Adora took her seat at the table nervously, smoothing her dress as she sat. It was her first meal with everyone—her parents, her brother, Orko, Teela and Duncan. Apparently this was a common practice, for the group of them to eat together. In addition to being her father's man-at-arms, Duncan was his oldest and closest friend, someone who wasn't afraid to call him out when he thought he was wrong, and he was considered part of the family, as was Teela.
He-Man sat to Randor's left, Marlena to the king's right. Duncan sat next to Marlena, with Teela to his right. Adora was seated next to He-Man, with Orko on her left. The seating seemed somehow off to Adora; she thought at first that she had thrown it into disarray. But then she caught the look that passed between Adam and Teela. It was full of stormy emotions, confusion, hurt, longing…on both sides. Something had happened between them. She wondered if it was due to Teela's parentage, or if something more had occurred.
"So Adora, how are you adjusting to life on Eternia?" Duncan asked.
Adora glanced down at the multitude of silverware in front of her. "Well, I'd feel a whole lot better about it if I could figure out what all these forks are for!" she joked. The others laughed, and she breathed a sigh of relief. The tension between Teela and He-Man was so obvious that she had thought for a moment that it might be insurmountable.
"When in doubt, just drop a few on the floor," He-Man suggested, a twinkle in his eye. "It always worked for me growing up."
"That's because you had the entire staff wrapped around your finger," Marlena chided him with another laugh. "Adele used to bring them back one at a time with your food so you wouldn't drop them again." Just then, two of the servants came in with the first course. The group fell silent until they had left.
"Keeping this secret is becoming more difficult," Randor observed in a neutral voice. He surveyed those around the table. "Perhaps we should avoid talk of the past for now."
He-Man's eyes met Adora's. She could see the hesitation on his face as he spoke. "I fear the truth will come out before long."
Adora shrugged. "It's no more danger than I lived with before. I was singled out as Hordak's rising star. There were many who didn't take kindly to that."
Marlena leaned forward over her half-eaten salad, her gaze worried. "Adora, what types of things do you enjoy doing?"
Adora had just put a forkful of bright green and purple lettuce into her mouth. She chewed slowly as she thought over her answer. "I think I have a lot to discover, Mother," she finally said. "I know that I was trained to battle, and I'm good at it. I don't know if I actually enjoy it, because it was never an option; it was just what I was supposed to do." She smiled, gazing at the wall beyond her mother without really seeing it. She met her mother's eyes and the smile grew. "I do love riding my horse Spirit at a full gallop. And I love flying, whether it is in a machine or on an animal." She raised another forkful of food.
"But you're a woman," Orko said before she could take her bite. He stared at her.
Adora raised an eyebrow and lowered her fork slightly. "Thank you for noticing, Orko."
A bright red glow shone from behind his scarf as the others laughed. "I mean, don't you like to dance or play an instrument or paint or something like that?"
"So you have to be a woman to enjoy painting?" He-Man challenged in an amused voice.
Orko blushed even brighter. "Yes, I mean no! I just thought she would like some other things," he finished lamely. "Adam liked painting and sculpting and baking and all kinds of things."
"Except fighting," He-Man added absently.
"What?" Teela, Adora, and Randor stared at him in disbelief.
"You're kidding," Teela said flatly. "I've fought beside you more times than I could count. It sure looked to me like you were having a good time."
"I enjoy helping people and seeing justice be done," He-Man corrected her. "If I could do it without fighting, I would. Unfortunately, I can't get Skeletor to see things my way." His mouth twitched as Duncan chuckled aloud.
"Actually, I think I can understand that," Adora said, nodding thoughtfully. "I enjoy training and sparring far more than a real fight. But as to the rest of it, Orko…I've never danced a day in my life, or painted, or any of those things. Hordak considered them a waste of time."
"Well, we'll just have to fix that," Randor said emphatically. "He-Man, I think you ought to be in charge of showing Adora some of what you've learned over the years."
He grinned at her. "With pleasure."
"So is it always this complicated around here?" Adora asked her brother curiously as they strolled through the Evergreen Forest. Battle Cat and Spirit were somewhere behind them, Spirit trying to graze on the unfamiliar plants as Battle Cat snickered at him. They had gone for a long ride, her brother showing her some of the key geographical areas of Eternia. Then they had stopped along the Eternian Ocean and built sand castles on the shoreline. It was the most frivolous and relaxing day Adora could ever remember having. Now, as they drew closer to Grayskull, she could sense He-Man tensing up again. It was amazing how sensitive she was to his moods.
He smiled grimly. "There's always something complicating things," he admitted. "Right now, though, it's the truth. Perhaps now that nearly everything is in the open, we'll all be able to begin building our relationships anew."
"Speaking of things being out in the open…" Adora waited until he looked at her, then went on. "What happened in the field back on Etheria…I wasn't actually attracted to you, you know." Her face flamed and she focused back on the path before them.
"I know," He-Man answered sincerely. "It was Hordak and Shadow Weaver, and their spells."
