Pure Intentions? Chapter 35
A/N: Happy New Year. Sorry for the long hiatus, but I am back with updating this story. Thank you again for your interest and readership.
"Count Marzo?!", Adam mouthed silently. That explained the magical abilities Teela had described, as well as Stephania's admission that her father would rule Eternia while she was married to him. Adam doubted that Teary's designs had reached the level of wanting to overthrow Randor. That sounded much more like Marzo who had already made several unsuccessful attempts to seize the Throne.
"I was just as shocked when I found out too", Teary stated as he continued staring uncomfortably at the Prince. "You must be wondering how."
Adam was intrigued, but he was too polite to ask. It was obvious that Teary had experienced a significant amount of pain dealing with Stephania's birth. "What happened in the past, belongs in the past", he stated.
"You are right my Prince; however, given the current circumstances I feel that you need to know the entire truth", the Viscount replied. "Stephania hasn't always been corrupt, but I fear that Marzo has been influencing her."
Sitting back in his chair, Adam kept his gaze steady on the older gentleman as he continued his story. "My little girl has always been highly susceptible." "Ever since she physically laid eyes on you, it has been a battle keeping her away from you." "I fear that I further fueled her interest in you, with my hope for a closer alliance with the Crown." After a breath he continued, "However, I haven't aided her at all in her war against the Captain." "That's Marzo's doing." "I swear."
"What do you mean?", Adam asked intrigued.
"Marzo has recently taken her under his wing", Teary supplied.
"Does she know that he is her biological father?", Adam asked.
"I've tried sheltering her from the truth, but yes she is aware", Teary answered. "They've been spending a lot of time together, especially since Stephania realized she has magical powers." "I can't forbid her from spending time with him." "After all, he is her biological father."
"I understand." Adam then queried, "Why do you think it's Marzo's idea to eliminate Captain Teela?"
"I overheard them talking once." "Marzo fueled Stephania's hatred for the Captain by making her jealous, but his intentions were to eliminate Teela so that she wouldn't be able to help He-Man", Teary provided.
"What does He-Man have to do with this?", Adam asked perplexed.
"He-Man has always foiled Marzo's plans", Teary answered. "I don't know what we will do without that young warrior around to protect us."
Adam curbed the first words that came to his mouth. Inwardly, he thought 'He would have kicked your ass, had something worse happened to Teela.' Aloud he stated, "We have to be able to protect ourselves, milord." "You and I both know that He-Man's duty is to Grayskull, not to Eternos and its provinces."
"That may be true, your Highness." "But I've seen He-Man with my own eyes." "He cares for Captain Teela very deeply." "It was obvious at your birthday ball." "In fact, I'm surprised Stephania thought that you and the Captain are together." "To me, it seems that the Captain and Warrior are in a relationship." "They can't seem to keep their eyes off of each other."
"What are you alluding to?", Adam stated through gritted teeth.
"Nothing", Teary stated smugly. When Adam thought that the haughty nobleman wouldn't say anything more, Teary continued "Just that if Teela is competition to Stephania for your affections, I think He-Man will be your competition for Duncan's daughter."
Teary's keen observation surprised Adam. He thought that he did well, covering his reaction to Teela while he was in his altered state. He didn't realize that his feelings for Teela, in either of his states, had become obvious to others. This could prove extremely dangerous to Teela and his hopes for the future. This time, the Prince didn't hold back his response. It was time to rectify that mistake. Caustically, Adam responded "Firstly, let me clarify that Stephania isn't Teela's competition." "Secondly, I assure you that He-Man can't have and isn't interested in a romantic relationship with the Captain."
The Prince knew that was the biggest lie he had ever delivered in his entire life and he didn't typically resort to fibbing. However, it was extremely necessary to do so in his current predicament. Needing to veer the topic off this dangerous ground, he stated "Enough talk about mine and He-Man's love life." "I won't tolerate any more speculations into what Captain Teela, Grayskull's Warrior, or myself do in our private life."
