the back burner and hiding his true abilities, especially know that his father demanded that he marry.

He was worried. If he couldn't show Teela his true merits and personality, he may be forced to marry one of the many dimwitted courtesans that kept pressing for his attentions. As he held her close, he vowed that things would change. He knew he couldn't tell her the truth, as he was advised against sharing his secret with those he loved, in order to ensure their safety. Therefore, the first step of his plan would be to put on end to their 'affair' as Teela and He-Man, a feat he knew would alienate Teela but a chance he had to take. Looking into her large aquamarine eyes as he lifted her off the floor into a Jete and then into a quick turn, Adam made a decision to 'break-up' with her tonight. He knew he would be spending his birthday night alone; however, large sacrifices were necessary for him in order to ensure he got to wake up in her arms on a daily basis.

Needing an excuse to leave and transform, the Prince purposefully put his foot in Teela's path as they were completing a double reverse turn. Abruptly stopping in the middle of the floor, Teela opened her mouth to unleash a barrage of insults at him; however, quickly recalling his previous brooding visage decided against it. This was his birthday after all. The least she could do is excuse him his ineptness on the dance floor. After all, Teela was aware that not every person was as physically able as Grayskull's Warrior.

Seeing that Teela was ignoring his stumble as she just continued dancing, Adam wondered what to do next. He didn't want to make it obvious that he was trying to end the dance. A few minutes later, he didn't have to as they were interrupted by his father.

"Excuse us Teela, but I must speak with my son in private", the King commanded.

Inclining her head to both men, Teela left the dance floor deciding that a patrol of the gardens on this beautiful warm winter evening would be perfect.

Following her exit from the ballroom, Prince Adam turned to his father wondering what this was about.

"Adam, come with me." "There is someone I want to introduce you to", the King stated leading his son to the opposite side of the ballroom.

Approaching a cluster of people who were animatedly talking at one of the guest tables, Prince Adam's attention was drawn to a large potbellied gentlemen dressed in a red-velvet suit. Next to him was seated a much smaller female with long midnight-black hair. Adam knew his father was about to start playing matchmaker. Obviously, his father meant business and he wasn't kidding when he gave him a time frame to find his bride.

Resigned to be polite, the Prince plastered an artificial smile on his thick sensual lips, as they drew closer to the young lady. Noticing the King's and Prince's approach, those seated automatically stood bowing in deference to their Sovereign and his Heir.

Greeting those present by their peerage title, the King motioned for the potbellied gentleman to come forward. Turning to the raven haired gentlewoman, the red-clad lord extended his hand to her. Placing her delicate fingers into his upturned palm, the young lady came shyly forward her eyes glued to the floor. Adam thought that this was extremely peculiar as his experience with ladies of the realm was one in which they were overly aggressive. This one appeared as demure as a delicate flower, a characteristic he abhorred. Although he was worthy to be Grayskull's Champion, deep down he was a rascal, and a misfit-maker which was why he utterly enjoyed Teela's company. Especially, in his youth. He hoped that his father was not under the impression that Adam would entertain a courtship with this shy woman despite admiring her stunning beauty.

Finally standing in front of King and Prince, the young lady raised her gaze to meet the Prince's. Smiling bashfully at him, she waited for her father to make the introductions. The lady had watched the Prince all night and she liked what she saw.

"My Liege, thank you for your hospitality and invitation to your son's and daughter's birthday ball", the paunchy lord stated.

"It is my pleasure, Lord Teary", the King exclaimed. Turning to his son the King continued, "Adam, this is Tom Applepody, Lord Teary Viscount of Calcutwhita and his beautiful daughter Lady Stephania."

"Calcutwhita", the Prince exclaimed as he clasped hands with the viscount. "You've traveled far to be here tonight, Lord Teary." "I hope your travels and stay here are comfortable?"

"The Royal hospitality is exceeding our expectations, Your Highness, isn't it right my dear?", Lord Teary asked as he turned to his offspring. Adam thought the young lady must have taken after her mother, for she did not resemble her gargantuan father.

With eyes glued to the Prince, Lady Stephania responded in a soft delicate whisper of a voice "Yes, Father."

"Milady, it is a pleasure to meet you", Adam stated as he took hold of her gloved hand bringing it up to his lips for a brief kiss, acting in a way he knew his father would approve.

"Adam, why don't you give Lady Stephania a tour of the gardens, while the Viscount and I talk some business", his father requested.

Straightening and releasing the fair lady's hand, Adam spoke "I'm afraid Lady Stephania that I will owe you a tour at a later time." Turning to his father he stated, "I'm sorry, Sire; however, I just remembered a matter of grave importance that needs my attention immediately" Without giving his father a chance to respond, Adam made his farewell to those present, about faced and walked away, to the King's chagrin.

As he made his way out of the ballroom, he saw that Teela had just returned. Walking in the opposite direction away from her, he exited the ballroom from one of the side doors leading into a deserted hallway he knew afforded him much privacy. Pulling out his Power Sword, he quickly transformed into his alter ego. Walking briskly back inside the ballroom to the astonished gawks of all those present at He-Man's unexpected arrival, the disguised Prince approached his mother.

"My Queen, I came to bring my well wishes to your son and daughter on the eve of their birth", he stated as he bend forward from the waist.

"He-Man, what a pleasure to see you." "I'm afraid you won't find my son at the moment, as I just saw him leaving the ballroom, but thank you for your wishes", the Queen stated with a wink making the blonde warrior wonder about her inconspicuous signal. Rising from his genuflection, He-Man looked around the room for his sister. Spotting her sitting on a settee talking with Princess Glimmer, Eternia's Champion bid his mother goodbye before making his way over to the birthday girl. As he walked, he kept his eyes open for Teela. He spotted her dancing with Ram-Man, her throaty laughter reaching his ears. He loved that sound. Knowing that she had already noticed his presence, he appreciatively noted her manners as she didn't stop dancing with Ram-Man in order to come to him. Teela didn't know this and would probably bite his head off if he told her she was the truest 'lady' of his acquaintance, other than his Queen Mother.

Reaching his sister who was now standing, he smiled at her as he stated his greeting, "Princess Adora, please excuse my tardiness, but I wanted to personally wish you a Happy Birthday." Turning to Glimmer, he inclined his head greeting her, "Hello Princess, it is good to see you in time of peace."

"Thank you He-Man", the pink-haired princess replied.

Turning to his sister he stated, "Princess, please give my regards to the Prince." "I've been informed by your mother, that he is not here."

"Off course, He-Man I shall." "Please give my regards to your twin as well", the Princess stated hiding her subtle smile behind an opened handheld fan. Nodding to her, he decided to also pay his respect to his father. Seeing he was still talking to Lord Teary, he paused in his steps wondering if the King was already bad-mouthing his true self to those present.

Teela, who by now had finished dancing with Ram-Man made a beeline straight for him. Calling out his name, she watched as he slowly turned his face in her direction. Schooling his features, He-Man turned his entire body away from her continuing his approach to the King, without giving a backward glance to the red-haired vixen that ensnared his heart, body, mind, and soul.

Shocked at the rude dismissal he had just given her, Teela wondered at his actions.