Okay, so Sheppard gets to be king if he wants it, next chapter allows him to heal a bit and think about what is coming up and what just happened. Lots of Teyla POV and a little of others. Thanks to my beta Comanche-Antigo but I still take ownership of all mistakes! There just would have been tons more of them.

Chapter 7 Making Sense of It

Teyla went in to see Sheppard after she ate breakfast with Ronon and Rodney. She had stayed a while with him but Dr. Beckett had said he would likely sleep through the night so she went to get some rest as well. He had still not awakened this morning, but the Healers said that he was doing well. It had been over 24 hours and his health did not appear at risk. He looked more relaxed although occasionally his brow furrowed as he mumbled something. She sat next to him and touched his hand. She stared at his hands for a while. Despite his work in the field, he did not have hands that she would expect from a warrior. His hands were slender and his fingers were long and well manicured. Like him, tall and slender, not the image of a man who could slay a Wraith. But he had, many times. He was an enigma to many, not knowing much about his past, yet he freely shared his opinions and thoughts. She felt that she understood him and yet she realized that she knew so little about him at the same time.

"Teyla," she heard him say. She almost jumped. "Why are you in my quarters? Did something bad happen?" He looked around confused for a second, then she saw realization flash across his eyes.

"This isn't my quarters."

"No, John."

"I wasn't dreaming."

"No, you were not."

"I'm the king, aren't I?" he said almost in a whisper.

"Yes, John," She felt his hand gently squeeze her own. He was still weak and she sensed this. She squeezed back and smiled at him. "How are you doing?"

"I don't know," he said absently. "Head hurts, but it's been worse."

"We were afraid for you, John."

He gave her a crooked smile. "Yeah, me too. That was not what I expected. Still tired."

"You should sleep."

"No, I don't want to sleep anymore. I wasn't dreaming in English and ...well, it was weird."

"Shall I go get Dr. Beckett?"

"No, I am fine. I just...want to be" he looked around the room. There were a half dozen people running around. "Alone."

"I can leave."

"No" he said quickly. "That is not what I meant." She followed his eyes at the others and understood.

She looked at him and saw his eyes flash in mischief. "Would you get me the head doc around here?" She nodded then walked over to an older gray haired woman, who nodded quickly then came and stood beside him after she bowed her head.

"Your majesty. How are you feeling?"

"Fine," he said cheerfully. Too cheerfully for someone that knew him like Teyla. "I have a bit of a headache but nothing I can't handle. Otherwise I feel good to go. I would like some privacy now with the exception of Teyla here."

"Your majesty?"

"I want everyone else gone...now."

Teyla felt sorry for the woman. Beckett had left orders and now she had conflicting ones. She looked at Sheppard and bowed. Her decision had been made.

"I will go give Dr. Beckett an update and excuse everyone else. I imagine he will want to come in himself." Teyla smiled. Cunning woman.

"Fine, fine...tell him to keep his needles at bay."

Teyla watched them leave. She raised her eyebrows at him. "Throwing your weight around already?"

"Hell, that experience should be worth something, even if it is just intimidating a doctor. I wasn't too mean was I?" He looked at her with a truly innocent, concerned expression.

She smiled at him. "John, you have never been truly mean even when you tease Rodney. You were just...authoritative."

He had closed his eyes. He was troubled, but she wondered if he would say anything. She leaned next to him and placed her forehead on his. A few seconds later he sighed and she pulled away and looked at him. He opened his eyes but she could not read them.

"Teyla," he said then hesitated. "Teyla, I don't want to be king of anything." He said in almost a whisper.

She held his hand again. "There is much on your shoulders."

He did not protest, which was as much as an acknowledgement she would get. "I know you don't want this, John, but that is why you will be good at this. You cannot help who you are or who you want to be. Only...only what you will do."

He forced himself to sit up and looked around noticing that he did not have a shirt on and he had been changed. "Dammit, once again a bunch of aliens decide to take my clothes and change me while I am out cold. Can I tell you how sick I am of that? Oh, and guess what, I am related to Theosticles," he said looking thoughtfully, "Actually that is kind of cool really. Rodney is going to freak on that one." He was making light of the situation, but she knew him too well. She continued even though he had given her every indication that he did not want to talk about it further.

"You will do what you have to, John. As you always have...to survive, but you will not do it alone. Nothing really has changed except that you have more tools, knowledge to help us and Earth. If you had not done, this, if you were not the heir, you would still do what you are doing but with less resources. This is an opportunity. You can find a way to make it work."

