Subterfuge Chapter 3

…4 weeks later

Teela was drilling some of the younger cadets when she heard the alarm, one of the villages below the castle was being attacked. This was the third such attack this week and she knew He-Man must be getting frustrated.

She threw down her practice sword and grabbed her broad sword while running to the wind raider. She flew high overhead and noticed Eternia's hero was already thick in battle with Beastman, Try-Klops, and Trap Jaw. She worried He-Man was incredibly outnumbered, even though he seemed to be holding his own. Man-At-Arms voiced to her over her communicator that was on his way as well.

She placed the wind raider on auto land and jumped out next to her pseudo-partner sword at the ready.

"Nice of you to drop by Teela, care to join in the fun?" The champions dry humor seemed strained. She knew he was beginning to wear down. It seemed like this had happened every day this past week.

She swung at Trap Jaw who leered at her menacingly, "Sure thing, I'm hurt I didn't get an invite to the party."

He parried an arm strike from Beastman sending him backing up several steps while Try Klops took his distraction to fire an energy bolt at the hero. He-Man had just enough time to dodge the bolt with his sword to see that that Trap Jaw was able to grab Teela's sword in his mouth and had bitten it in half.

Teela let go of the broken sword and rolled back away from her enemy, hidden dagger already in hand. He-Man visibly relaxed when Battlecat joined her side, letting out a relieved sigh, and focused back on Beastman just in time for another attack. He blocked the clawed had coming his way but the feel of flesh opening along his forearms made him wince. He should have been able to block that; his reaction time had been steadily getting worse this week with all the fighting. That and his extra attention and worry on Teela kept Battlecat occupied as he helped to protect her; He-Man was feeling the strain more than usual.

He sent Beastman flying back into a village hut with a backhanded strike as Man-At-Arms entered the scene to catch Try Klop's attention. Beastman noticed they were quickly becoming outnumbered and did not want to be greeted by palace soldiers that usually came along with these three warriors.

The lead of Skelator's men spoke into a communicator over a speaker and the others took notice, "We almost had you He-Man. You know it and we know it muscle boy. One day we will catch you alone, and you cannot defeat all of us!" BattleCat roared in challenge.

The Hero raised an eyebrow, "I'm sorry I ruined your plans, maybe next time you can send me an official invite and keep innocent villagers out of it." The Hero showed no weakness but Teela squinted and saw the blood sliding down his arms and dripping from his fingers. The three evil fighters retreated as the villagers cheered.

Duncan came up on He-Man's right. "I believe they are getting bolder He-Man, you should have called for help sooner," the warrior admonished.

"Yes, they are, and after that incident at the ball, and all this week, I don't understand why they are pushing so hard. What's Skelator have planned?" He noticed Teela picking up her ruined sword and shaking her head. BattleCat once more coming to his side. He gave the cat a quick pat on the haunches as the feline leapt off to disappear no longer needed.

"Well, you haven't been around as much, and we know they monitor your presence around the castle." Teela looked up into her hero's blue eyes and could swear his got darker. "We've missed you on more than one battle over the last month."

"I've been doing more patrols on the outer banks, away from the castle a bit, I'm sure you had those smaller fights well under control without my help Captain. The villages in the outer banks have not seen me in a while and I wanted to let them know that their King and Queen still monitors their wellbeing, especially after an attack." His gaze went up to Duncan, "Speaking of which, I will stay on to help this village re-build for the next couple hours, but then I must return home." He turned to leave not glancing back at Teela worried that extra contact with her would show his feelings. He wanted nothing more than to check her for injuries, gather her in his arms and bathe her hurts away.

Teela thought the encounter rather odd. "Did I say something to offend him?" Her father seemed to be at a loss for words and just shrugged. She was lost in thought for the rest of the day helping the villagers. Was it her or did He-Man seem to act colder to her than usual? Out of the corner of her eye she caught He-Man and her father exchange a few words and the big warrior walked into a healer's temporary medical tent not looking happy.

When he returned she saw a white bandage around his forearm. She stopped him in the street. "Are you alright He-Man?" She almost went to touch him like she would Adam and stopped herself shocked at her actions. What in Eternia made me think we are on such familiar terms?