"Aren't you a bit curious to know what the court thinks?", Teary asked.
"No I am not, Applepody", Adam stated seriously. Staring the man down he spoke, "What I am interested in is knowing more about Marzo and your daughter's plans." "She may only be interested in marrying me, but Marzo is a very dangerous evil schemer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants." "Her life may still be in danger", Adam stated.
"I hope you are wrong, my young Prince." "However, you should also proceed with caution", the Viscount warned surprising Adam with the sincerity of his tone.
Adam immediately realized that he would have to contact her rescue party to inform them that retrieving Stephania would be harder than planned. Then it hit Adam. What if Stephania didn't want to be rescued? What if, that was the real reason behind Stephania's abduction? Could it be that she had somehow contacted Marzo and he came to rescue her from the sure prosecution she would face at the Palace? For her sake, he also hoped that she was wise enough not to form a partnership with Skeletor.
"Are you thinking that Stephania willingly went along with Marzo?", Teary put Adam's thoughts into words. When the Prince nodded his response, the Viscount added "Me too."
"If that is the case, then I must inform the King", Adam stated as he stood up from his chair. "Come to Eternos and we'll plan on how to retrieve your daughter", Adam directed before ending the video conference. Depressing another call button, Adam contacted Duncan, asking him to inform his parents and Teela to meet him at Grayskull. The Prince decided that was the best place for them to meet as he still had to also touch base with the Sorceress.
Looking down at Cringer who for this entire time lay pensively by his feet Adam stated, "Come on old buddy, we have a long day ahead of us."
Walking out of his father's study, Adam informed his father's assistant that he was finished using the office.
Hearing a knock on her office door, Teela looked up from her computer screen inviting the visitor in. She was surprised to see Queen Marlena standing in the door way. Without being able to control her reaction, Teela blushed crimson when she noticed that Adam's mother was staring at the vast amounts of flowers decorating her office.
Walking towards the Captain's desk, Marlena smiled whimsically as she stated "Wow, someone is trying hard to make a good impression on you, Teela." "You must have a special admirer", inwardly the Queen was jumping up and down, doing back flips from her excitement. Always the extremely keen observer, her eyes fell on the personalized note from her son to the Captain. 'Finally, he has done something right in his pursuit', Marlena thought.
Being equally as keen Teela saw that the Queen had found Adam's note. Her hand darting out like a whip, she clutched the missive, opened a drawer beneath her desk and stuffed it inside. Teela was worried that the Queen would read about her clandestine affair with her son. As Teela wasn't sure if his mother was aware of his dual identity, Teela wanted to protect Adam's secret.
Marlena was shocked at Teela's actions, but understood them. It seemed that Teela wasn't yet ready to share with the world her newly changed relationship with her son. Although the Queen's and Teela's relationship had always resembled a mother/daughter one, Marlena didn't criticize Teela's need to hide Adam's love note. After all, Teela may desire to hide a few aspects of her relationship with Adam from her because she was his mother. Smiling fondly at the young woman's antics, she lowered her head to one of the vases to breathe in the heavenly floral aroma. Marlena wanted to continue having a great relationship with the woman who may become her son 's wife; therefore, she decided to keep her visit to just a professional one. Clearing her throat she stated, "I'm sorry to interrupt you love, but something important has come up." "Adam is requesting that we all meet at Grayskull", the Queen stated matter-of-factly.
The statement received Teela's undivided attention. Standing up, she walked around her desk grabbing her laser gun and staff in one smooth motion. As she approached the Queen she asked, "Is everything alright?"
"Adam didn't say, he just requested we all meet him there stating he had important information to share with us about Stephania", Marlena noted. "The King and your father are already waiting for us at the vehicles bay", she stated as she began walking out of the Captain's office, Teela quickly following behind her.