Adora shook her head. "Why is it every time I think I'm sharing something important with you, your answer is 'I know?'" she asked, genuinely perplexed. "How can you know so much about me?"
He-Man walked a few more steps before answering with a question of his own. "Why did Hordak and Shadow Weaver need to trick you into believing the Horde was good and just, and that Hordak was the rightful ruler of Etheria?"
Adora smiled slightly. She had thought about that much herself lately, and the answer came easily. "When I was very young, I attended school with other children. There were some bullies there. I stood up to them and beat them at their own game. Hordak was exceptionally pleased. He told me that the only way to make sure you're not hurt is to be that bully, to run the school and even the teachers through fear." She paused for a second, a faraway look in her eye. "I told him that what those bullies did was wrong. I told him I beat up the bullies so we could all be free, not so the other kids could fear me. It was then that he pulled me out of school and started training me in the Fright Zone. I think it was then that Shadow Weaver began using spells on me as well. I don't remember ever challenging him again."
"Until you saved me," He-Man amended. "Adora, you just answered your own question. You can't deny your nature, who you are. You are the other sword-bearer of Grayskull, and my twin sister. I know your heart as well as I know my own."
Adora blushed again, and they continued on in silence for a few moments. She looked around, seeming entranced with the foliage. But her next question belied where her true thoughts lingered.
"I've heard a lot of people talking about Adam," Adora said slowly. "They are wondering where he is, especially now that I've suddenly turned back up. What are we supposed to be saying about him?"
He-Man grunted. "Maybe we can tell them all Adam took Adora's place in the Horde. Most of them would probably believe it."
Adora gaped. "They wouldn't!" As he held her gaze without laughing, her eyes grew more uncertain. "Would they?"
"I'm not sure," He-Man admitted, turning back to the path before them. He could hear a spring bubbling nearby, and birds singing. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, reveling in the feeling of being home on Eternia, of being out of Grayskull, and feeling like himself again, his willpower finally restored to the point of not needing a constant escort or the protection of Grayskull.
"But why? Why would they even entertain the idea when you're—I mean, when Adam's so noble and courageous?" Adora asked, seeming perplexed.
He-Man shook his head. "Adam is a kind-hearted prince and a solid negotiator you want in a meeting room with you, if you can trust him to get there on time. He's not a warrior. In fact, he pretty much disappears for every battle, and nearly everyone thinks of him as a coward. He's frequently been caught napping by the Captain of the Guard, so lazy tends to be another word people associate with him."
Adora was silent for a while. "I can see how some of that would be inferred, given his responsibilities," she finally said. "I haven't had to deal with that much yet."
"Hopefully you won't, now that I'm around more," He-Man asserted. "One royal goof is enough."
Adora glanced knowingly at him, and He-Man had the distinct impression that she understood how difficult it had been to accept the people's perception of him, and that she might know more than she was letting on. He averted his gaze for a minute, then another thought occurred to him.
"In fact," he added slowly, "it might be best if you try to keep from turning into She-Ra for as long as possible. Between me being around permanently when Adam's suddenly gone, and you and She-Ra both showing up at the same time, there's a chance, however slim, that someone might get some ideas."
Adora nodded thoughtfully. "I see your point."
"So," said He-Man, changing the subject, "are you ready for your introduction to society tomorrow night?"
Adora swallowed nervously. "Not really," she admitted. "Mother brought me a gown and shoes this morning. They fit perfectly, but they feel so weird. I never wore a dress in the Horde, never mind a gown down to the floor. I'm terrified of falling flat on my face."
He-Man wanted to allay all her fears, but he could not. "I don't think you have to worry about falling. But I'm sorry to say that there are people who will gossip about how you were raised, and some who criticize your hair, your dress, everything about you," he warned. "However, there are even more who will love you and be loyal to their last breath. We have many good people here, Adora."
His sister smiled gently at him, a touch of wonder in her eyes. "You love them all very much."
"Yes, I do," he confirmed.
Adora pulled him to a stop, then reached up and touched her fingers to his cheek briefly. "I hope one day I will be as good a leader as you are, with as much love for my people as you have."
He-Man let all of his confidence in her show in his eyes. "You already do love them that much, Adora. You just don't know it yet. But if you didn't hold that love in your heart, you wouldn't be She-Ra."
The next afternoon, the Sorceress was conducting her magical scan of the planet-a daily activity in which she watched for unknown anomalies of magic-when He-Man's presence pulled her mind from the task. She looked over to find him approaching the stairs to Grayskull's throne cautiously, almost as if he were unsure of his reception.
"He-Man," the Sorceress greeted him warmly, allowing the view screen to go dark. "Is there something on your mind?"
"Yes," he admitted. She stepped down to his level and waited expectantly. "You have removed from Teela the knowledge that you are her mother before. But you did not do so this time." There was a pause as he searched her face. "Why?" he finally asked.