He paused, "I'm fine. Duncan insisted I get this small scratch looked at even though he knows I heal quickly." The hero sighed as he looked at the setting sun, "I should probably be going as well. Thank you for staying to help re-build. As the Captain, this isn't really your duty or responsibility." He turned back to the woman and took in the sight of her in the sunset. Some of her hair was falling out of its bun, she was covered in sweat and scratches, and her once white uniform was a hazy grey. She couldn't have been more beautiful at that moment. He had the sudden urge to kiss her senseless. He gave her a long silent look of longing and then seemed to snap out of it.

Before his own state of dress gave his carnal thoughts away, he spun and began to walk in the opposite direction, leaving Teela to discern what just happened.

He-Man passed Duncan on the road, "Tell Teela something came up ok? I can't be around her right now." He started to blush, and Man-At-Arms suddenly understood.

"You should not be fighting alongside her if you cannot keep your calm demeanor."

"Hey, I think I did pretty good today, keeping it together when I wanted to break Trap Jaw in half when he went for her. I know I've been avoiding her as He-Man, but today I really needed the help. Their new strategy to wear me down might be working more than I thought."

The older man smiled, "Go home son, get some rest, you had a very long day." He put his hands on the warrior's shoulders. "Do you want me to keep certain company away this evening."

The blonde smacked his forehead, "Oh Ancients Duncan, I have a date with Teela tonight."

"I think she will be as tired as you, so don't worry too much." They both laughed.

"Not her, she always has energy to spare." He-man looked her way and caught her staring right back at him. He quickly turned back to Duncan.

Teela watched the two in their exchange from afar, not knowing what was being said, but understanding lit her face that they were talking about her when she met those eyes. I must have offended him in some way, but then why are they laughing?

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Teela exited her bathing chambers feeling so much better. She was exhausted but looking forward to spending a relaxing evening with the Prince. She usually didn't drink much but a glass or two of wine would help the aches and pains of the day she had immensely.

She dressed in lightweight green flowing pants, not quite ready for gowns on casual dates, and a soft green suede vest over a cream silk undershirt. Knocking on Adam's door she received no answer. Smirking she thought he had forgotten their date and was off somewhere doing something secret until she heard a noise in his room. Quietly she opened the door and entered only to see him stumble out of the shower with a towel around his waist to trip and land on all fours breathing heavily. She gasped and ran to his side.

"Adam, what's wrong, are you ill?" She watched him try and catch his breath before answering.

He could barely get out the words, "I'm fine Tee, just clumsy is all."

"No, you are not Adam, you promised no more lies, now you tell me if I need to call a healer in here right now!" She helped him to his feet, his waist slippery from the water dripping down his back. He ambled over to his bed one hand still holding the towel up. The prince sat on the edge.

"I don't need a healer Teela, just some sleep. I'll be fine in the morning I swear. I'm just sorry I might have to re-schedule our date," with that he let out a yawn which was definitely not staged. She looked closer at him, the droopy drunk looking eyes he could barely keep open, the slurring speech, the tripping and weakness.

"Fine, but I'm staying here until you fall asleep." The prince slid into his bed careful not to let the towel slip.

He smiled contentedly at the beautiful woman closing his eyes, "Sometimes it's nice to have my own personal bodyguard." He grabbed her hand in his. "Thanks Tee."

Teela watched him start to drift off, still worried. This was the weakest she'd ever seen her strong Prince. She was still on the fence about a healer, her trust only went so far. If he was hurt or injured, she didn't care what promise she made.

"Adam,"

"Hmm," his eyes still closed.

"You need to tell me soon, I don't know if I can see you like this and not ask anymore." She was on the verge of tears. "'I'm not strong enough. I have to know what's going on."

"Soon Tee," He drifted off more. Teela pushed his still wet hair away from his face.

"Mmmmm, Love you." She stilled at hearing those words and swallowed heavily.

"Adam," She whispered, but he was completely asleep. She gently moved his arms to his stomach when she caught sight of a long brutal looking slightly healed scar along his forearm. She knew it was not there the last time she saw him without a shirt a month ago. His normal palace uniform was a long white sleeved shirt under his pink tunic and would have covered this mark, but she had all but committed this man's body to memory.

She said softly to her secret warrior, "Who have you been fighting?" as she settled in for the night in a soft chair next to him.

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Adam work the next morning with his right hand tangled in red curls splayed out on to his right side. Teela feeling movement sleepily looked up to Adam's confused eyes.