Walking quickly, the women made it to the hangar where Duncan and Randor were already powering up their transportation. Approaching the men, Teela studied their faces to gauge their mood. They worked amiably together ensuring their transport was safe to travel in. It always surprised Teela, how the King never waited for others to take care of him. She knew that was where Adam got his giving unselfish side of him. Although King and Prince, respectively, both men were often found engaging in menial acts, which other nobles found beneath them.
Both men turned at their approach, greeting the women hurriedly before deciding who would ride with whom. For safety reasons, it was decided they would take separate Wind Raiders. Duncan would accompany the King, whereas Teela would ride with the Queen. A retinue of guardsmen would fly on Sky Sleds surrounding the Monarchs on all sides.
Firing up the Wind Raider, Teela glided it smoothly out of the hangar, her thoughts on everything she already knew about Stephania. As Teela navigated the vehicle, she noticed that Queen Marlena kept directing silent stares her way. Teela knew that the Queen was keeping her tongue, which made the Captain extremely uncomfortable. She wondered what the Queen was thinking. She was sure Adam's mother had read the missive before she hid it. She didn't question if the Queen understood the secret language as she was the one to teach it to them.
Considering that her relationship with this woman would change now that she agreed to court the Prince, Teela turned to look at the Queen as she smiled stating "I'm sorry for my actions back in my office."
"Whatever do you mean?", the Queen stated feigning innocence.
"For so abruptly and rudely grabbing that note off my desk", Teela stated.
Reaching a hand out, the Queen motherly patted Teela's thigh as she replied "There's no harm, love."
"Have you spoken to Adam this morning?", the Captain asked.
"Just briefly while his father and I were having breakfast." "He asked for permission to use Randor's office because his is in shambles", the Queen stated giving Teela answers to Adam's whereabouts.
Gingerly, Teela asked "Did he tell you anything else?"
"Should he have?", the Queen responded sheepishly.
Laughing at the Queen's coy undertone Teela opened up to the woman who had birthed the man of her dreams. "He asked me to court him", Teela stated happily.
"Hallelujah", the Queen exclaimed as she threw her arms in the air in victory. Her antics made it clear to Teela that her new position in Adam's life would be wholeheartedly accepted by his parents. Turning to look at the younger woman the Queen asked, "Did you agree?", although Adam had already told her and his father the great news.
With a smile from ear to ear, Teela answered "Yes." "Although, I didn't agree to marry him yet."
"Wise choice", the Queen answered surprising the Captain. "I didn't accept Randor's first marriage proposal either." "It's almost scary when us 'non-royals' consider spending the rest of our lives with these blue bloods", the Queen said half jokingly. "You should consider your wants and needs very carefully Teela." "I know that Adam loves you with every fiber of his being, but don't base your decision on being with him on just love." "Your life will change drastically once your courtship is announced."
"I know", Teela stated quietly. "Was it hard for you to make the decision to marry King Randor?"
"Extremely", the Queen answered. "I knew that agreeing to court the King would mean I never went home again." "I took my time examining what that would mean to me."
"How did you make the final decision?", Teela asked intrigued.
Harrumphing, the Queen stated matter-of-factly, "That decision was made for me." "Adam and Adora were conceived", the Queen shared a secret very few people were aware of.
Teela stared at the Queen in awe. She had no idea. "Close your mouth dear, there's many flies in the air, I wouldn't want you swallowing one", Marlena stated wittingly. She then continued "I know you are shocked, but once I realized I was pregnant I knew that I had to remain here."
"Ohhh?", Teela stated sadly, thinking that in the end Marlena had no choice but to remain in Eternia. "So you wouldn't have stayed if you weren't pregnant?", Teela asked. She knew that this was an extremely personal question; however, she didn't think the Queen would mind that she had asked it.
"I stayed because I knew that I would have the children." "It was very important to me to ensure they had their father." "You know I got accused of planning the pregnancy, that I manipulated Randor into marriage?", the Queen further disclosed.
"No, I had no idea", Teela stated. "My Queen, why are you sharing all of this with me?"
"I know that you and Adam spent the night together." "It was I that made sure neither of your fathers caught you in a compromising position", she clarified. "I'm telling you this because I don't want you to have to experience what I did."
