Pure Intentions? Chapter 22

A/N: Please note, I'm making small references to Filmation's episodes 'Prince Adam No More', 'Teela's Quest', and 'Into Arcadia' in this chapter.

Teela slowly moved away from Prince Adam. She didn't know what possessed him to randomly pull her into his embrace and then let go off her just as suddenly. Returning to her seat, she lowered the volume of the music as he joined her in the front of the vehicle. Somberly, he buckled his seat belt the carefree mood from moments before forgotten.

As the Attack Track traveled closer to Arcadia, they both became more reflective of their situation. Adam worried about telling her the truth as he was wary of what her reaction would be. Teela worried that he didn't return her sentiments. Neither was willing to make the first move to resolve their insecurities, each expecting the other to speak first. However, Adam couldn't go on much longer without revealing his feelings to her as there were only three more weeks left for this tour. He knew he had to step up his game. Recalling his failed attempt to romance her on the night of her birthday, Adam resolved to take every opportunity that presented itself.

Even Cringer having observed their somber mood decided to lie down to catch some shut eye. Unable to do so with the torrent of emotions he felt flowing over their bodies, he would raise his head and look between them every couple of minutes. Cringer had enjoyed the carefree moments of before having been reminded of days long past. Back then, Teela and Adam were inseparable often including him in their many games and mischievous plans. Around the two of them, he often came out of his shell forgetting that he was a 'fraidy cat'.

Absorbed in their own thoughts, none of the riders took notice that their traveling companions in the second Attack Track had come to a full stop. It was the robotic voice of their vehicle that pulled them out of their reverie informing them that their companions had done so. Instantly, Teela went on the alert.

"Mr. Byren, Maggie", she called over the communication console, "Why did you stop?"

"Captain Teela, we are surrounded by Shadow Beasts", Maggie responded.

Teela hadn't dealt with the seven-foot tall gargantuan one horned beasts since facing off with several of them a few years ago, just outside the Crystal Sea. It was not like them to venture this far north into the Northern Continent, making Teela believe that this was a planned attack. Turning to look at Adam, she directed "Stay here, I'm going outside to see what I can do."

Like hell he was. Needing to prove to her that he was not the coward she thought him to be, he stopped her. Reaching out he grabbed hold of her hand as she was about to descend from the vehicle. In the moments it took for Teela to open the vehicle door, Adam had decided that he wasn't about to let her face this danger alone. "I'm coming with you, Tee", he uttered surprising the valiant Captain.

Turning to look at Cringer, Adam motioned with his head for him to stay behind. Master and pet had an unspoken agreement that Cringer would create a necessary distraction in case He-Man was needed.

As they alighted from their transport, Adam remembered the SkySled in the back. Duncan had updated the SkySleds to include high beam LED lights fitted in the front, particularly useful for situations like this. Quietly slipping to the back of the vehicle, he opened the rear door giving him access to the SkySled.

Teela watched on in astonishment. She wondered what he had up his sleeve. Actually, she was surprised to see him take action. Soon her curiosity was appeased as she saw him climb on board the SkySled hearing its soft engines begin to whir. To her continued amazement, she watched as Adam slowly inched the SkySled forward out of the Attack Track.

As he passed her, he signaled for her to stay put. For once she did as he requested, watching from afar as he approached the other vehicle. Coming within a few feet of the surrounded armored vehicle, Adam turned on the intense headlights as he propelled the SkySled forward. Just as expected, the Shadow Beasts reacted immediately to the blinding bright light, scampering away from the Attack Track their mournful cries filling the night air.

Leaping off the SkySled, Adam ran into the vehicle ensuring that his valet and Teela's maid were safe. Seeing that Adam had safely entered the other vehicle, Teela geared up the engines of their transport while simultaneously pressing the buttons that would close the side and rear door. Maneuvering the transport, she reached her companions turning on the vehicle's high beams just as Adam did the same in the second transport. Connecting with her through the console he stated, "The beasts may be gone, but we need to be on the lookout for Beastman." "That looked like a planned attack", having drawn the same conclusions as Teela.