The Prince gave a lazy smile, "I could get used to waking up like this every morning."

Teela pushed herself off out of the uncomfortable chair and sat at the edge of the bed, "How do you feel?"

"Confused, what happened last night? I see you are still fully clothed, so I am thinking we did nothing inappropriate." He rubbed at his eyes in confusion and went to get out of bed.

"Adam Wait!" He threw back the covers and sat up as Teela quickly turned away but not before catching a glimpse of enough to make her blush.

The man blanched, "Ancients Teela where are my clothes?" He quickly pulled blankets off the bed to cover himself as his bedchamber door opened to let in the King and Queen.

He sat back into the pillows of the bed with a huff and groaned, a major headache starting behind his eyes. "Oh, for the love of…." he bit off a curse that was very unprincely.

"What is the meaning of this?" The king demanded at seeing the state of undress his son was in and then glanced at Teela. The Captain looked stunned at the king's ire but not guilty. "This morning, I inquire to the whereabouts of my son which I had not seen most of the day yesterday to hear from the palace workers that he had been in his rooms since dinner entertaining the Lady Teela of whom stayed the entire night!" He turned to his son, "And here I find you still in bed, unclothed no less."

Adam sighed, "Father, it's not what it looks like. I was feeling ill and Teela came by to check on me, it was just a headache, she didn't want to leave me while I was unwell in case Skelator or his minions attacked, and I guess we both fell asleep. She is my bodyguard after all."

The king looked to Teela who nodded at Adam's explanation, "And as to your state of undress?"

The prince told the truth, "I thought a shower would make me feel better, but I barely made it back to the bed when I got out."

"Why didn't you call for a healer son," he turned to Teela, "Why didn't you call for a healer either?"

"I wasn't that ill father and I told her not to, all I need is some rest!" Adam's headache really started pounding, he could have used a bit more sleep, alright well a lot more sleep…. his eyes still burned with fire, his lids were still heavy.

"To barely make it from the shower to the bed is not being the picture of perfect health son, you are the prince and with that means you must take care of yourself." He said angrily, "I will call the healer now to make certain you are in good health." The king turned to leave.

The prince interjected exasperated at the last minute, "There's no need, I'm just hung-over father. No need to worry. I may have had too much to drink yesterday. I just need sleep. Please just let me rest."

The king stilled in anger, "You caused us all to worry like this because you were inebriated! Adam, you are the crown prince, you cannot go off getting drunk, come back at odd hours and have the Captain of the Guard stay in your room all night, and then think you can just sleep the day away! Not to mention treating your intended like a nursemaid, pitting her against her duty to the crown, and destroying her reputation in the process. Teela acts like royalty more than my own son!" King Randor almost ended in a yell.

Adam winced again, this time, his headache making him see black spots and his head spilling. He could barely get out, "Well now you better get that healer in here," before he grabbed a nearby trash receptacle and heaved his guts into it. He fell back onto the bed closing his eyes cringing at the taste in his mouth.

The King was disgusted, but Teela was fast on her feet to get the healer, she knew Adam was not drunk last night. So why did he say that? It must be to protect his secret. Oh Adam. She almost shed a tear at what behavior he had to endure from his father, and thinking of it like that…from her, in order to protect this secret. If I didn't know him better now, I would have reacted the exact same way.

Doctor Samuels came immediately and quickly took Adam's vitals frowning. The prince barely moved, almost sleeping yet again, his eyes squinting shut in pain from the sun's rays starting to enter his room. Randor demanded, "Well Dr. Samuels, I hope it's the worst hangover he's ever experienced, maybe he will get it into his mind that this kind of behavior is unacceptable and unbecoming of a prince."

"Your majesty, I don't know what this boy told you, but he is suffering from extreme exhaustion, malnutrition, possible dehydration, and most likely a migraine. He will need to stay in this bed and sleep, eat, and drink as much as possible in the next few days while his body recovers."

Queen Marlena was the first to move to Adam's side, seeing his furrowed brows showing pain in his sleep.

"I'll give him something to help him rest a bit deeper and something for the pain. He must not get over-excited or upset," the doctor looking pointedly at the King who started looking abashed at his young son lying helpless on the bed.

The doctor left leaving a very guilty looking father. "Why would Adam say he was drunk if he wasn't. It doesn't make sense." The queen stayed silent while affectionately running her hands through Adam's hair.

