Pure Intentions? Chapter 24
A/N: Please note a small reference to Filmation's 'Pawns of the Game Master' episode.
"It's simple Teela." "Adam is in love with you", He-Man's words kept replaying in her head. She knew him to be an honest man; therefore, she did not doubt the truthfulness behind his words.
His words brought forth mixed emotions within the confused captain.
If Adam was not He-Man, it was obvious to the redheaded captain that the latter was putting his own needs, wants, and desires aside to allow her to be with someone who could give her what she secretively craved. She would never admit this to anyone, but deep down inside Teela wanted to get married and have children of her own. Growing up around the Royal Couple, she marveled at their love and devotion to each other, to their children, and to their kingdom. She aspired to one day have the same type of relationship with her husband that Queen Marlena had with King Randor. Her heart ached knowing that He-Man was aware of her secret desire without having her put it into words and was giving her a chance to achieve it with someone else. Again he proved to her how selfless he truly was.
If Adam is He-Man, then the man of her dreams had just admitted to being in love with her. She had waited five long years to hear those words. Although receiving clarification as to He-Man's actions, Teela wondered why he hadn't told her the truth during their private dinner on his birthday, when she first started suspecting the truth about her blonde heartthrob Prince. How could she get Adam to confess his true feelings to her? Her subconscious laughed at her. Before getting Adam to confess, shouldn't she also let him know of her suspicions? Her inner diva also chastised her, telling her that she should make the first move and tell Adam how she felt.
Throughout her life, she envisioned only two men whom she could spend the rest of her life with. Her teenage self had a mad crush on Prince Adam, whereas her adult self was intrigued by Grayskull's Champion. Once, before becoming intimate with He-Man she had told him that her ideal man was a mix between Prince Adam and He-Man. Now that she suspected that they were one and the same, she wondered what that meant for her. Teela was very self aware, knowing and accepting the fact that with Adam becoming more responsible, showing a level of courage he never had before, and spending so much individual alone time with him her feelings for him had changed.
She was not in denial that she had fallen in love with him in which ever form he presented himself as.
Landing on her feet after completing the final somersault over the last balcony leading to her rooms, she stopped mid track analyzing her thoughts. Could she have a future with Prince Adam? Again she wondered why he didn't kiss her back. Her quick mind deduced that perhaps her theory was wrong. Maybe Adam was not He-Man, and he truly believed that she still pined after her ex-lover.
Quietly opening the glass door, she stepped inside the room. Gazing at the bed, she found Adam turned over on his abdomen, his large body positioned in the middle of the bed. She could hear his even breathing, seeing his back rise and fall, with each inhale and exhale. Walking over to the bed, she peered down at him trying to ascertain if he was faking. He was beautiful in repose, his head turned in her direction. Her gaze caressing his profile she marveled at how his long bangs framed his broad forehead, accentuating his large evenly spaced eyes fringed with long blonde eyelashes. Lowering her gaze, she took in his 'Roman' nose as the Queen had dubbed it, so different from a classical Eternian one, a unique feature on his face due to his mixed inter-planetary genetics. Then her eyes landed on her favorite part of his face. Adam had such kissable lips. They were so plump, when she had kissed him it was as if she was pressing her lips into a very ripe plum. Thoughts of that brief but delectable kiss, send blood pumping to her nether regions making her squirm where she stood. Pulling her eyes away from his mouth she studied the rest of him. She wished he was disrobed so that she could see his body. She knew that Adam's body differed from He-Man's in that his legs were covered with fine blonde hairs; whereas He-Man's was completely hairless. She had to get him to remove that silly long sleeved white undershirt he insisted wearing 24/7.
Assessing him to be truly asleep, Teela climbed into the bed with him trying to make herself as small as possible so that she could fit alongside his large body. As soon as she laid down, she felt him move as he raised his arm and nonchalantly let it drop over her, so that his arm lay over her belly. A look of surprise came over her features as she didn't expect him to envelope her in an embrace. Turning her head in his direction, she saw that his eyes were now open, a silly smile gracing his lips.
