A/N: Hope everyone is well. I had more to post in this chapter but decided to end it on a light note seeing as what I just saw on The Oscars tonight was dark enough. Holy CRAP... #wtaf

Chapter 7

-The Next Morning -

Reports from the journalists invited to the Palace presser were broadcast far and wide throughout the kingdom, video and still photos of the elusive Greyskull Twins slowly moving through the center of the mass of media heads captured the imagination of the citizens and, in an unexpected way, filled them with a sense of national identity and pride at the heroics of driving The Horde off of Eternia forever.

The sight of Greyskull's answer to past, present, and future aggression Defense and Protection, galvanized the people to persevere in the midst of the daunting task of rebuilding their world, one brick at a time.

Prior to the intergalactic conflict many had dismissed Castle Greyskull and its mystic Guardian as pure fable, a mere bedtime story read to children to spark their imagination and wonder, a vehicle merely to instill national pride.

But the reports confirmed that indeed these were not fantastical stories of bygone years but fact; flesh and blood ancestors of King D'Vann who walked among them, concrete evidence that what had heretofore thought mythological characters from millennia ago were part of the here and now.

xxx

Invitations to the memorial ceremonies went out across Randor's kingdom from the Office Of Her Majesty The Queen.

Although the gathering is meant as a solemn reflection honoring the dead who gave their lives defending Eternia and Etheria, Queen Marlena incorporated a muted fete of sorts in sober observance of the defeat of the enemy celebrating the courage and steadfastness of all who fought, all who protected their families underground, and all who dedicate themselves to rebuilding their communities.

The Queen coordinated with Queen Castaspella of Mystacore in organizing similar ceremonies on their sister planet, the sorceress queen after spending decades enduring unspeakableoppression and tyranny only too pleased to again introduce the freedom to gather and celebrate without fear, to self-govern and live freely once again.

xxx

-One Week Later -

"Are you certain? Nothing at all?"

"Nothing," Keldor replied to Duncan's exasperated sigh on the other end of the communicator. "And I even have Evelyn searching. We found not one sorcerous signature."

Duncan's gaze narrowed. "Either this is a master warlock, or the individual involved is currently off-world."

"Why do you assume it's a male?" the deposed prince replied curious.

"Excuse me?"

"Warlock. Could be female," he elaborated. "Isn't your ex the mighty all-powerful Guardian of Greyskull? Damn, Farrell, aren't you old-fashioned."

Man-At-Arms squeezed his eyes shut pinching the bridge of his nose. "He, she, it…doesn't matter we need to find who's responsible now! I don't have time for a lecture on cultural discourse," he snapped.

The tone on the other end turned amused. "My, my, aren't we testy—"

"Keep it professional," he replied curtly. "Keep scanning and report to me the minute you have something, Keldor."

"Barking orders at me is hardly the impetus to get me to solve your problems, Farrell," Keldor said, a lilt in his voice. "Even though I'm divorced from the Royal Line, I'm still the King's brother—"

"Is that a threat?" the Commander of the Royal Guard frowned.

"No. Just a friendly reminder."

"Meaning?"

He heard a weary sigh on the other end. "Never mind. I'll notify you if anything changes GOODBYE." The line snapped closed.

Duncan hung up the receiver and ran both hands down his face. "There's one in every family," he mumbled before stepping out of his workshop headed for the security briefing.

xxx

-Etheria -

"Come in!"

Sea Hawk stepped through the tent flaps.

"Hi."

Engaged in reading a restoration report, Glimmer's head shot up, their eyes meeting. "Oh…oh hello.

"Got a minute?"

She blinked at him. "For you? Of course. Would you like a seat?"

Fidgety, Luna nodded, approached and sat down.

The two sat in silence for a full ten seconds, Glimmer studying his aura; confusion. Knitting her brow, she put down the papers and clasped her hands interlacing her fingers. She cleared her throat mustering the courage she knew she had somewhere deep down.

"Luna please let me apologize for the abominable way I treated you," she began softly, her voice tremulous, her features broken. "I had no right to use your vulnerability as an excuse to escape my own insecurities about love. I am so sorry."

His sea green gaze went wide. "You mean that?"

Pressing her lips together, she closed her eyes and nodded glancing away.

Encouraged, he took a deep relieved breath. "Thank you. I accept your apology, Glimmer." He tilted his head, his features waxing resolute. "Will you forgive me for my petty jealousy?"

Shocked, her eyes snapped to meet his. "Of course!"

Luna's eyes roamed her beautiful features. "Then…how about we try again? Start over?"

In the shocked silence of the command tent, the princess' violet gaze shined with unshed tears, willing herself not to let one roll down her cheek. "Yes. Yes, I'd like that. And thank you for another chance."

He smiled.

He's so handsome when he's not scowling, she thought with an inward chuckle.

"And thank you for the same…Pinky," he grinned.

They shared a nervous laugh, both hopeful for what lie ahead.

-Two Weeks Later, The King's Offices, Eternos Palace -

The Prince and Princess stood shoulder to shoulder before their parents, Adam suspicious, his arms folded across his chest, Adora's hands clasped behind her back, her sapphire gaze volleying between the two monarchs.

"Soo…umm…are we in trouble?" she asked hesitantly.

Randor's lips parted. "Of course not, Daughter. And I regret that this is the conclusion you draw whenever you two are formally summoned."

She shrugged, Marlena's empathetic features softening toward her dear daughter. Randor began.

"Your mother and I are keenly aware that you two have not had the chance to spend quality time together after your discovery on Etheria. So, we'd like to send you on holiday."

Adam frowned, Adora's features however lit up.

"Really? That sounds nice! Where, Dad?"

"To anywhere you choose, dear," Marlena replied with a smile.