Reaching under her chest plate, Teela felt around for the chain of light beads she always carried. Her hand closing over them, she answered him "Perhaps we should travel in one vehicle the remainder of the way." Upon silent agreement, the occupants of the previously surrounded Attack Track made their way to the one Teela was driving. Adam knew that as long as the bright light shone, they would stay in the shadows as these hairy one-horned beasts hated the lights. They would travel in one vehicle to Arcadia and return to retrieve the second Attack Track in the morning when the beasts were less likely to attack.

Opening her doors, Teela waited until Adam, Mr. Byren, and Maggie boarded her vehicle. Closing the doors behind them, she sat next to Maggie offering her comfort as the maid had never seen the gruesome beasts before. Walking to the front of the Attack Track, Adam directed his gaze towards the two women. It was moments like this that solidified to him that Teela would make a fine queen and why he was so in love with her. Although she presented herself as a tough military soldier, his bodyguard had a true compassionate heart. Usually, she hid this side from others as she had the tendency of constantly being on the defensive against those that thought her status was granted to her on a silver platter. Adam knew better. As He-Man, she often demonstrated this softer sweeter side to him whenever they helped those in need. It was nice to also see it as Adam.

Reaching the driver's seat, Adam fired up the engine and they left the scene of the ambush.

They were lucky that the Shadow Beasts retreated so quickly. Although the armored vehicle was designed to sustain heavy arsenal, the group of mangy beasts could have easily created significant damage. Thankful that they made it out alive, Adam drove them towards Arcadia remembering another time when he and his father were attacked by the same beasts just before Beastman kidnapped the King. Adam was resolved not to have history repeat himself. Taking a silent vow, he promised himself that he would reveal his secret to those present if necessary to protect them.

Fortunately, the beasts did not give chase and the foursome arrived at Arcadia without further incident. Queen Sumana's guards escorted them to their respective suites. Teela and Adam were shown to a splendidly decorated lavender apartment consisting of adjoining bedrooms each with their own bathroom. Entering the suite, they looked around admiring the grandeur furniture. Apparently, the Arcadians fared well after He-Man saved the city.

Both Adam and Teela remembered the last time they were here. So far, they had seen many changes to the city's structure and wondered what more surprises would greet them come morning. They knew that Queen Sumana had married Ananda, naming him her Royal Consort a year after Adam and Teela persuaded the beautiful queen to free the men she had in her servitude. Once that occurred, the Queen had decreed that men and women within Arcadia live harmoniously with each other including sharing living spaces as husband and wives without the need for marriage, as a means to propagate the Arcadian population. Arcadia had become a free loving society, giving her people the opportunity to love whoever they chose. Only the Queen remained married. Therefore, Adam and Teela were shocked that they were given a suite with two bedrooms. Both expected that they would have to share a bed again.

Choosing a bedroom, they separated briefly for a quick shower in their respective bathrooms. Food would be coming up shortly. Having no other clothes to change into, the two lifelong friends donned the thick cotton bathrobes they found in the privies. Luckily, they were both provided with clean underwear. The palace maids took their daughter clothes, promising to return them laundered in the morning.

Weary from their travels, they didn't spend too much time eating the meal provided. Within a half hour, they retreated to their separate bedrooms leaving the doors open, for the Prince's protection.

Alone in her bed, Teela contemplated the events from the last couple of days. She acknowledged that her traveling companion continued to surprise her. She didn't expect him to show courage in the face of the Shadow Beasts. Teela remembered the sheer look of determination on his face when he ordered her to stay put. A slight shiver ran up her spine at the tone of his commanding voice. Always the one giving orders, Teela reacted viscerally to the determination she heard in his voice. 'Why can't he always be this way?', she pondered.

She acknowledged that Adam had the fortitude to be a great Prince. For years she wondered why he always fled from a fight. In fact, she realized that Adam only disappeared just before the fighting/situations became dire. Teela was shocked. She had never before made that connection.

She knew that physically, he was an extremely strong male. She felt his muscles whenever she was in his arms, as when she taught him wrestling techniques or felt the blow of his sword parry. She definitely felt them when he forcibly pulled her off her horse and when she snuggled next to him at night.

Turning to her side, she acknowledged that she missed his nearness. Although initially hesitant to share a bed with him, Teela quickly became accustomed to sleeping next to him. Never afraid to ask for what she wanted, she threw her covers off her and grabbed the terry clothed bathrobe which was draped on a nearby chair. Teela had removed it as she was feeling very warm underneath the heavy bedcovers, deciding to sleep only in her underwear. Checking her reflection in the mirror, she padded over to his bedroom on silent feet.