Teela chimed in softly, "Maybe because you didn't believe him when he said he just needed more rest; you certainly believed his drunkenness story more readily." Worried she offended the king, she bade a hasty retreat speaking softly to not awaken her prince. "I'll go to the kitchens and see if they can make something special for Adam for lunch." The royal pair nodded. "And your majesties," Teela had steel in her voice, "I could care less about my reputation when Adam needs me. I wanted you to know that. Nothing would stop me from being by his side." She exited not knowing if the she would have a job the next day, but it had to be said. A visit to her father was in order, maybe he knew what was wrong with Adam.

The king watched the slow breathing and stillness of his son, "Why would he be so exhausted, he does nothing but nap, fish, and hang out with friends. He barely has time to attend castle meetings or read the reports. I put no pressure on him whatsoever."

"Ah, that's not entirely true husband. Adam mentioned to me he's read every report that's been issued." Randor look disbelievingly at his wife, "He came to me worried about asking permission to court Teela after you had started communication with embassies from the Princess of Caledon for an arranged marriage. Our son knows more than you like about this kingdom. He has been reading all the reports my love, he has been involved, you just haven't seen it."

"He's read them all? Why didn't he come to me? I only wanted to see him settled down, and you quickly convinced me it was a bad idea." Randor sat in an opposite chair.

"He's different then we know Randor, Adam has thoughts and feelings now he keeps to himself. He no longer voices them freely like he did in his youth, you must ask about them. Perhaps his carefree attitude is an act because that is what you expect of him."

Marlena got up and went to sit by her husband, "When was the last time you asked his opinion on matters of state? Do you know how intelligent he is? How he is doing in his studies. Why Teela has agreed to his suit if all she thought of our son was that he is a lazy, flirty, ungrateful royal. You know her honor and duty to Eternia is her primary focus. If Adam's did not match hers, their relationship would never work. And now here is this woman standing by his side, ready to encounter all amounts of gossip and the ire of her King and Queen just to stand by her man." The queen thought this talk was long over due.

"And where do you stand my husband? With your son or against him? There was some truth to Teela's words. Have you actually seen your son drunk before? Have you seen these so-called friends he hangs out with? Have you known him to have any women in his chambers before? Look around, is this the room of a lazy spoiled royal?"

The king finally noticed his surroundings. There was nothing in this room that suggested any of those things. The entire room was organized with a precision and cleaned to the point he would call anal. There was nothing in this room which suggested an attitude of "fun"; just calculated need and the basic essentials. No knicknacks adorned shelves, no posters or paintings on the walls, no tools or paints, no entertainment, or musical instruments no fictional books, no real color. Even his wordrobe was all the very same neatly hung tunic, with the odd dress of state for court functions, no casual clothes. Even his bedchambers had little things spread around that reminded him of his life and books he enjoyed reading. It depressed the older man to no end. His son looked to have no joy in his life.

The room could be a guest room in any wing of the castle. Randor picked up a military book near the bed and opened to a page, looked closer and gasped. "Marlena look."

His face was white as a sheet and his hands shook as he handed the book to her and grabbed another on leadership. The same; marked pages, the personal thoughts and notes, the well-worn binder.

The queen shed a tear as she flipped the pages, "Oh Randor he's got all this in his head."

"What in Eternia is going on with our son? I don't understand. Ancients Marlena I don't understand any of this." Tears started slipping down the kings face as well. "I will do better darling. I promise." He stroked Adam's cheek. "You suspected didn't you, you suspected our son was more than what he showed didn't you?"

The queen nodded. "A mother always knows her son, and we did a good job Randor, don't think we failed him. He loves us, and loves this kingdom, that I know. With this knowledge he may be helping this kingdom in ways we do not see yet."

"Things will have to change." The king said decidedly. "They will change." He strode out the door with a determined look.

"Get me Man-At Arms in the throne room", he yelled to the nearest worker. "Now."

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Adam slowly opened his eyes around dinner that evening. Marlena was in a chair along the wall reading a manuscript slowly sipping a cup of tea. Teela was in the uncomfortable chair again, knees propped up and making more notes in his books, a tray of food beside her.

"Hey, it's not nice to write in other people's books." He smiled lazily at her.

"Well, when you can't see that Donell's theorems on utilizing algorithms and statistical analysis in warfare are amazing, then I will need to re-educate you," Teela teased.