Clapping her hands, she hopped up and down with glee. "I've always wanted to see the ocean! How long are you giving us?"

Randor grinned. "Three weeks."

"I'm so excited!" she yelped before turning to her brother, his features murky, her joy suddenly waning. She stopped. "What?"

"Yes son, what is it?"

"I'm waiting for the punch line."

Getting his meaning Marlena coughed a laugh, Randor frowning. "And what pray tell does that mean?"

"The catch?" he replied quirking a brow.

"Oh, must you be so suspicious, Adam!" Randor sighed tossing a pencil on the desk.

"Remember that tingling feeling on the back of my neck—?"

"Oh, stop it," Randor cut him off, now sufficiently amused at the sarcasm.

Her gaze distant, Adora lifted an eyebrow, her inquisitive gaze shifting back to her parents. "There's are stipulations?"

The King rolled his eyes as Marlena pursed her lips, Adora catching it. Her gaze narrowed.

"An agenda. I feel so naïve and with my background, that's so not me," she said deadpan, her gaze shifting to the floor.

Shaking his head, with a smile Randor came from around his desk and approached his wary children. Arms wide, he gathered them both in an embrace pulling back to look into their eyes. "No, my precious children, no catch. Your mother and I want you to work on getting healthy, mentally and physically—"

"So, there IS a catch!" Adam interjected as if finding the last Easter egg. "Who's coming to dinner that you don't want us to embarrass you in front of—"

Their father couldn't help but laugh, chuckling at the two's similar yet in so many ways distinctly different personalities. "My babies are never an embarrassment – even though you could both stand to clean up your language—"

Annoyed, Adam pursed his lips—

"—but no, I am so very proud of both of you. You've both been under protracted stress not only as your true selves, but as your alters, heeding the summons you receive from The Castle at all hours of the night." He looked at his daughter. "Greyskull called for She-Ra only yesterday, did it not?"

She nodded. "A bridge gave way carrying a transport full of school children," she replied, "They're safe."

Randor gestured, "See? You've had almost no time to yourselves," he explained, "Now that there seems to be no immediate threat, we want you two to work on getting healthy and strengthening your bond. We felt now was as good a time as any because after the memorials, Adam and Teela will begin courting and soon after, will marry. It's time for sister and brother to connect."

Adam looked at Adora, her eyes widening. She gave a sharp shake of her head, Randor catching it, Marlena still seated furrowing her brow.

"What is it?" she asked her children.

"Nothing."

Randor lowered his chin, his hazel gaze sharpening. "Daughter…," he drew out in warning.

She pressed her lips together. "Things may be getting serious between Lance and me so we may not be too far behind Adam and Teela," she blurted out.

Her brother's eyebrows flew skyward at the rambling confession.

Randor's mouth fell open, his features darkening. "What happened to, 'I'm not ready for courting yet'?" he asked, confused.

She shrugged. "Things change…," she trailed off, her gaze wandering the room.

Adam studied his father's features. "Do you have a problem with Bow?"

Blinking, Randor's head snapped to his son. "No. Just…it's so soon."

"Randy…," his wife called to him.

His eyes distant, he met his daughter's worried gaze. "I wanted some time with my baby daughter before she became another man's, that's all," he said forlorn before turning back to his desk, his eyes on the floor, Marlena reaching out and clasping his hand. Adora bit her lip.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't realize—"

Taking his seat he lifted a palm, "It's alright dear, you're almost twenty-two. It's natural to want to explore love," grabbing the armrests he scooted forward in his chair resting his forearms on his desk and clasping his hands. He lifted his eyes. "It's natural…and it's right."

She frowned. "It's not like I'm leaving Eternia—"

"Oh thank God!" the King blurted, slamming his palms on his desk and leaning back in his chair, his handsome features lifting in relief. Observing the interaction, Adam's eyes shifted between his sister and his father.

"Why is it okay for her to leave but not me?"

Snorting, Randor waved a dismissive hand. "Oh come on son, don't be so obtuse."

He gave a lopsided grin and a single shrug. "I just felt the need to make it clear that I'm chained to Eternia, that's all."

The family chuckled, the Crown Prince's features leveling, not at all amused.

-The Next Day, The Prince's Chambers -

"Three weeks?" Teela shrieked.

"Yeah," Adam replied, packing the last of his clothes, "And it's mandatory, so not my fault this time," he joked straight faced.

Pouting, she folded her arms. "Where are you going?"

Zipping the bag, he straightened. "Your hometown."

Surprised, she unfolded her arms. "T'Allarma?"

Adam stared at her. "How many hometowns do you have, woman?"

Refusing to indulge him, she fought a smile that tugged at the corner of her mouth ignoring the sarcasm. "Fine. I'll allow you to go…this time."

He looked amused. "Allow?"

Teela folded her arms, stomped a boot heel and tilted her head. "Yes. A-l-l-o-w," she spelled. "If I'm going to be your wife, you need to know now who's gonna be in charge. Got it?"

Silent, Adam's eyes raked over her body unleashing the butterflies from their slumber. Two steps and he was somehow directly in front of her, Teela flinching, releasing her arms as she stared up at him, their eyes locked. He stared down at her.

"What was that?" he asked, his tone low…gruff.

The sexual tension in the room palpable, she licked her lips, his gaze shifting down to them before slowly meeting her eyes. Aroused, she felt a spasm.

"You heard me," she replied, her tone authoritative, her emerald gaze locked.

The corner of his mouth slowly and deliberately curled into a smile—

In a flash he picked her up and tossed her upside down onto his bed, Teela squealing in surprise giggling uncontrollably, Adam pinning her arms down.

"You wanna say that to me again, Cupcake?"

"NO!"

"Red!"

"Blondie!"

Breaking into a megawatt smile, Adam kissed her soundly.