"I thought you were asleep", she whispered when her heart started beating again. The look he gave her was as if she was a delicious morsel of chocolate macaroon pie, which she knew was his favorite.
"I was." "Your movements woke me up", he stated his voice groggy from sleep.
"Sshhhh", they both heard coming from the corner of the room. "You guys could wake the dead", Orko stated.
"Sorry", they both uttered within seconds of each other.
Apparently, Orko had returned to the room. Teela was sure she had let Adam know that she had left the bed awhile ago to return to their previous room. She waited to see if he would ask her about it.
When he didn't speak further to her after apologizing for waking Orko, Teela turned her head to face him only to find that he was fast asleep once more.
'So much for clarity', she mused. Adam was dead to the world, his breathing now even deeper than when she first entered the room. She didn't know how he always managed to fall asleep so easily.
Angry that that skill evaded her, Teela turned her head so that she could stare at the ceiling. Closing her eyes, she counted sheep in her head to quiet her thoughts hopefully lulling her to sleep. That didn't work. How could it, with He-Man's words on constant replay in her mind, Adam's strong warm body still pressed possessively against hers. It was going to be a long night.
Morning came with a bang. Literally. The room shook with a loud noise. Jumping up from their prone position, both the Prince and Captain looked around frantically to see where the noise had come from. Images from their bedroom exploding the previous night filled their minds. Fear that the attacker was continuing to harass them constricted their breathing. Leaping out of the bed, they both assumed battle stances as their eyes adjusted to the bright morning sun.
"Good morning, sleepy heads", they heard Orko greet them.
Looking in his directions they noticed overturn pots and pans laying around the room. Confused they walked toward the floating magician who was covered in flour, eggs shells haphazardly perched on his shoulders, and various squashed fruit laying below his floating figure.
"What's going on here?", Adam asked stifling a yawn.
"We wwere hhungry", Cringer stated his long pink tongue darting out of his mouth to lap up spilled marmalade from the floor.
"I'm making Queen Marlena's pancakes", Orko clarified.
Taking in the chaotic state of their bedroom, Teela and Adam threw their heads back as jovial laughter escaped their mouth.
"The two of you made such a ruckus, we thought we were under attack again", Adam stated.
"Sorry Adam." "I used too much baking soda." "The batter exploded which toppled over everything else", he said as he turned around in circles eyeing the mess he made.
"Clean it up", Teela demanded.
"Aye, aye, Captain", Orko replied with a salute.
"I'm going in for a quick shower", Teela stated following Orko's salute.
Before entering the bathroom, they heard a knock on the bedroom door.
"Sshh", she whispered as she motioned for everyone to stand behind her using the door as a shield. Teela was in full bodyguard mode. She was not taking any chances. Pressing her ear to the door she signed to Orko to use his magic invisibility spell to get to the other side of the door so that they could see who it was. With a wave of his fingers, Orko disappeared for a total of 5 seconds before reappearing in front of Adam and Teela.
"It's a palace maid." "She has your clothes", he informed them. He then continued, "I don't detect any magical powers in them." "I don't think it's your attacker from last night", he stated addressing Teela.
"Thanks Orko", Teela stated as she pulled the door open.
Walking into the room the maid addressed those present, "Your Highness, Captain Teela your clothes are ready", she stated as she placed them on a nearby chaise. "Queen Sumana requests your presence in the formal dining room to break your fast", she stated as her eyes took in the overturned pots and pans.
"Please inform her Majesty that we will be there shortly", Adam answered for all those present.
Once the palace maid left, Adam turned to Teela to ask "I wonder if the guards were able to ascertain anything more about who would want to hurt you?"
"Me too", she answered. Knowing that Orko had informed him of her midnight escape she replied, "I want to go to Grayskull with He-Man after breakfast."
