Pure Intentions? Chapter 36
A/N: Wow. It has been an extremely long time since I've posted an update for this story. This chapter has been extremely difficult to write. I've been working on it slowly for the past three months. Finally, today I have found inspiration to review/edit and post it. I hope it brings you a pleasant escape from the hardships we are all facing these days. I hope that you are all safe and healthy. Be well.
As they walked out of the Throne room to go looking for their parents, Teela directed several death glares Adam's way. How dare he think he could dictate her life? She wasn't fooled that he wanted her out of the way for her protection. She was sure, that he would not have made such a suggestion had she not agreed to court him. No wonder, the Queen warned her about not making her decision to marry Adam just based on love. Even after all these years of marriage, King Randor would at times forget the woman he chose to marry and made decisions without consulting her. Nothing irked the Queen more than when the King did this. Teela could see she would have the same issue with Adam. She didn't know if this was due to genetics or environment. No matter what, she would have to break this habit if she was going to 'live happily ever after' with her Prince.
The Prince and Captain followed the voices of their parents until they found them in a wide dining room, seated around a table, sharing a meal magically provided by the Sorceress. None seemed upset over what had just transpired between Adam and Teela in the Throne. In fact, the scene before Prince and Captain was jovial and relaxed, which was very confusing. Last they had seen their parents, they were just as concerned about retrieving Lady Stephania as they were.
Coming into the room, Teela rushed past Adam to stand in front of the King as she breathlessly exclaimed, "I must accompany Adam on this mission, I am his bodyguard!" "Tell him that I'm going!", she passionately commanded as she pointed towards the Prince.
Everyone stopped what they were doing, their eyes darting to the Captain at the audacity of her tone. King Randor looked up from his plate his fork suspended midway to his mouth, surprise lining his face. No one had dared speak to him in such a manner, since he was a child. Before anyone could react, the King dropped his fork onto his plate and pushed himself out of this seat. Standing to his full 6'5" height, he turned to look down on the Captain. That's when Teela realized her mistake. She just dared give the High King of Eternia a command. No one did that. Well except perhaps his wife….in private. Squeezing her eyes shut and with trembling lips she uttered, "I'm so….", when she heard the King emit a deep rumbling laugh. Opening her eyes, she stared in awe as the King shook from his laughter.
Seeing that Teela was in shock, the King reached out a hand laying it on top of one of her shoulders before stating, "No worries, my child." "No one has spoken to me like this in a long time." "It's surprisingly refreshing", he stated cheerily.
Sending a quick look to her father, she was mortified at the angry glare within his eyes. From an extremely young age, Duncan had instilled in her high values of respect and deference for the King and Queen. She needed to practice those values at all times; however, given her proclivity to react emotionally rather logically, at times, Teela often needed reminders to curb her tongue. The red-head knew she would be facing one of her father's infamous punishments. She just hoped she didn't have to peel 10 bushels of potatoes, again. Her eyes then traveled to her mother's. For a second time she was startled at the look of amusement the Sorceress was directing her way. Teela decided she didn't want to spare a glance at either Queen Marlena or Prince Adam. Looking back at the King, she spoke in a clear and calm voice hiding her inner trepidation, "Your Majesty, I apologize for my rudeness but I can't seem to persuade Adam of the importance of having his bodyguard with him when going after Lady Stephania."
Sitting back down and picking up his fork, the King pushed back an empty chair next to him with his free hand before stating, "Have a seat, Captain." Without hesitation, Teela complied. The King then directed his attention to his son. Nodding across from him to another empty chair, he waited until Adam was also seated before he spoke again. "There is no need to argue about whether Teela is coming with you Adam."
The Prince opened his mouth to object, but was interrupted by his father before making a sound. "I am serious that I want you actively courting Teela." "The key word here is 'actively'", he paused for emphasis. "You told me earlier, that tonight you were going to go on your first date."
Once more, Adam attempted to interrupt his father. Holding up a hand, the King shook his head left to right indicating that he was not giving Adam permission to speak. Before Randor continued, he placed his fork on his plate and then reached over to grab one of each of their hands, joining them over the center of the table. Clearing his throat he stated, "I want nothing stopping this courtship moving forward", then under his breath he muttered "Now that it is in the open." However, it wasn't low enough to prevent those present from hearing the King's words. Teela blushed crimson from the tip of her toes to the top of her head. The King's words confirmed her worst fears. Her so called 'secret' affair with He-Man was well-known by all those present in the room.