"Gah, numbers can be faked Teela, you can't put much stock in bad intel. Didn't you see Patton's teachings on subterfuge and trickery." Adam pushed himself to sitting on the bed with a smile.

He glanced over to the queen, "Hello mother."

"I'm glad you're feeling better son."

"How bad was it, I remember father yelling, being sick, and not much after that. I'm not certain when the last time was that I had a headache that bad. I'm sorry to have worried you. I'm certain I'll be fine now, you don't have to keep watch. I'm feeling much better."

"Dr. Samuels thinks you will be just fine after several larger meals and more sleep. So, eat up and go back to bed." She went back to her manuscript. Adam frowned when there was no more questions or accusations from anyone.

"I'm still in Eternia right?" Adam whispered to Teela.

Teela looked back at the queen and whispered back, "I'm not sure, they've been acting weird all afternoon. The King actually apologized to me for being angry I stayed here last night."

Adam gave her a weird look and went to pull away the covers, remembering just in time he was still underdressed. "Uh Teela, I uh, need to use the facilities, do you think you could grab me some clothes?"

She blushed, "Sure."

Adam wrapped the sheet around himself and stood carefully keeping his back full of scars away from his mother, his headache was much better but not yet gone. He kept the lights off as he went down the hall to the bathroom. Grabbing extra clothes from Teela on his way, his mother not seeming to care that it was Teela bringing him clothes while he was essentially naked. "Thanks." He blushed, well he guessed it could be said he had a chaperone.

As Teela handed Adam a spare set of trousers and tunic, she noticed the angry looking scar on his arm yesterday looked silver and thin and almost completely healed, finally matching the thin lines of scars on his back. She noted this again for later. Magic!

Adam washed his face, brushed his teeth and cleaned up from the night before. He now knew that He-Man definitely had a limit, and he had approached it. How many days in a row had He-Man used extra energy in his body to transform, to fight, and to use super strength. Adam was worried Skelator must be noting this as well.

He strode back into his room to sit next to Teela fully clothed as his stomach rumbled. The sandwiches and pastries were piled high on the tray next to her. "I've just sent off for some soup as well."

"You don't want me to recover, you want me overweight!" He chuckled, "This is more than I eat in a week."

His mother interjected, "Good, since it looks like you haven't eaten in a week."

Adam narrowed his eyes at her and good naturedly popped an entire sandwich in his mouth. After a meal and light chatting, Adam felt himself tiring again and his eyes started getting heavy. Instead of wondering how in Eternia he could ask them to leave, Teela and the Queen excused themselves and told him they would see him in the morning.

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The next morning, Adam awoke fully refreshed and ready to start the day. He put on his customary white shirt and pink tunic and went to the family dining area for breakfast albeit a little late.

"Hello mother, father. Sorry I missed breakfast the other day." He pulled out his chair and sat down.

"It's fine son, you obviously needed the rest." The prince frowned. Normally his father would make a snide remark about his tardiness wishing he made more of an effort. For a few more minutes Adam slowly ate and slowly drank his favorite coffee, the ambiance around the breakfast table was remarkably calm and pleasant this morning. Something was wrong.

"Well son, I'm off to see some delegates from Nethrolepis, you have a good day, now. Try to take it easy." The king placed a hand on his son's shoulder and gave him an affectionate squeeze. Adam flinched slightly brows furrowed, the king was never one to bestow much physical affection on him, maybe when he was a child, but he stopped long ago.

The king notice this and inwardly cringed hiding his reaction. His own son was confused at an affectionate touch from him. Yes, things will change starting today.

"Uh, father, about yesterday." The prince stammered.

"Nothing to worry about son, I'm just glad you're alright." He left with a kind smile Adam hadn't seen on his father's face since he was a boy.

"Mother?" The queen watched the exchange with a mix of sadness and hope.

"Yes son."

"I'm not dreaming, am I?" The confused prince grabbed an extra bagel for his plate and proceeded to stand from his seat looking for the cream cheese.

"I don't think so son, otherwise Cringer would not have just stolen your bagel out from under your nose." She smiled and went back to her omelet as Adam looked back down on his empty plate.

"Cringer!" He grabbed another bagel and threw it in his mouth as he chased Cringer out of the room and down the hall yelling at the cowardly cat, just like old times.

The queen smiled. "It's good to know some things never change.

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