"What about the Attack Track?", he asked. "We should go retrieve it."
After last night's attack, Teela had forgotten their close call with the Shadow Beasts. Damn, nothing was ever easy for them.
Closing the distance between them, Adam placed his hands on her shoulders as he stated "Perhaps we should retrieve the Attack Track before you head to Grayskull?" "This way it'll give Orko a chance to notify He-Man to meet you there", he concluded.
Looking between them, she wondered what they had up their sleeves. She didn't miss the hidden messages Adam was directing towards Orko with his eyes.
"Why don't you retrieve the Attack Track with Maggie and your valet." "I'll wait around for He-Man", she suggested.
"You're letting me go alone?", Adam asked incredulously.
"Sure Adam." "You're a big boy", she stated as she quickly walked past him in a beeline for the bathroom.
"Who's going to protect me?", Adam asked blocking her entrance by putting a hand across the restroom's door way.
"This is why we train, Adam." "I won't be around to save your ass all the time", she taunted.
"Just my ass", he said with a lopsided grin. "You'll let the rest of me get mauled by the big bad monsters out there?", he teased.
"Well…", Teela paused as she tilted her head to the side letting her gaze land on his muscular derriere, "It's your best feature", she concluded as she tried to pry his arm off the doorframe.
Teela's answer did not surprise the Prince. He already knew how much she admired his backside, having often caught her staring at that particular body part of his both when he was transformed and in his natural state.
When he didn't budge, she scolded "Adam, if you don't let me pass we'll be late."
"Won't be the first time that I'm late, Tee", he replied flippantly.
"Oh." "No." "You are not going to be late on my watch, YOUR HIGHNESS", she yelled. "Into the shower with you", she stated as she pushed into him with all her might.
"You're going to shower with me?", he said with a grin.
His words put an end to her actions. Dropping her hands to her side, she contemplated her choices. If she said yes, she would have a chance to see him without that ridiculous undershirt as he wasn't currently wearing it. The offensive garment was now resting upon the chaise, having been left there from the palace maid.
Teela's mouth dried up as her mind brought forth images of Adam standing beneath the cascading water, the wetness making his muscles glisten. Hmm, if she showered with him she knew that they would be late, as she would want to spend long leisurely moments running her hands up and down his muscular torso. Believing He-Man's words, she didn't think Adam would object to her ministrations.
But what if he did? He did reject her kiss after all. Well, there was only one way to find out. Pushing past him, Teela walked into the bathroom. She didn't stop until she had pulled open the shower door, extending her arm out to him in invitation. "In you go", she directed.
Adam couldn't believe that Teela was actually holding the shower door open for him. Did she mean to take him up on his offer? His mischievous side taking over, he quickly stepped into the shower to adjust the water temperature before turning the jets on. Stepping back out, he brought his hands up to the knot securing his robe. Untangling it, he let the straps fall to the side. As he did this, he studied Teela as she had trouble peeling her eyes away from his slowly exposed body. With a slow Cheshire cat grin gracing his face, Adam reached up to his shoulders to pull an arm out of the robe.
Teela followed his every movement. Was he actually going to strip down to his birthday suit? Would she? As Adam tugged one arm out of a sleeve, he used his other hand to hold the robe closed in front of his abdomen. Seeing his now exposed arm, Teela trembled deep within her center. She held her breath, to see if he would pull out the other arm. To her delight, he did but not before switching arms so the previously exposed arm was now clutching the robe in front of him. Now the only thing left for him to do before he stood gloriously naked in front of her was to drop that arm. Teela couldn't see behind him, but she knew that his back and derriere were entirely exposed. Just like her, she was aware that Adam was not wearing any underwear under the robe as they had both washed the pieces of clothing and put them up to dry in the bedroom that exploded. That meant they would both be going commando once dressed in their now washed clothes.
Suddenly, Teela felt embarrassed. She couldn't go through with it. Shutting her eyes, she stuttered "You can s-shower first, Your Highness", as she ran past a now confused half-naked prince.