She could see his form outlined in the moonlight streaming in from a window beside his bed. Admiring his strong profile as his head was turned to the side, Teela allowed her gaze to slowly travel the length of his body. She realized that Adam had fallen asleep wearing his bathrobe which was tightly fastened around his waist. However, the robe did not cover his extremely long legs. The faint light shown on his prone form, allowing Teela to discern the fine curly blonde hair on his legs. This was interesting she thought, as she had never before noticed his hairy legs. She thought that he would be hairless, just as He-Man. She now questioned her theory. She knew that He-Man did not sport any hair on his chest or legs and assumed that Adam wouldn't either. Bringing her gaze back to his face, she took in his calm shallow breathing evidence that he was sleeping deeply. Deciding to return to her own room, Teela turned around to walk away from him. Taking one step, she stopped in her tracks as she heard him call out her name softly.

Turning to face him, Teela saw that he was now awake. As she turned he propped himself against the headboard, his cerulean eyes locked on her turquoise ones.

"I'm sorry to wake you", she whispered.

"Are you alright?", he asked wondering what had brought her into his room. Adam had not been asleep when Teela ventured into his bedroom. Faking it, he lowered his lashes calming his breathing to give off the appearance of a deep sleep. He continued breathing softly as Teela stared at him. In the dark, he hoped that the robe he was wearing covered him sufficiently to hide his physique.

"I'm fine", she answered, as she eyed his bed.

"Are you checking up on me?", he questioned, as he continued to wonder about her presence.

Unwilling to hide the truth from him she answered, "I couldn't sleep."

Immediately Adam moved to the side as he patted the space beside him. He didn't need to utter the words for Teela to join him. Wordlessly, she climbed into the bed with him as he laid back down. Scooting even closer to him, she rested her head on his shoulder bringing her arm over his massive chest.

"Better?", he asked as a secret smile hovered on his lips.

Tilting her head upwards she answered, "Yes." In the next breath she continued, "It seems like I've gotten used to sleeping in your arms, Your Highness."

Her words brought instant joy to his heart. He knew that Teela did not say things unless she meant them. Surprised he found himself responding, "You're welcome to sleep next to me every night", choosing his words very carefully so that they didn't hold a double entendre.

"That wouldn't be right", she answered. "Unless you plan on sharing your bed with me and your future wife", she stated with a hint of amusement.

Latching on to her amused tone he responded, "Are you suggesting a ménage a trios?"

Laughing aloud at his response she shook her head. "I was only kidding, Adam."

Putting aside their joking he asked, "Why couldn't you sleep?"

Once again Teela decided to speak from the heart. "I was thinking about you", she answered him.

"Thoughts of me keep you awake at night?", he asked not hiding his surprise.

She nodded her head but kept quiet until in a quiet voice he asked further, "Why?"

"Lately, you've been acting differently." "I'm trying to make sense of the changes I've noticed", she answered.

"What have you noticed?", he queried.

Quirking her eyebrows she responded, "You are no longer the lackadaisical prince." "I'm proud of you."

With overwhelming gladness he replied, "Thank you." "Those words mean a lot to me, coming from you."

"What brought about the change?", she asked.

"Age and my father's request that I marry before my next birthday", he answered her honestly.

"Any prospects?", she voiced her concern tentatively holding her breath until he responded.

"One, but it's complicated", he replied.

Unbeknownst to Teela, her hand was drawing light circles on his chest during their entire conversation. Adam had grabbed her hand as he uttered his last reply, bringing it to stop over his left pectoral. Beneath her fingers Teela felt his strong steady heartbeat. However, his words caused her distress.

"You see, I'm in love with someone who doesn't even know I exist", he clarified.

"How did that happen?", she asked.

"Misconceptions", he answered with a shrug. "Plus, until recently she was involved with someone else."

She contemplated his words, storing them in her mind for future use. "Is she in Eternos?", she asked pressing him for more information.

"My, my are you curious", he responded with a slight laugh. "Where's this curiosity coming from?"

Recalling her last interaction with his mother, she shared it with him.

"So my mother came to ask you whether or not you know the lady in question?", he asked for clarification.

"Hmm, Hmm."

