I started this story around a year ago and it has been sitting on my computer ever since. I only had about a chapter written till now. Now I can say it is done and move the story to my complete folder.
Adam was heading to the hanger to get one of the Skysleds so that he could take it to Castle Greyskull, so that he could talk with the Sorceress about what his father had just informed him of. King Randor had informed his son that if Adam could not choose someone to marry by the time he was 21 then Randor would pick someone from another kingdom in order to strengthen ties. Adam only had 6 months till his 21st birthday.
The problem was the only one he ever considered marrying was Teela and she was not happy with him at the moment. There also was the big secret he had been keeping from her since they were 16.
When he arrived the draw bridge lowered, and Adam walked across. Once he entered the castle it closed. Adam proceeded the throne room where the sorceress was waiting.
"I know what you want to ask Adam."
"Then you must know why?"
"I do, if you follow this path it may not turn out as you wish."
"I know, I have always wanted to marry for love not duty. Your daughter is the only one that I could ever marry for love."
"I know Adam. Be warned though, even I can not tell you how she will react to the information."
"I know, I just wanted to et you know that it was time for her to be told."
"What of your father?"
"This secret has destroyed the trust my father and Teela have in me. They both need to know. I understand why you would not allow it in the beginning but now we are at a point if we do not than the damage may never be repaired."
All of a sudden there was a blinding light, Zordac now stood with them.
"Zordac, what brings you here?"
"I am here because Adam has asked the one thing that could change everything. Adam, if you tell Teela and your father it could drive the two farther away and cause a problem from the Eternia throne and Castle Greyskull. This could lead to Skeletor winning."
"I understand the risk. We take risk every day, but I ask you this. What happens and I am forced to marry one I don't love from another kingdoms. How will that effect my duties. I would not be able to tell her and could cause problems between the two Kingdoms. Then what?"
"I came here to ask if I could but have decided to tell them regardless. For once I will be making this decision. I know you have always asked what was for the best but in this I think you are to set in the status quo."
"Do as you feel best Prince Adam but remember you will be solely responsible. Are you ready?"
"Yes, while I wish I had your blessing, in the end it comes down to me to decide. Good day."
Adam left the Sorceress and the Cosmic Enforcer alone. He got on his Skysled and headed back home. He will speak with his father. He will ask his mother to be present.
A/T
In the throne room the two left were smiling. "Well, I was wondering if he was ever going to stand up to us and force the issue?" Teele Ne commented.
"He will make a fine king on day. Teela will be the perfect queen for him."
"They will outshine Randor and Marlena as king and queen. Now to other news. The other sword as started to charge."
"It is almost time for all the secrets to be revealed."
A/T
Adam had asked his mother to meet him at his father's office. He waited to give her time to arrive first. Now he stood outside the door. He walked in and his father's secretary stood.
"Your Highness, they are waiting you."
"Thank you, Samual."
Adam gave one knock than entered the office. He saw both his parents with curious expressions at seeing him. He was not wearing his normal clothes that he used to help hide his true self. He now wore clothes more fitting the Prince of Eternia.
"Mother, Father, thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I know you are curious to what this is about. I have come to a decision after our talk the other day.
First I want to day I don't appreciate the position you place me in. I have given this a great deal of thought and have decided to make a couple decisions that others don't seem to be happy with. If I am right than I believe this family can heal. Well if not things can't get much worse.
Second the two of you were both older when you decided to get married. I know things were different but still. I have only loved one person and want to court her, but for that to happen secrets that were meant to keep this family safe must be told.
"Adam, if you came to tell us you want to marry Teela, we have known that for years. We have no issue with that. As for secrets. I know there are things you have not told me. I just don't understand why." Randor spoke.
"I was not allowed to tell you certain things to protect you and our family. I feel that now is the time that we can talk about it and come to an understanding without words being said that could tear this family apart. I am sure Mother has figured it out already."
"I have and have waited for this day. It's time for all secrets to be revealed. Even the one we have had to keep from you till you were old enough to understand."
Randor looked at his wife in confusion when it seemed she knew what Adam came to speak with them. He then worried how his son will react to the secret they kept.
"Adam, tell us what you came for and I will try to listen till you finish without saying anything to cause a problem."
Adam then went one to explain his 16th birthday and his decision to become He-man after turning it down. He explained why the Sorceress and Dunkin told him that he could not tell them or Teela. Adam explained their reasons and his expectance because he felt at the time it was the best choice.
Randor true to his word did not say anything. "This is not what I expected. I guess I should not be surprised you figured it out already dear. I can't say that I am happy about this Adam, but I understand why the choice was made. I don't know how I would have reacted had I learned this years ago."
"I know you are not happy about it but know it has never been about trust."
"I know Adam, it's more me being able to separate you and He-man. I am your father and if I had seen you as He-man before I knew how capable you were as a warrior, I might have said or did the wrong thing, and the secret would be out."
"I also ask that you do not get angry with Duncan. He has done his duties to this kingdom and the crown to the best of his abilities."
"I will still need to speak with him Adam, but I will heed your words. What do you plan to do about Teela. I'm assuming you plan on telling her as well."
"I am but not sure how to as of yet."
"Just tell her Adam. She will be angary at first but you two have been friends your whole live. She will understand in the end." Marlena told her son.