Out in the bedroom, Teela was able to hear the water running. Scenes of a wet soapy muscular body kept shifting through her mind. Off course, Teela had never seen the adult Adam naked so where she didn't know what his body looked like, she superimposed He-Man's body parts. The form and size of his body still clearly emblazoned in her memory, Teela remembered that He-Man had a tiny almost indiscernible birth mark in the shape of a sword on the left side of his body, right on his second rib from the bottom of his ribcage. Teela knew that had she showered with him, she would have been looking for that birth mark to put an end to her queries.
Teela admitted that she was a coward. Sitting on the bed, caressing Cringer's big furry head Teela confessed that she wasn't ready for the truth. She didn't know how she would handle the situation if her theory was confirmed or disproved.
As she contemplated the reasons she ran out of the bathroom, she heard Adam call for Cringer to bring him his clothes. Obediently, Cringer scooped up Adam's garments into his mouth. Teela watched as Adam slightly opened the door, so that Cringer could enter the privy. So much for her catching a glimpse of him in just a towel.
'You are a fool', she scolded herself. 'You had your chance and you blew it'. Actually thinking about it, Teela realized that Adam did not balk at the idea of showering with her. Surely, he must have realized that if he and He-Man have the same birth mark, Teela would recognize it? Unless that meant that he didn't!
'Or he does and this was his way of showing you the truth!', her foolish heart admonished her.
Before she could berate herself anymore, the bathroom door opened completely as Adam walked out of the privy. Coming to stand in front of her, Teela stared at him waiting to see what he would say.
"Coward", she heard him state.
His word ignited her temper. How dare he call her a coward?! Standing up, she closed the distance between them, tilting her head backwards to stare into his blue eyes which currently held such amusement.
"You want to call me a coward to my face", she taunted.
Bringing his head lower so that he was mere inches from the top of hers he articulated "C. O. W. A. R.D", which earned him a hard shove in the chest from her. Adam was lucky she didn't go with her gut instinct to use her knee against his most sensitive parts. Teela needed those parts functioning if she ever planned on having his babies.
'Now where did that thought come from?', her subconscious questioned her.
"I don't know", she answered herself aloud to Adam's chagrin. Stepping away from him, she grabbed her washed uniform as she walked into the bathroom. Closing the door behind her, she quickly disrobed and entered the shower. Having washed her hair the night before, Teela hurriedly bathed her body not wanting to keep Queen Sumana waiting longer than necessary. She would have to continue her battle against Adam's will at a later time.
Turning off the water, she jumped out of the shower drying herself thoroughly before donning her trusty uniform. Teela was glad she was no longer wearing the red gown she had left Morainia in. Funny, she just recalled that she had worn it to tease Adam about a potential meet up with He-Man.
Which brought about an interesting observation to Teela. He-Man always knew where to find her. Always. No matter the circumstances or how far away from the Palace she was. The question was how and why?
Vowing to continue her contemplation when she had less on her plate, Teela exited the bathroom. Asking if everyone was ready, she lead the group out of the bedroom toward the dining room.
By the time Adam's group arrived at the dining room, most of the additional guests who were also visiting Arcadia during Adam's stay there were already present before Queen Sumana. The Arcadian herald announced all of the guests' presence once they appeared before the red-garbed Queen.
Adam had noticed nobles he recognized from neighboring villages, including the dreaded Lord Teary, Viscount of Calcutwhita. The viscount's last phone call to his father the day he departed for this tour was still fresh in Adam's mind. The Prince recalled that his father had asked him to be civil, needing him to draw up an agreement for the ore mines. The King had agreed to send Adam over; however, had left the details to the trip for Adam to decide upon.
Looking around, he noticed that the viscount's raven-haired daughter was not present. Good Adam thought. As much as she had intrigued him the night of his birthday ball, Adam didn't wish to have to engage with her today. Especially, after he so nonchalantly told Teela that 'he' was in love with her. Although Teela had not yet questioned him about it, he knew that the questions would come sooner rather than later.