At the Queen's revelation, Teela's face turned crimson. She was extremely shocked that Queen Marlena surmised what happened between her and Adam last night. Feeling very uncomfortable, she cleared her throat as she focused ahead of her. Luckily, the faint outline of Castle Grayskull was visible on the horizon. Soon they would land and Teela wouldn't have to endure much of this conversation any longer. She loved the Queen as if she was her own mother; however, she felt very awkward partaking in this conversation.
Sensing her emotions the Queen asked, "Have I embarrassed you?"
Keeping her eyes straight ahead, Teela thought about her response for a long time before giving it. Turning slightly to look at Adam's mother she replied, "No." "I just have to get used to the fact that our relationship will be different now that I agreed to court your son."
"Off course." "Adam also told me you were recently told the truth about who your mother is", the Queen shared. "I can understand that now that you know who your mother is, you'd want to speak with her about such things as 'boy' troubles."
Teela heard the underlying note of hurt in the Queen's voice. Her mother's explanation for Teela's need to live at the Palace played in her mind. It was obvious to the Captain, that the Queen was feeling that she was about to lose a daughter rather than gain one. Teela felt the need to alleviate the Queen's fears thus she replied, "I am beyond happy to know who my mother is." "There's a lot I missed out on with her; however, I am very thankful that I grew up under your guardianship." "Nothing could ever take that away from me, I love you and will always love you like a mother", she stated lovingly.
Overcome by Teela's admission, a single tear slid down the Queen's face. Clearing her throat to release the tightness she was feeling, the Queen replied "I love you too Teela." "I'm very proud of your accomplishments and thrilled for you and Adam to be courting", as Teela landed the Wind Raider to the left of the great jaw bridge. At the same time, her father's and the King's vehicle also touched ground with all four passengers jumping out of the transports at once.
Teela looked around for evidence that Adam had already arrived. Not seeing any other vehicle, she deduced that he must have arrived on Battle Cat as He-Man. Then the truth smacked her in the face. Battle Cat was no other than Adam's fearful pet, Cringer. A loud laugh escaped her beauteous lips, making those around her look at her quizzically at the oddity of the emotion. Covering her mouth to keep from continuing to laugh aloud, Teela's chuckle accompanied them as they entered Grayskull.
Arriving at the Throne room, they found Adam and the Sorceress embracing, her soft melodious voice carrying out of the Throne room as she stated, "That's wonderful news, my Prince." Sensing the arrival of the others, Mystic Guardian and Champion stepped backwards away from each other. Turning they faced their family. Smiling, Teela Na held her arms wide open as Teela now entered her embrace. "It's so lovely to see you again so soon", the Sorceress whispered to her daughter.
Keeping her head on her mother's shoulder Teela responded "Likewise, Mother", to the King's surprise.
He stared at the two women, confusion marking his face. As Teela exited her mother's embrace, the Sorceress caught the King's quizzical gaze. Turning her attention on him she stated, "Welcome everybody." "As you can see today is a day of revelations." Conjuring up several seats with a wave of her hand Grayskull's Guardian invited her guests to join her. Continuing she stated, "Adam and I both have a few confessions to make."
Taking his cue, Adam addressed all present. "Mother." "Father." "Teela as you all have recently found out you finally know the truth for the reasons of my presumed cowardice, aloofness, and foolhardiness." "To protect the fact that it was my destiny to be Eternia's Champion, I've elected to act severely out of character."
Hearing Adam's confession, it was Duncan's turn to stare at him wide mouthed. Looking at the Sorceress, he found her staring at her Champion calmly. She didn't seem surprised by his admission. Directing his gaze to Adam's parents, they too didn't seem surprised. He then turned his gaze to his daughter, sure that she wasn't aware of the Prince's secret. Rather than find her shocked or angry he noticed that Teela stared at him lovingly.