He turned away again. What an idiot. Way to use your head. Good thing you have good friends who can "Thanks for the kick in the ass." he finished out loud. "I know it will be alright." Even if it wasn't he could not let them know. It was a done deal and time to just buck up and take care of business. He felt like he had been lying in bed for a day and thought a shower would be good about now. "Can you help me get out of bed?"

"I don't think that is a good idea, colonel."

"Carson."

"Unless of course you wish to be tripping over wires and such. Seeing that you're speaking your native tongue now and feeling well enough to push around some doctors. I'll have you know that as far as your medical condition, I am responsible for that, kingy or no kingy. Got that?"

Sheppard wanted to grin at the smart ass remarks, but he really was annoyed. "Got it, but I don't want more than one person in here at a time. If you determine that I don't need this stuff anymore then I want it out and I want to be left alone. Teyla can help me for now. I don't want anyone else poking around except you and that should be less now that I feel perfectly fine. Got that?" Sheppard knew that he would not have been so brave if he had been on Beckett's turf in Atlantis.

"Testy aren't we? Well, I will give you something for your headache to put you in a better mood. Oh, and aye, I can see that you are feeling so much better since you look nearly white as a ghost. However, I see that your vitals are normal and I imagine that if you can eat or drink then I am wiling to pull the IV, but will leave the needle in for a bit longer just in case. Are those acceptable terms?"

"I agree to your terms, Doc."

Teyla started laughing. She did not know why, but the exchange was funny. "Colonel. I am going to return in 30 minutes with some food. Then I can help you."

"Thanks, Teyla" he said exhausted.

She heard Beckett muttering something about getting what he deserved for trying to argue with a doctor.

She ran in to Dr. Weir on her way out the door. "How is he doing?"

Teyla looked behind her at the door. She smiled as she could still hear Beckett giving Sheppard a dressing down. "He is doing well enough. I do not think he cares to see too many people right now. He dismissed all the medical personnel. He did want me to help him some, so I did agree to obtain some breakfast for him then return."

"Yes, I heard about the dismissal. Carson did not take that too kindly."

Beckett exited the room looking exasperated. "The man is incorrigible. A bit testy the bugger is. He started lecturing me in Ancient or whatever it was that he was speaking. I don't think he meant to though because he had that look of did I do that?"

Elizabeth remembered that look three years ago when they were back in the Antarctic in the famous chair. He had made the solar system appear so intricately and so easily and all he could say was "Did I do that?"

"Does he seem okay, Carson?"

"What...oh, aye. He does not appear to have any lasting negative effects. I mean, I don't want to let him loose. He still has a monstrous headache and is weak. This process took a lot out of him. I think the Ancient tongue now is just...well, he has suddenly become bilingual. He knows what he is saying most of the time and can catch himself. I told him that I will not let him out until he has eaten three square meals and able to walk of his own volition. He refuses any attendants but said that it was okay if Teyla helped him for now. I just don't think he trusts too many others, and he may want to talk to someone. Is that alright with you, Lass?"

"Yes of course, Dr. Beckett. I will be glad to help how I can."

"I also told him that he could not have any other visitors until he had eaten and washed up. He grudgingly agreed, but is anxious to see you Elizabeth and the rest of his team."

"Understood, Carson. I and the others will get something to eat while Teyla tries to settle our new prince."

Teyla smiled then frowned. "I sensed he was agitated and may have taken that out on you, Dr. Beckett. I don't think he enjoys being a ...king."

"Well, at least he did not punch me like the last time he woke from unconsciousness. Those military folks are wired so tightly."

"That is why we love them, Carson. They do that so we don't have to be on watch all the time." Weir said.

"Aye. I know."

They started heading toward the dining room. Teyla hurried to gather some food for the both of them so she could head back.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Sheppard was glad to be alone. Finally. He tried to sit up but couldn't. Damn. Why the hell am I so weak? And how the hell can I speak Ancient? He remembered vaguely some of the images, plans, and everything else but it was all out of focus. He figured that it would all make sense in time although he hoped that it would not be too late. That would be damn inconvenient. He knew that the transfer also unlocked something in him and that actually bothered him most of all. Like a damn engineered human being. Hell, I am not Kirk as Rodney often liked to tease. I am Khan Noonian Singh, some freak. He knew that he worried most about letting someone else down, like a 10,000 year old ancestor. He sighed and tried to just let the headache subside but it didn't. At least it was tolerable. He knew the seizures weren't completely over. He understood through the transfer that it could take up to a week or two. How the hell do I know that? He closed his eyes. He needed help right now and he did not really know who to trust except Teyla. Of course he trusted Weir, Rodney, Ronon and Lorne. But, she could handle his weakness and vulnerability without viewing him any differently. Or out of all of them he could handle having her see him this weak. It was embarrassing enough, but for the next few days he would have to just swallow his pride. He figured the seizures were just his brain dealing with all the freaking information and getting it organized. Hell, who knows. He heard the door slide open and smiled though his eyes remained closed.