Thinking about Teela brought a sly smile to his lips. For a moment there, he really believed that she would join him in the shower. Then for sure, they would have been late. He was actually surprised when she chickened out at the last minute. Even more surprising was the fact that Teela did nothing other than push him away when he called her a coward to her face.
Some would call him a fool, instigating her like that. Adam was the only one who could.
As much fun as it was teasing her, Adam called it quits as he reminded himself he was desperately trying to portray a better version of himself to her, his father, and the entire kingdom.
And so, he found himself greeting Lord Teary with a heartfelt handshake after the older gentleman approached him. Before long, Adam had made arrangements to travel to Calcuwhita in two days time. That meant his time in Arcadia was cut short, something he would have to explain to his current hostess.
Making his way to the Queen, Adam bowed in deference. Standing next to him, Teela also showed her respect by curtsying. Joining the others already seated, Adam and Teela sat opposite each other waiting for Queen Sumana and King Acanda to make their way to the table. Once the monarchs were seated at the head of the table in adjacent chairs, the palace servants passed trays laden with Arcadian breakfast delicacies around.
Both Adam and Teela looked at the food with curiosity. Although most Eternians ate the same staple of foods throughout the planet, the preparation of the foods differed from location to location. Chef Allen, the head Royal Chef for the Palace at Eternos always tried to incorporate different delicacies into the choices he prepared for the Royal Family.
Finding items they were familiar with, Adam and Teela chose their breakfast consuming it quietly each lost in their own thoughts. They both looked up with a surprise when Queen Sumana addressed them directly.
"I trust you rested well after your unfortunate happenstance from yester eve?", she asked.
Teela allowed Adam to speak for them as he was the visiting dignitary. "Yes, Your Majesty." "We thank you for your kind hospitality", he answered. As he spoke, Adam kept his voice steady; however, his eyes briefly skimmed around the table perusing those presents for any unbecoming body language before his gaze landed on the Queen's.
"I'm glad to hear it, Prince Adam." "Please note my guards are doing everything possible to figure out who the perpetrator is", she informed him.
The Queen's statement prompted Teela to speak up "I beg your pardon Your Majesty." "I would like to join the guards to also look for the attacker." Teela's request surprised Adam not so much as it was unexpected but because he was under the impression that they would be leaving Arcadia to retrieve the Attack Track and then travel to Grayskull.
"Off course, Captain." "After breakfast I'll introduce you to the head of my security and you can work out the details of who will work on what."
"Thank you", Teela answered politely.
The Queen then informed her guests of the special activities taking place tonight. She had arranged a soiree and invited all those who either sang or played a musical instrument to partake in the event. Knowing that Prince Adam was a skilled piano player, she asked if he would grace them with a performance. Adam easily agreed after informing the Queen that he had personal business to attend to today.
With the conclusion of breakfast, Teela informed Adam that she would meet him in an hour to retrieve their vehicle. Adam remained behind needing to continue speaking to Lord Teary about visiting Calcuwhita.
Approaching the gargantuan man, Adam waited for him to stand. Walking out of the dining room together, they made their way to the gardens finding a marbled bench to sit on.
"Your father expressed interests in harnessing ore from my mines", Lord Teary began as soon as he was alone with the Prince of Eternia.
"Yes, he is." "I'm authorized by him to make the necessary transactions", Adam responded his tone business like.
"I'm glad you decided to visit Calcuwhita", Lord Teary continued. "To be honest I'm hoping for more than a business relationship between us, Your Highness."
Adam caught on to what the viscount was saying without the latter needing to put it into words. Calling upon years of etiquette training, Adam held his tongue waiting for the viscount to drop the ball.
"My daughter, Lady Stephania is of marriageable age." "A match between the two of you would serve both our …",
"With all due respect Lord Teary, I must stop you there", Adam interrupted him as he stood from the bench. "Please don't be mistaken, my visit to Calcuwhita will be strictly for business."