The King then motioned to Adam that he was ready to hear what he had to say. Adam then asked, "What does our courtship have to do with retrieving Lady Stephania?"
"As I was saying", the King began, "we have made a decision that will ensure a move on your courtship." "For years Adam, you have lead a double life." "Performing you duties as Prince of Eternia, sometimes half-assed I may add, while ensuring the safety of millions." "I understand that it has been your destiny to be Grayskull's Defender, for which I am very proud of." "However, the Kingdom of Eternia needs you more now", he continued all traces of his previous humor gone. "That is why, the four of us have decided to seek help in retrieving Stephania elsewhere." Randor then nodded to the Sorceress, who with a magical wave of her hands produced a golden simmering portal.
Adam wondered whom their parents had contacted for help. Standing up, he awaited anxiously to see who would be coming through the magical portal. Within seconds, Princess Adora peeked her beautiful blonde head through the portal, a wide bright smile gracing her lips. 'Off course', Adam thought. 'Why didn't I think of this?', he questioned himself. Adora was perfect for the job. A wide smile formed on the Prince's lips as he realized that his courtship plans for tonight wouldn't need to be cancelled.
"Hello everyone", the Princess stated as she waved a delicate hand. "I'll retrieve her ladyship while the two of you enjoy your date", she commented as she winked in Adam's and Teela's direction. Before anyone could say anything further, Queen Castaspella and Empress Frosta joined the Eternian Princess.
The newcomers were definitely an unexpected addition. Adam groaned under his breath at their presence, while Teela reached for her laser gun. Both new how much these two Etherian royals vied for Adam's/He-Man's attention. What was the King thinking? Looking at his father, Adam noticed the smug content look on his face. So this was his grand plan? Had he asked his sister to purposefully bring her friends along as a means to make Teela envious?
If that didn't help the matter, the two Etherian royals slinked to Adam's side, each draping themselves familiarly on one of each of his sides. "Adam", they cooed softly the name coming out as a soft sigh from both of their lips, confusing Adam who was surprised that Frosta was showing so much interest in him lately in his natural form. This was something new, as she typically only showed her affections for him when he was transformed. Before he could ponder this new phenomena, both women simultaneously leaned into his body as they tenderly brushed their lips across his cheeks. Locking eyes with Teela, Adam knew he was dead man. Blushing to the roots of his hair, Adam vamoosed his way out of the enchanting royals' arms much to their disappointment. Moving, he positioned himself behind his father, sure that he was safe. He didn't think his sister's friends would try to kiss him again standing directly behind the Eternian monarch.
At Adam's move, Teela holstered her laser gun. Regally, she sat next to her mother who had just returned to the table. She was the first to speak her voice dripping with ire, "I guess this does leave us free to go on our date", her words effectively making it clear that she was peeved.
Adam looked at her quizzically, from the safety of his position behind his father. He knew that he would have to make it clear to Teela that she was the only woman he had eyes for. As he stared at her, Adam began seeing the possibilities here. His father's idea may work in his favor. If Adora, Casta, and Frosta were sent to retrieve Stephania, he could take Teela on the promised date while simultaneously keeping her safe. Thank the Ancients he had the foresight to ask her to bring along the black wig. Quickly making the decision, he decided to roll with these change in plans. Calling upon the great courage He-Man was known for, he approached his love interest.
Once again all present watched the Prince's moves. No one made a sound as he closed the distance between him and his bodyguard. Reaching her side, he took hold of her well-manicured hand as he addressed everyone in the room "Actually, this works very well for us." "I do have something special planned for tonight." "However, before I get into those details, we should discuss Stephania's retrieval", he said as he turned to his sister and her cohorts. "What are your plans?", he asked them.
In her light sweet voice, which was so in contrast to the destruction he knew his sister was capable of delivering, the Princess of Eternia answered her twin, "Well we have the element of surprise." "For one, I don't think Skeletor would be expecting us." "I believe both Casta's and Frosta's powers are more than a match for Stephania and Count Marzo." "She-Ra will be along too, to go up against Skeletor and his goons." Adora knew what had happened, as the three of them were already filled in on for the reason for this unexpected visit home.