"Hey Teyla," he said quietly.

She smiled at him as she sat next to his bed. "How did you know it was me?"

He opened one eye. Yeah, how did I know? "I just guessed."

"Are you hungry?" She said offering him a cup of something to drink.

He reached out to grab it but nearly dropped it. She caught it before it actually dropped.

"Umm. I am sorry, Teyla." he said embarrassed. "My hands aren't working too well. Feels like I worked out for 12 damn hours with you and Ronon at the same time."

"It's okay, John. I cannot even imagine what you went through." She held the cup up to his lips and he drank the warm tea.

"Yeah. That was not very pleasant, Teyla. I thought my damn brains were being ripped out of my head. Then, well, then the Wraith." He got quiet then looked down.

"I know how difficult it can be to have them in your head, so to speak."

He looked up with a grin. Yes. She did know how that felt. He took a small sandwich in a shaking hand and took a bite. He really wasn't hungry, but finished it to please her.

He shook his head when she offered him another. "I am not really hungry, Teyla. I just feel like I need to wash up." He looked at her and she saw his anger at this vulnerability.

"Can you get up?" She asked as she placed the food on a nearby table.

"No. I don't think so."

"Let me help you John. You may gain strength after washing up."

Damn he hated asking for help, but he was no fool. If he tried by himself, he knew he would end up on the floor then Beckett and the whole damn entourage of medical personnel would be in here. He would have to listen to a lecture all over again. He did not want any of his attendants to attend him, hell he did not know them and he wasn't about to show his weakness to them. He grinned at Teyla. "Okay Teyla, but I am not getting naked for you, and whatever you see stays here between us."

"Agreed," she said rolling her eyes at his joke...not that she hadn't thought about John Sheppard naked. "Unless of course it is a medical issue."

"What...oh yeah, okay."

She lifted the heavy blankets away from him. He had on soft loose black pants, but no shirt. She held his arm as he stood shakily.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes," he said quietly as he walked toward the adjoining room where there was a wash room. It seemed like a mile, but he made it. He sat on a cushioned bench as Teyla filled a basin with warm water. She handed him the washcloth. "I will have them change your linens."

He nodded but said nothing. He heard her giving instructions to some attendants she had summoned. He became annoyed as he struggled to wash his face then got angry when he dropped the cloth.

Teyla turned when she heard him curse in frustration. She left the attendants to finish their work then went into the other room with Sheppard and closed the door behind her. Without saying a word, she bent down and grabbed the cloth from the floor. She dipped it in the basin and wrung it out slowly. She knelt next to him and brushed the cloth across his right cheek, then his forehead and then his left cheek. He said nothing but closed his eyes. He opened them and smiled at her grateful. She dipped the cloth in the basin again then washed his neck and then his back. She then washed his arms and chest. She looked at him and he was staring at her. She blushed and hoped that he could not see it. She reached for his hands and was going to wipe them when she noticed the small cuts. She realized that he had grasped the gravel so tightly in pain after he had collapsed during the transfer that the small stones had cut into his hand. She felt him pull away, his face unreadable.

"I am good, Teyla. Thanks. Please help me get back?"

"Of course John. Do you feel better?"

He leaned on her but actually did feel better. "Yeah, actually I do. Still have a headache, but it really is not so bad. I mean McKay alone has given me worse."

She laughed. "Yes, I see what you mean." He sat in one of the chairs near the bed as she handed him a soft dark green shirt she had gotten out of the armoire. He slipped it on and exhaled. "Yeah, I actually feel pretty good. I mean I don't feel as weak and I could finish that sandwich if you'll join me."

She sat done in the chair next to him and set it on the table next to him. He reached over and took the sandwich in his hand.

"Thanks for your help, Teyla."

She looked into his eyes. They were hazel, piercing and beautiful with that green shirt.

"It was my honor, John. Thank you for trusting me."

He nodded. There was silence, but not uncomfortable.

He heard a soft chime and thought for the door to open. Beckett walked in. Speak of the devil.

"Ah I see you are feeling better, colonel."