"What about your father's announcement at your birthday ball?", Lord Teary pressed. "We all heard the High King state that he wants you married by the end of the year." "Surely, it wouldn't hurt to combine work with pleasure?"
"I'm honored for your recommendation as for whom I should marry, Tom", Adam continued now using the viscount's given name. "I'm sure Lady Stephania will make a great wife to whomever she chooses to give her affections to."
"She's expressed an interest in you", the viscount pushed.
"I will thank her personally, but please relate to her that the interest is not returned", Adam stated hoping that his words would put a stop to the viscount's wish for him to marry his daughter.
"Stephania will make a fine Queen", the viscount persisted not taking no for an answer. "She is much more than a viscount's daughter, her maternal great-grandfather was also a duke."
"I'm sure she will", Adam said trying not to offend either father or daughter. Adam knew he had to get his point across without ruining the chances he had at drawing an agreement between Eternos and Calcuwhita. To address the viscount's last sentence Adam responded, "I'm not going to choose a wife based on her social ranking, Tom."
Realizing that his attempts were futile, the viscount asked "There's nothing I can do to get you to look at my daughter in a different light?" The viscount knew better than to threaten that he wouldn't agree to a business transaction for the ore if Adam refused to consider his daughter for marriage. After all, he needed the money. Furthermore, both King and Prince were adamant that nothing more would come between Adam and Stephania. The King of Eternia had related to the viscount that his son was free to marry for love. The gigantic man wondered which eligible lady of the ton the Prince was interested in, for surely, only a man who had already found his intended would refuse his daughter's charms. Stephania was known throughout the lands for her famed beauty and genteel upbringing.
"No, sir", Adam answered respectfully.
"I hope my pushing of the issue won't affect your decision to agree to a business proposal between us?", he asked clarifying his need to secure this transaction.
"If we can both agree to terms that will be mutually beneficial, it shouldn't", Adam stated with certainty.
"Then I look forward to your arrival at my estate", Tom stated as he too stood to face the Prince.
With a final handshake the men departed ways. Adam walked straight to the transportation bay looking for Teela. He found her speaking to her father on her communicator console. Approaching her, he waited until she was finished before asking her what was going on.
"My father just reported that he received the analysis from the dart that spooked my horse", she informed him. "Apparently, it was laced with a paralyzing poison." "I was very lucky that the attacker's aim was off."
"Was he able to find out where the dart was made?", Adam asked concern lining his handsome features.
"Not yet." "He'll contact us as soon he finds out." "I then filled him in on what happened last night", she informed him.
"How'd he take it?", Adam asked.
"Not well." "He's worried", she answered him. "He asked me if I wanted to return home."
"What did you tell him?", Adam queried. He too was thinking that perhaps he should send Teela home.
"That there is no way I'm abandoning you." "I'm not letting some wanna be perpetrator keep me from completing my job", she stated angrily.
"That's my girl", Adam said proudly.
The pride in Adam's voice brought a smile to her face. "By the way, my father stated that your mother needs to speak to you", she concluded.
"Did he say what it is about?", he asked.
"No, he had to go but stressed that you should contact her", she said as she turned to face the Attack Trak to climb into it.
"I'll call her later", he stated as he walked to the other side. Entering the vehicle, he asked "Where's everyone else?"
"Cringer and Orko started out before us", she stated with a smile. "We should meet up with them half way there."
"What was the rush?", Adam asked.
"Nothing, they wanted the exercise", she stated.
Looking at her with a confused look, Adam wondered at his friends' actions. Cringer hated exercising. Turning to face the console, Prince Adam started up the vehicle's controls. Within minutes, they were exiting Arcadia.