She shook her head. "I could not, He-Man. Unknown probably even to her, Teela was able to tap into her own magical powers and block me from doing so. Remember that when Skeletor sent me to another world the month before you lost your sword, she sat on this very throne and learned to use some of her powers. Brief though that time was, it was apparently enough for her to be able to protect herself on some level."
The Sorceress turned away from him so he could not see the truth in her eyes. Now that she had had some time to reflect on it, deep down, she was glad. Since He-Man had revealed the truth to his family, she had been re-thinking her decision to keep Teela's parentage a secret. The more she had watched He-Man and Teela grow closer during the last few weeks, the more she regretted that decision. As a result, the idea to reveal the truth had planted itself in her heart long before the other night. She was still not sure, however, that she had made the right decision. Grayskull's spirit assured her there was no danger, but she couldn't help but feel uneasy over it all. Relieved it was out in the open, but worried about the trouble it could cause.
He-Man stayed where he was for a moment. "Will you tell her she is to be the next Sorceress?" he asked.
The Sorceress' brow furrowed. He sounded flat, as if he were trying to hide something. "I am not sure," she replied slowly, turning back to him. "Why?"
"I don't want to be privy to another secret that's kept from her," he replied quietly. A slight flush colored his cheeks as he met her eyes. "I've betrayed her enough. If you decide not to tell her, then…I ask that you erase it from my memory."
The Sorceress took in a swift, small breath. She sensed his feelings for Teela ran much deeper than he himself even realized. If that were true…then perhaps Teela deserved to know the choice that could be placed before her, should He-Man ever decide to act on his feelings. "I never told you this, but I did not allow you to keep the secret simply because I trusted you. I cannot in fact erase such knowledge from Grayskull's champion," she said softly. "It is part of Grayskull's balance, to prevent the Guardian from abusing her power." His nodded, his face passive, but his chest heaved with a silent sigh. "But I will consider the option of telling her the truth," she added.
"Thank you," He-Man said, inclining his head. He started for the doorway, hesitating just as he reached the bottom of the stairwell that led to the bedrooms. "She'll get over it, you know. But in the meantime, I'm willing to listen anytime you want to talk, Sorceress."
She gave him a sad, proud smile. It was not so very long ago he had come to her for advice and for comfort. Now her young charge was the one offering that comfort. "Thank you, Adam. I will keep that in mind."
He flashed a reassuring grin at her. "I'm going to go make some scarletberry muffins before I have to show up for the big gala tonight."
A tear fell down the Sorceress' face as he turned once more and disappeared up the stairs. Scarletberry muffins were her favorite.
"…Princess Adora!"
At the announcement of her name, Adora smoothed the front of her crystal blue gown and stepped forward, raising her chin and pasting a smile in place, hiding her nervousness deep inside. Her smile became more real at the wild cheer that met her as she reached the top of the wide stairs.
He-Man also met her there, completely not dressed for the occasion—he wore only his normal coridite harness and furry shorts and boots. The family had decided to include him as an honored hero of Eternia, but did not want to emphasize his similarities to Adam, so "normal" clothes were a no-go. For now his identity was still a secret, and until Adora had been back for a while longer and they had had time to decide things as a family, it would remain that way.
That the pairing of she and He-Man was also of strategic value did not escape Adora's notice. The population, not knowing they were brother and sister, would assume that his presence indicated acceptance of her at the very least, and possibly romantic interest. Either way, her brother was smoothing the way for her. She had never been shielded like that before. It made her feel oddly cherished.
The evening passed in a whirlwind of colors and laughter, names and faces. Adora lost track of who she had met, but Adam stayed at her side, supplying the names of those she had already met when they re-approached her at a later time. It amazed her that he could remember them all, much less know who she had spoken to already.
She found herself the absolute center of attention for the first time in her life. Everyone had a thousand questions for her. The women looked at her with jealousy, the men with longing. After several hours, He-Man led her to a wide balcony and had her settle herself on a bench to relieve her aching feet. She let out a deep, heartfelt sigh of relief, popped her sore heels slightly out of her shoes, and wiggled her toes.
"Are you having fun yet?" he asked in amusement.
"Tons," she answered a bit dryly. She leaned back and closed her eyes for a second. "I have to thank you. If it hadn't been for you tonight, I would have made a fool of myself a thousand times over." She opened her eyes mischievously. "I'm not sure it's safe to be with you though. Every woman on Eternia hates me right now."
"I'm sure that's an exaggeration," He-Man protested.
Adora started to reply, but a laugh from across the balcony captured He-Man's attention. His head jerked sharply towards the sound and his entire body went still. Adora tensed, half-expecting danger, then saw Teela's gaze clash with He-Man's.
The two of them stared at each other for a long minute, until Teela's companion touched her arm and drew her attention back to him. He-Man turned away to look out over the palace grounds, even though there was nothing to see in the inky night air, his jaw working as he ground his teeth together.
Adora heaved an internal sigh. How two people could be so much in love and be so blind to it was beyond her. One side of her mouth lifted in a smirk. Maybe she should just help things along.