Adora's last comment had the two Etherian princess's exchange looks between them. It was Casta who pulled her gaze away from her comrade to ask, "When did she arrive here?"
"I had summoned her before opening the portal for you three", the Sorceress stated matter-of-factly.
This comment piqued Frosta's curiosity. She knew that whenever She-Ra was visiting Eternia, it guaranteed a visit with He-Man. Smiling widely she turned her hopeful gaze to the Sorceress to ask, "So does this mean He-Man would be joining us?"
In a warm voice the King answered, "No Frosta." "He-Man will not be joining you." "He is on another private mission, for me", he answered hoping his answer would deter the young lady from asking any more questions. Few people questioned the King if they knew when he announced that he send someone on a private mission.
Pouting the raven-haired beauty slumped into her seat. Lately, she felt like she always missed her greatest crush. Sighing she accepted the King's excuse and hoped that she would see He-Man another time.
Exchanging knowing looks, the Twins of Power directed the conversation away from their alter egos. Continuing, Adora shared the plan of how they will retrieve Stephania. It was simple actually, Casta would open a portal directly inside Snake Mountain, Frosta would freeze anyone in their path, and Adora would coordinate with the Masters, who had already headed out to retrieve her ladyship earlier in the day. Adora would only transform into She-Ra if it was absolutely necessary. Off course, her teammates didn't know that.
With the plan in place, Adam asked for permission for him and Teela to be excused. It was time to put his dreams of openly showering Teela with affection, to fruition. Looking pointedly at Ducnan he stated, "What I have planned for tonight, may require your assistance", as he had began discussing his plans with him earlier in the morning. Receiving a nod from Teela's father, Adam knew that his mentor had finished working on his latest project. Using his technological knowledge and coupled with Queen Marlena's memories and description of land vehicles from Earth, Duncan had finally designed a prototype for an Eternian car. Although the Royal Family was used to traveling in the Attack-Tracks, no Eternian had ever owned a car. Duncan's invention was also unlike any automobile that the Queen was used to from Earth as it combined Eternian technology and magic (thanks to Orko's tinkling).
"Is it here?", he asked his mentor, making everyone wonder to what he was alluding to.
Shaking his head, Duncan answered "No, my Prince." "As you directed, it was shipped out to your great-grandfather's private estate earlier."
At his response, Adam looked toward the Sorceress. Adam knew he didn't really need to ask, for the Sorceress to know what he was thinking.
Looking down at Teela, he asked "Did you bring the wig?"
Without answering him, Teela reached beneath her belt withdrawing the desired item. Keeping her eyes glued on the Prince she asked, "What's this about?"
Releasing her hand, Adam sat down in the seat next to her indicating to her that she should do the same. Copying his movements, Teela miraculously waited patiently for him to answer her. Before doing so, Adam asked everyone else to sit down as well. Once again addressing everyone in the room Adam sheepishly stated, "Given the circumstances, I thought that it would be best for Teela and I to go on our first date incognito."
Again his words baffled her, her emotions clearly evident on her face. However, it was the Queen who addressed the elephant in the room. "Why?", she asked her wayward son.
Directing his gaze to his mother, Adam answered "Simple, I don't want to drag a security detail along with us." "If Teela and I are disguised, we can go anywhere on this planet without people recognizing us", he stated with a shrug of his shoulders.
"Where are we going?", Teela asked speculatively.
"That will be a surprise", he answered her with a smile. Adam knew Teela would enjoy tonight. He had no doubt in his mind that today's activity would answer many of her questions.
Piqued with curiosity, Teela wondered what Adam had up his sleeve. It was obvious, that he had discussed his plans with their parents. She couldn't fathom what had Adam smiling like the Cheshire Cat.
Standing up, Adam held his hand out for Teela to accompany him. In a very lady like manner, the red-head placed her hand into his and regally stood up. Turning to face Grayskull's Guardian, Adam asked the Sorceress to open a portal to his great-grandfather's estate, which was where tonight's activities would begin. Bidding adieu to those in the dining room, Adam and Teela walked through the dimensional portal.