For most of their journey, Teela kept quiet. However, her mind was busy analyzing both the information the Arcadian guard had given her and her situation between Adam/He-Man. She wondered when and where she would meet up with Grayskull's Guardian. Unable to contain her curiosity anymore, Teela turned to the Prince asking "Did Orko contact He-Man yet?"
"I'm sure he did", he answered her keeping his eyes glued to the front.
"Will you come with us to Grayskull?", she asked him watching him carefully for any change in his demeanor.
Continuing to drive their vehicle, Adam kept his eyes on the road as he answered "No." "I have to return to Arcadia." "You heard Queen Sumana, she wants me to play for her guests."
"I see", Teela responded.
"Will you be alright being with He-Man on your own?", Adam asked.
"Why wouldn't I be?", Teela queried.
Shrugging his shoulders Adam didn't respond. Teela waited to see if he would. When he didn't she stated, "I finally got my closure last night." "I understand why He-Man abruptly ended our affair."
"You do?", he asked as he turned to look at her.
"Yes." "You and he were right", she informed him.
"About?"
"He can't give me what I want", she stated.
"What do you want?", he asked her his words steady not depicting his rapidly beating heart.
'You!', she whispered in her mind, but aloud she stated "I want a man who would treat me like your father treats your mother." "Someone who respects me by being honest and open", she stated pointedly.
"That's the type of relationship I too want with my wife to be", Adam stated with a smile.
"Adam can I ask you a question?", she stated her voice tinged with a smidgen of anxiety.
"Sure, Tee", he answered quickly.
"Does He-Man know the name of the woman you love?", she asked him shyly.
"Trak please initiate the autopilot", Adam requested as he turned to face his long-time friend. "Why do you ask?", he queried his voice steady.
"Just curious", she answered him.
Yup, he thought. Teela didn't waste any time in bringing up their conversation from last night. . Being honest with her he replied, "I did share her name with him."
"Who is she?", she asked.
"I'm not ready to make her name public knowledge yet", he answered.
"Why not?", she asked.
"Truthfully, I want to declare my feelings to her before I tell anyone about her", he answered.
"Why did you tell He-Man?", she asked.
Hmm, how should he answer this question, he thought. Peeking a glance at her, he noticed she was perched at the edge of her seat waiting for his response.
"Why do you want to know?", he asked her.
"I told you, I'm just curious", she repeated.
"You've never asked me questions like this before." "Tell me why you are so curious all of a sudden, and I'll tell you why He-Man knows her name", he offered.
Shaking her head she stated, "Never mind." "It's not important." "You don't need to answer my question."
Disengaging the autopilot, Adam continued to drive a while lost in his own thoughts. After traveling a few miles, seeing that Teela had now turned her head to the side and sat there with her eyes closed he stated, "He-Man knows the name of the woman I love, because I needed his help". This was the best he could come up with without lying to her or divulging his secret.
Teela heard his words, but didn't respond. Keeping her head tilted with her forehead resting on the window shield, she opened her eyes to look at him. Studying his profile, she took in the slight color change of his skin. She could tell that her line of questioning was making him feel uncomfortable.
Within minutes, they came upon the abandoned Attack Track. Stopping, Adam opened the vehicle doors and they both descended from the transport. Walking to it, they examined it for any damage. Looking up from their examination of the transport, they noticed that Orko and Cringer met up with them. Greeting their companions, Teela and Adam continued examining the Attack Trak. When they deemed it safe to travel in, Adam informed her that he would drive it back to Arcadia. That left Teela to use the Attack Trak they had just traveled in to head to Grayskull. Both Orko and Cringer opted to return to Arcadia with Adam.
As he was about to jump into the vehicle, he heard her ask "Did he help you?"
Adam knew whom she was alluding to. "Yes", he answered confidently.
Then the group departed ways. Both Adam and Teela, wondered what the other's thoughts were. As Adam drove, he alerted the Sorceress that Teela was on her way and then asked for a portal to be opened for him after he dropped off the Attack Trak.. Driving back to Arcadia, Adam parked his vehicle before returning to his room. There he quickly transformed into He-Man notifying the Sorceress to open the dimensional portal.