"I hope you can each forgive me for the deception", the Prince pleaded, the sincerity on his voice making everyone in the room look at him in a new light.
King Randor stepped forward placing an arm around his son's muscled shoulders as he looked around the room. "It is I who should be asking you for forgiveness, Adam." His deep baritone voice carried so much regret for all the years he thought the worst about his first born.
"Me too", Teela stated as she also approached the Prince.
Wrapping his arms around his father Adam stated "Thank you", before quickly disentangling himself from the King's embrace. Coming to stand in front of his beloved, he took hold of both of her hands bringing them up to his lips to brush the softest of kisses on them before looking deeply into the Captain's blue-green eyes as he stated, "Nonsense." "When it comes to you, I owe you an apology Tee."
Letting go of her hands, he surprised her by lowering himself down on one knee in front of her. Looking up to her with his big blue eyes he continued, "Teela my love, forgive me for ever holding a piece of my heart from you." "Please allow me to love you fully and openly in front of our families, friends, and kingdom."
Teela stood there, her mouth agape surprise written all over her features. When Adam bend down in front of her, she thought he was about to propose. Although she loved him with her whole heart, Teela was shocked at his actions as she was not yet ready to accept a marriage proposal. A loud 'phew' was heard from her lips when she realized that he was just openly declaring his feelings and intentions.
Smiling down at him, she caressed the top of his blonde locks before lovingly tracing her palm down his profile. As he rose, she moved in closer to him wrapping her arms around his neck. Pressing herself against his chest, she rose on tip toe and there in front of both of their parents kissed him fully on the lips. She didn't pull away until she heard someone clearing their throat uncomfortable. Without opening her eyes, she was sure it was her father.
Positioning herself to Adam's left side, she allowed her gaze to find her father. Sure enough he stood ramrod straight in the center of the room, his face shining a bright shade of red. A nervous giggle escaped her lips, as she just now remembered that both their parents were still in the same room.
It was the King who broke the awkward silence with his words, "I've known about Adam's secret for some time now, Sorceress; however, I was not aware of yours."
Randor's words were like a cold splash of water on Duncan's face. Dumbfounded he stared at his King, wondering what on Eternia had made the monarch keep the fact that he was aware of Adam's secret from him. Surely, the King was aware that Duncan was previously privy to Adam's secret? Before he could ask the King, Duncan heard the Sorceress state "I too have kept many secrets from those I love the most." "Out of necessity, Teela who is my flesh and blood came to live with you." "She has only recently found out that I am her mother."
With a look of awe, the King stated "All these years, it has been our children who have been protecting us and Eternia's citizens." Randor's words made both Teela and Adam very uncomfortable as neither was vain enough to glorify their importance. To them, protecting Eternia came as second nature, something they both did out of love and sacred duty for their family and planet.
Clearing his throat, Prince Adam addressed his father. "Father, there are more secrets I must relay today, which is the reason I've asked all of you to meet me here", his tone extremely serious. Without giving anyone an opportunity to interrupt him, Adam continued "Lady Stephania is a bigger threat than we gave her credit for."
"Who else has she threatened?", Teela asked angrily as her hand skimmed the top of her laser gun. Adam saw her fingers twitching over the pistol, understanding that Teela was eager for a fight. Adam smiled at her quick response to defend someone who may be in need of their help. Smiling at her, he reassured her that at the moment there was no one else that Lady Stephania was hurting.
"How is she a threat?", asked Duncan his voice even.
"I found out who her biological father is", Adam responded. Directing his gaze towards the King he commented, "It's our old 'friend' Count Marzo."
"Then that means that yesterday's attack was not an attack on you Adam, but to retrieve her!", the Queen exclaimed, who had up until now remained silent.
"That is exactly what I surmised", Adam responded. "Lord Teary also has the same suspicion." "If we are correct, then that means Stephania has teamed up with Count Marzo and Skeletor."
"What do you think she gains by this partnership?", asked the Sorceress. "Perhaps she is just a pawn in Marzo's and Skeletor's plans."