"Salvire Carson," Sheppard said cheerfully, "How are you doing?" Salvire? Where the hell did that come from?

Beckett looked taken aback by the question. "Whu...well yes, thank you, colonel, I am doing fine. How are you?"

"Would be even better if this damn needle was out of my arm."

Beckett went up to him. "Has he gotten around on his own?"

Sheppard looked at Teyla, eyes pleading.

She did not hesitate. "He washed up and changed. I did have the attendants replace the linens on his bed and his appetite has returned. He ate the sandwich I brought him for lunch." She did not exactly lie.

Beckett looked at her suspiciously then seemed satisfied. "Alright, colonel, let me get that out of yea."

Thanks, Teyla, Sheppard thought. She looked up at him surprised. Did she hear what he had thought?

"There you go. You will stay in here and visitors will be limited. Teyla may remain to assist you if she wants, although I have to say that Samsus and his team are up in arms right now. I told them that medically it was for the best."

"Thanks, Carson." He finished drinking then remembered something. "Oh, hey, Carson. I forgot to tell you that you know it is likely that I might have seizures again, for the next day or two. I don't know why, but I do know that it is just a side effect. No harm."

"How convenient for you to forget," Carson said, displeased.

Sheppard looked up at him with feigned hurt. He did have a reputation after all. "I really did not mean to. But just trust me."

"Well given that, then I want at least one person here at all times until it passes. I actually will put a wee monitor on you. It will let me know what is happening. I don't know why I am trusting you, but against my better judgment I am thinking that you know more about what is going on than I do."

Sheppard did not protest. He knew that he was getting away with more than he would have in Atlantis. "Hey Doc. I just want Teyla, you, and Sam as my baby-sitters. I mean I don't mind the other team members if Rodney, Ronon or Elizabeth can be pulled from their work. Is that okay, I mean, not too much trouble?"

"That is fine with me, John," Teyla said. She looked up at the doctor.

"Aye. I understand, colonel. Barring anything else. I will have Samsus come in a few hours so Teyla can rest. I will follow after that."

Sheppard nodded. He hated being babysat. There was at least a comfy couch nearby.

"Alright. but if it is okay, I am going to send the rest of your team, Dr. Weir, and Saphides in to see you."

"Yeah, sure. Let me say good afternoon to the kids."

Beckett shook his head as he smiled. Sheppard was definitely feeling better. He did not like that the seizures would not be over, but really what could he do except monitor? If they got worse then he would hook the colonel up with IV and anything else he could think of, king or no king.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"There is rumor that the Heir of Evander has returned."

The blonde man turned his steely blue eyes to his companion. "Where did you hear this?"

"There is talk amongst the villagers who have traded with the Ilarians." The companion said. "This could affect our plans for an invasion. We may be too late already."

"It is not confirmed. Even if it is, then it may not be too late." The man looked across at his army practicing. "No one will take what is rightfully mine. We will just have to move ahead of schedule."

"They may not be ready."

"They will have to be. The Iliarians already have advanced weaponry, but we have the element of surprise thanks to their arrogance and we outnumber them 100 to 1."

Thanks to the slaves, the companion thought bitterly, but he only said, "We should be able to have all our preparations complete in 4 months."

The man looked at him coldly. "No, Eras. We have only two at the most. See to it."

"Yes, lord." Arrogant bastard would be the death of them.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

O'Neill looked at the transmission sent directly by Weir and bypassing the SGC. "You have got to be kidding me," He whispered to himself. "Wow, kid. You really outdid yourself," he said to himself.

He sat thoughtfully for a moment then hailed the commander of the Daedalus. "Hey, Steven, are your preparations about done? We need to get underway. Add me to the passenger list. I'll explain it to you on the way over."

"Boy, Daniel is going to love this," he said, picking up the phone. "Hey, Daniel. Sit down. I have some interesting news for you."

"Damn, wonder if I still have my mess dress."

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The perfect episode would involve having Sheppard and O'Neill in a mess dress. Very fancy uniform if you don't know what it is and I bet they would both be drop dead gorgeous.

Next chapter will involve some of the other team's POV as well as some of the Guardians' and Sam's and Sophistides' POVs. After the coronation, cause you know Sheppard has to go through with it, some adventure, a bit of whump, a battle all because of an evil jealous cousin. That is just a bit further down the road if I can figure out how to write it.

Oh, please forgive the bits of Latin and totally created Ancient for Latin like Salvire from the Latin Salve. Just hard to convey that he is talking in something other than English sometimes.