He-Man arrived to Grayskull at the same time Teela did, meeting her outside of the great castle astride Battle-Cat with Orko floating by his side.
"Morning, Captain", he greeted her as if he had not woken up next to her.
"Good morning", was her brief response.
"Did you bring the missive?", he asked.
Reaching into a hidden pocket under her chest plate, Teela withdrew the attacker's note. Holding it in her hand, she waited until He-Man withdrew his sword and beckoned the jaw bridge lowered. Jumping off his feline companion, Grayskull's Defender stepped aside so that Teela could walk in before him. As soon as she past him, he followed her inside.
Silently, they walked down barely lit corridors leading to the Great Throne room. Entering the room, they found the Sorceress seated upon her Throne, her Mystic Mirror replaying the scene when the bomb was thrown into Teela's bedroom. Without preamble, the winged woman stood from her throne before dematerializing from their view. Within seconds, she re-appeared in front of her Champion and daughter concern lining her usual serene face.
Holding her hand out, the Sorceress asked Teela to hand the missive over to her. Holding the missive in her hand, Grayskull's Mystic Guardian closed her eyes as she conjured a spell allowing her to bring forth a vision of the attacker.
"I can't see who it is", the guardian informed her visitors in a shaky voice. After a long pause she spoke again, "I'm receiving a vision that the attacker doesn't want you to succeed in something new in your life." Opening her eyes, the falcon-garbed woman stared at her secret daughter.
"I'm so confused." "There's nothing new in my life", Teela informed her. All present could hear the confusion in the usually confident captain.
"Nothing at all?", the guardian asked her.
"No." "Is there anything more you can tell me?", Teela asked.
"I'm sorry Captain." "My powers are limited", the Sorceress answered.
"I guess we are back at the drawing board", Teela continued. "Thank you for your help." "I guess I'll be going."
"Teela wait", she heard the Sorceress call.
"There is something more I can tell you", the mystic guardian informed her. "Whoever this is, wants something you already have."
The Sorceress's words confused the courageous captain even more. Sometimes she felt like visiting the Sorceress was a waste of time, especially when her responses were so ambiguous. Disappointed that she didn't receive any more clarification as to whom would want to hurt her, Teela turned to He-Man asking, "Will you accompany me back to Arcadia?" She wanted to ask him more about Adam's feelings towards her. Given their history she felt more comfortable speaking to him about Adam, then asking Adam directly to tell her about his feelings.
Before responding, He-Man heard the Sorceress speak, "I'm sorry Teela, but I need He-Man to remain behind." "There's Grayskull business I wish to discuss with him."
The Sorceress's words surprised He-Man. He wondered what she wanted to share with him, away from Teela's ears.
"Alright", Teela conceded. "Thank you both again for your help." "Sorceress, if there is anything more you see in a vision I would appreciate if you would let me know."
Nodding her head, the Sorceress smiled at Teela responding, "I will do my best to help keep your safe, Teela."
When Teela left, the Sorceress turned to her Champion stating, "Adam, the situation is worse than we thought." "I didn't want to disclose what I saw to my daughter, but whoever this is won't stop until she is out of the picture."
"Out of the picture?", he asked.
"Yes." "They want access to you", she informed him. "There was more to the missive, but Teela couldn't read it." Running her hand over the note, the Sorceress's magic allowed it to flow midair so that all those present could see it. With a blink of her eyes, she made letters that were virtually invincible to the naked eye appear.
The entire note read, 'You will not succeed.' 'You will not be Queen!'
Apparently whoever had designs on his redheaded bodyguard's life knew about the Prince's emotions toward his lifelong friend.
But who could it be? The only people he had shared this information with were their parents and his sister. No one else was privy to the Prince's personal life. Given the secret of his dual identity, Adam lead a very closed secret life, often staying out of the public eyes unless absolutely necessary.