"I don't think so", Adam responded. "Lord Teary was adamant that Stephania would stop at nothing to become the next Queen."
"So you think they'll attack us again?", asked the King.
Facing Teela, Adam answered "No." "However, I think she'll do everything in her power to eliminate Teela." "That's why I asked you to meet me here."
Hearing his words Teela feared what might come next. Looking between her love and her mother, Teela knew that they had already discussed a secret scheme. She didn't fall short when she heard him state, "The Sorceress and I agree that until Stephania is apprehended again, it is best that Teela is relieved of her duties as Captain of the Guard." "The Sorceress has agreed to allow Teela to move into Grayskull."
"No", Teela yelled as she stormed away from the Prince.
"Daughter", Duncan began but was interrupted by the red-head's heated words "I said no." "I won't let some idiot noblewoman dictate how I live my life."
"It's for your own protection, Teela", Adam pleaded.
"Protection?" "Protection!", Teela shrilled. "I don't need protection, Adam." "You can't just decide my fate without consulting me first", she yelled at him passionately.
"My intention is not to decide your fate as you put it, but to ensure your safety", Adam replied trying hard to remain calm. This is not how he thought she would have reacted.
"No", Teela stated again with finality.
The four parents decided it was best to not involve themselves in the new couples affair. With a nod of her head, the Queen indicated to the King, Duncan, and the Sorceress that they should leave Adam and Teela alone. Understanding her drift, the Sorceress wiggled her fingers transporting them to another room of the castle.
Noticing that they were alone, Teel turned to face Adam her arms crossed across her chest as it rose and fell angrily. "You can't do this, Adam."
"Tee", he pleaded. "Listen to reason and stay here."
"How could you make this decision?", she asked him.
"It wasn't easy; however, I believe it's for the best", he replied.
"I can protect myself", Teela stated smugly.
"I am not questioning your skills, Tee." "You are superb in what you do, but I have a gut feeling that's warning me that if I don't remove you from the palace something horrible will happen to you", he answered telling her the real reason for his hasty decision.
His admission surprised Teela. "I had no idea", she stated in a quiet tone.
"I don't like this any more than you do, Tee." "It'll only be for a little while." "I need time to find the Rock People's children, secure Stephania, and foil any plans Skeletor may throw at us", he stated.
"You don't have to do this alone", she reminded him.
"I'm not, I'll have the Masters with me", he replied.
"You used to have me with you", she stated smartly. Then under her breath she added, "Now you want to lock me away."
Hearing her retort he answered, "I'm always going to want you with me as we fight evil, Teela."
"Then why make this decision?", she questioned him again.
Frustratingly, because he was unable to get his point across to her he stated "I told you, I have a bad feeling about this!"
Surprising him Teela asked, "Are you going after them as Adam or as He-Man?"
"What?", he asked perplexed.
"I asked…."
"I heard what you asked, Tee." "How do you think I'm going after them?", he threw at her.
"I have no idea", she replied sarcastically.
"This is about you, Tee." "Off course I'm going as Adam", he clarified.
"Reeeaaalllyyy?", Teela questioned her eyebrows rising into her hairline.
Catching her sarcasm Adam asked her something he was itching to do for a long time, "Do you think I'm a coward, Captain?", as that was popular belief. He needed to ask her directly, as he didn't know her real opinion on this matter.
"No", she answered honestly. "That's not why I bring it up."
"Then it's because you don't have faith in me", he supplied his voice laced with dejection. "I thought I proved my abilities to you these last couple of months."
"That's not why either", she clarified.
"Then why did you ask me who I'll be?", he asked confused now.
"Because I am your assigned bodyguard, Your Highness." "You can't go galvanizing around the globe on your own without protection assigned by your father, the King." "If anyone will decide if I'm relieved of my duties it should be the man who hired me", she explained.
"My father will agree with me", Adam stated confidently.
"Then let's see what he says", she stated as she walked out of the Throne room, the Prince following closely behind her.