CHAPTER 23.

A / N: Realize that I'm jumping back and forth through history!

"I and my family declare that from this moment, Starchild will be known as Stela. Princess Stela of Eternia. "Randor exclaimed with a smile on his face.

Marlena had her hand behind the back of the girl, who was wearing an orange dress and a crown on her head. Starchild, or rather, Stela walked forward and stood by her new siblings. Adora was to her left in a red dress and Adam was to her right in a brown uniform. Randor and Marlena approached and stood one on each side so a picture of the family could be taken.

"What's the use of taking a picture if you're going to have to take another photo in a week because of Adora's wedding?" Adam asked.

"To celebrate the moment." Randor replied.

Adam nodded slightly then took courage and turned to his father.

"Dad, I need to talk to you. Will you be free after lunch today? ''

"Of course." The king was surprised.

:::Are you going to talk about you and Teela?::: Adora's voice popped into her mind.

:::You noticed?! It's past time to talk to him about it. :::

::: About this and other things too, but let's do one thing at a time. :: Adora has returned.

One o'clock p.m.

Adam knocked on his father's door and came when he heard the answer.

"Father, I have an announcement to make." he said without waiting.

Randor raised a surprised eyebrow. "And this announcement would be?"

"I and Captain Teela are dating. And I intend to ask you to marry me. ''

Randor smiled and exclaimed.

"That's great, my son. I want you to know that I was already aware of this news, but I'm glad you officialize it. ''

"Did you already know?" - Adam was surprised.

"Yes, your mother made me realize at the last ball. And I think a lot of the court also realized that you were more 'together'. "

Adam nodded. His mother was always aware when it came to Adam, Teela or Adora in their love lives.

"So, do you have any dates yet to inform the people and the court?" - Randor sat down and looked closely at his son.

"I ... I hoped you would pick the date of the release. After all, you chose for Adora and ... "The Prince was interrupted.

-''She asked me. At the time her sister told us she was dating, I told her to pick a date, and she asked me to choose her because she did not know the next time she could visit us. ''

"When she started dating Sea Hawk, Hordak doubled the attacks on the rebellion. I remember. Adora has not visited us in months, and it was in one of those months that you made the announcement." Adam said, remembering the time.

"And the court was almost over when he learned Hawk was a pirate. Now they have calmed down to know that he is a prince. ''

Adam laughed. "I remember Teela's reaction."

Randor also laughed and mimicked her reaction. ''A pirate !? Adora must have lost her head! "- Laughter increased. -''Do not take too long to propose to Teela.''

"I'm going to order it today. I've already spoken to Duncan and he gives his blessing our union. ''

- '' As I also give my blessing. ''

When the laughter subsided, Adam realized he had not been around like this for years.

"I missed that. You know, we talk normally. ''

Randor returned with a smile, but realized that he could not show that he knew the secret, so after swallowing, the king spoke.

"Everything has changed with your irresponsible behavior, which I see is diminishing and I appreciate that."

Adam nodded again and said goodbye to his father, going to talk to Teela when Randor spoke. "I think we'd better wait at least a few months for the wedding to happen."

-''Because?''

"As much as I'm happy with the union, it's going very fast. Yes, I know you have known each other all your life and you do not have to wait, but for the good of the kingdom you will have to wait. ''

Adam nodded, knowing his father was right and left the office.

Randor sighed and looked at his hands. "Now I understand what you had to go through, son. And I see this is going to be harder than I would like. ''

"What's going to be harder, dear?" 'Marlena's voice was heard.

Randor looked at the door again and saw his wife come in. Hiding his knowledge about the secret of his wife's children was very difficult for him, but he knew it was to protect her.

"Nothing, my dear." He gave her a reassuring smile.

Marlena was not convinced by this answer, and her husband realized that.

-''Nothing? It seems to me that it is much more than 'nothing'. "

"Sorry my queen, but this is not my secret to speak of." Randor replied.

Marlena took the hint and this answer answered the question that had been in her mind for weeks. Deciding to risk, the queen closed the door and turned to her husband, she asked.

"Adam and Adora?"

"What?" He looked at her in disbelief.

"It's their secret, is not it? The secret of Adam and Adora? ''

-''Do you know? How ... "Randor paused in the middle of the sentence and shook his head. "You were always more observant than I was, but I thought you did not know about them being ... you know who."

Marlena nodded calmly. "How long have you known?" She asked.

-''A few weeks.''

"Do they know you know?"

-''No.''

"Do not you plan on telling them?" Marena came over and leaned against the table.

''I do not know. '' -That was the answer. ''But I ask you not to tell them.''