"What did you tell her?", he asked.

"That I wasn't aware that you were involved with anyone", she answered honestly. "Now I know that you aren't."

"Well, I hope my relationship status changes soon." "I have a plan for winning over my lady love", he replied smugly.

"Good luck", she wished him, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Her words brought a wry chuckle from deep within his throat. Yes, it seemed like his plan was working. Particularly, if she continued to sleep next to him every night and he had opportunities of showing her his true self without needing to reveal to her that he is He-Man. Based on their conversation tonight, Adam didn't think that Teela would object to them sharing a bed for the remainder of the tour and hopefully the rest of their lives. So she confessed that he intrigued her. That was a good start, wasn't it?

Unless off course, she interpreted their conversation to mean that she should stay away from him as he had just confessed to having feelings for someone. Oops that would be a big problem.

Needing to clarify his position and ensure she was the one in his bed he stated, "Going back to you having difficulty sleeping, I can arrange it for you to sleep with me every night."

Instantly, he felt her stiffen. However, she did not pull away from him. He realized that his words left much for misinterpretation following their conversation. His fears were confirmed when she responded, "I won't be your mistress."

Off course she misunderstood his words given that he had just shared with her that he was in love with someone without revealing the women's name to her. His heart broke with her words. Needing to clear the air between them he responded, "I didn't mean it in that way." "I meant for us to share a bed for the remainder of this tour." Feeling her relax next to him, he breathed a sigh of relief. "Would you like that?", he asked.

"Are you asking me if I willingly want to share your bed?", she asked for elucidation.

"Yes", he responded and held his breath. Her next question left him reeling.

"For sleeping or much more?", she questioned him.

Now it was Adam's turn to stiffen. He wasn't about to fuck this up. Was she offering more? He needed to hear her state what she meant by her response so he asked, "Clarify the 'much more' part Teela."

Suddenly losing her nerve, she shrugged refusing to answer him.

"Tee..", he implored waiting patiently for her response.

Pushing herself upwards she attempted to leave his bed. Quickly closing his arm around her waist, he shook his head No. "Don't leave", he stated. "Answer me."

Refusing to do so, she pushed hard against him. Knowing that he couldn't keep her with him against her will, Adam let her go. To his delight, she didn't run out of his room. Rather, she swung her legs over the bed remaining seated on its edge. Poised that way, Adam knew that she would not have any difficulty bolting off the bed, if the need arose.

Tentatively, he reached out to her placing his hand upon her shoulder waiting for her response. "Please answer me", he pleaded once more.

Keeping her eyes forward, Teela continued refusing to answer him. After long moments, she turned her head to look at him as she said, "I mean you didn't kiss me back earlier, then you tell me you're in love with someone, and end with asking me to share your bed." "Frankly, you are confusing me." "If I'm to share your bed, I want clarification as to my role." "I was used for sex before, I won't make the same mistake twice."

Her response floored him. She made her statement devoid of any emotion; however, her words convinced him that she was still very angry at him for ending their affair the way he had. Now she thought that he was asking her to be his lover. With her statement, he gained clarification as to the real reason she had entered his bedroom tonight. She hadn't come to tell him she was proud of him. She had come to find out why he withheld his affections from her. Well, he was going to be honest with her.

"I didn't kiss you back, because I won't be your rebound", he answered.

"My what?", she yelled.

"You are not over He-Man", he answered painfully.

"What does he have anything to do with this?", she asked.

"You said you were 'used 'for sex", he stated using air quotes around the word used. "That sounds like you are still very angry with Eternia's Hero." "I'm your friend Teela, but I won't be your plaything as you get over him."

"You fool." "That's not why I kissed you", she cried as she fled the room. Reaching her own bedroom she slammed the door behind her, turning quickly to lock it. Running to her bed, she jumped on it simultaneously pulling the covers over her head. Hot large tears cascaded down her oval face.

Hearing him knock on the door, Teela turned onto her belly burrowing her face in the pillow. Reaching over, she gathered the extra pillows into her arms arranging them high over her head their padding softness blocking out his entreaties for her to open the door.

'He's in love with someone else.' 'I mean nothing to him.' 'How could I?' 'You're a fool Teela, you should have seen this coming the first time around.' 'Let him be', her mind yelled at her foolish heart.