"Hopefully the worse I get out of this is a black eye."
Both king and queen gave a chuckle at that. I will arrange a dinner for just the two of you. I will have clothes sent to both of your rooms later today." Marlena told Adam.
"Thank you Mother. I will see the two of you later."
Adam walked out of his father's office in thought. He made his way to Duncan's workshop to find his friend and mentor there.
"Duncan."
"Adam, what do I owe this visit."
"To let you know what is going on. I spoke with the Sorceress yesterday and Zordac also. I just came from my father's office were I informed him and my mother of my secret. Which my mother already knew."
"I would like to say this is a Suprise but after your father informed you that you needed to choose a wife. I tried to talk him out of it. I know were your heart lies Adam. Have for many years. I assume you will be telling Teela as well."
"Yes, you know how I never wanted to keep this from her. I wanted to tell her from the beginning."
"I know Adam. We made the decision that you being He-man must stay between us for the time being."Neither of them heard the gasp from the door. A figure backed up not to be seen but so far as not to hear the rest.
"At the time Adam, my daughter would not have been able to see the difference between you and He-man. All she would have seen was her best friend. It could have caused the secret to come out. Not that she would have told but how she acted towards you. If she was to be too familiar with He-man."
"I know Duncan. It also helped in a way, when she kept getting on to me. Though I still say she might have help cover for me as well."
The two continue to talk not knowing that they had been overheard.
A/T
Teela was wondering the halls of the palace in a daze. What she just heard. How could they keep this from her all these years. She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard her name.
Turing around and seeing the queen. "Your majesty. How can I be of service."
"None of that Teela. You seemed troubled."
"It is nothing you should worry about."
"Come with me."
Marlena led the young woman to her office. When they arrived, Marlena told her sectary to bring some tea and then they were not to be disturbed. Once the tea was brought and Marlena gave Teela a cup the queen looked at the young woman that was like a daughter to her.
"Now would you like to try again. Remember I have known you your whole life. So I know when you are troubled."
Teela knew she would have to tell. This is not the first time she had been in this office sitting across from the queen for one of these talks.
"I overheard part of a conversation between my father and Adam. I learned something that has upset me."
"I can gather a guess as to what you learned. If it is what I expect then you are not alone. Randor was told a little while ago. I have known for years." Seeing Teela's look. "Adam never told me. I am his mother, and a mother always knows her son. No matter what he may look like at the moment."
"Did you ever confront him about it?"
"Not directly. I would just say little thing to let him know I knew more than he thought. After a while I could be more direct but never asked him right out. It was a secret that was not mine to tell or talk about.
While I understood, I never liked this secret. You should know that I believe if Adam could have told you he would have."
"I could have been trusted."
"Teela, it was never about trust. It was about protecting what he loves the most. His family and you."
Teela just looked at her cup of tea. "It still hurts."
"It does. Randor is going through the same feelings you are as well. Deep down though he knows that at times secrets must be kept to keep what we hold dear safe. Our family, our friends and this kingdom."
"I don't know what to do. Be mad at him, yell, scream or hit him."
"Well Adam said he might end up with a black eye out of this."
Teela just laughed. "He just might, but why is this all coming out now."
"Randor in had a bright idea to get Adam to finally tell you how my son feels about you. So, he told Adam he had till he turned 21 to pick a bride or he would choose one from one of the other kingdoms.
Of course, Randor could not guess the can of worms that would come out of this."
Teela was surprised at this. She had not heard anything about Adam being forced to marry. She was getting mad again at Adam. The only reason she was to find out was because his hand was forced.
Marlena seeing the young woman getting worked up, spoke. "Before you go and tear Adam a new one Teela. I would suggest listening to Adam beforehand. I believe he would have told you years ago if he had the chance. I think Randor's ultimatum gave Adam the argument he needed to get his way."
"How do you know?"
"Because I have watched my son struggle with this for almost 5 years. That and I overheard him and your father arguing about it once."
"I don't even know who Adam is anymore."
"Adam is the person he has always been. He-man is the part of Adam that he needs to be when he has to make the tough choices, take charge to ensure that things get done. Adam is the side of Adam that he shows the people. The one that cares about his people and treats them better than most nobles do. That is why he is so loved by the common people. I think more see through the act he portrays then he knows. They may not know the full truth, but they know he has something to do with He-man."
"So, what should I do?"
"Remember he is still your best friend. The one you have loved since you were old enough to understand what it meant."
Teela's face turned as red as her hair. She started to try to deny it but the queen would have none of it.
"No, I have had a dress sent to your room and one of my handmaidens will help you get ready for dinner with Adam."
A/T
Adam was waiting on Teel to arrive for a private dinner with him. He was going to tell her his secret of being He-man and his love of her. He was hoping by the end of the night she would be willing to forgive him and marry him. He also knew she might just slug him first.
When he heard the door open, he stood. He just about fell back n his chair upon seeing Teela. She has always been beautiful but tonight she was stunning.
"You look beautiful Teela."
"Thank you, Adam."
"Before we get to dinner, I need to tell you something Teela."
"I know Adam. I know you are He-man."
This is all of the third story of this series. I changed it up a little as you can see. I also left things a little open for each of your own imagination to decide what happened next.