Adam's Way
Chapter 6
The next couple of days were a whirlwind of activity for Teela'na and Teela. First she and Teela were moved into a two bedroom suite in another wing of the palace. Because of Teela's expected long term medical leave of absence from the Royal Guard, Teela's old room was to be given to Adam's new bodyguard. Next Queen Marlena wanted the ladies to be a part of the Royal Court, so they had to meet with the dressmaker to pick out fabrics and current styles that would be appropriate for each woman. Queen Marlena was having the time of her life in the Queen's Parlor helping the ladies. Teela'na and Teela each having reasons for not having a need to wear dresses in the past were slightly overwhelmed by all the attention.
"You each will have 5 dresses made today and a ball gown for when we celebrate Skeletor's defeat." Queen Marlena said as she looked upon the table with different colors of fabric. "I have always wanted to show the court how beautiful you are Teela and now I get the chance, of course you will have your mother as competition." Teela blushed at the compliment.
Queen Marlena continued, "Teel'na, you will be presented to the court during the inquiry tomorrow, there be many questions asked. If you wish not to answer any of them, do not. The Court can be quite demanding and nosy, but it can't be helped. Just about every kingdom will be there tomorrow so I've heard. The Master's are meeting with Adam today to show their support during the inquiry."
Teela'na asked, "Have you heard of any trouble from any of the Royals?" "Nothing specific," Queen Marlena replied, "Mostly about having a trial for Skeletor, for all the crimes he has committed. Especially for the attempted murder of Teela."
Teela wanting to change the subject asked, "Marlena, when will the ball be held?" "In 3 days." Marlena started. "You and your mother can join in the planning. I always need the help. With most of the Royal Court present for the inquiry, most will stay for the celebration ball." Teela looked to her mother and smiled. "You said you wanted to find something to do, now you have it." Teela'na replied, "I planned many battles, but never a party." Queen Marlena cut in laughing, "Planning a party is basically the same as planning a battle, just with less violent weaponry." The ladies finished up with the dressmaker and headed to the kitchens for the meeting with the caterers.
Adam was finishing up his meeting with the Masters, they all congratulated him for finally stopping Skeletor and inquired about Teela's health. Most of them were amazed at how long he had kept his secret from everyone, glad that he was not the lazy and clumsy prince that he portrayed. Stratos pulled Adam aside to talk privately. "I have to ask you Adam why did you do it? Why did you take on Skeletor by yourself?"
Confused Adam answered, "Because Teela's life was in danger, I still have nightmares of that moment." Stratos explained further, "No Adam, after you saved Teela. You could have run away and became He-Man but you stayed and confronted Skeletor as you truly are. Why?" Adam thought for a minute and answered Stratos. "I was tired. Tired of all the things that Skeletor has done and for trying to take Teela's life. My emotions took over and I did not think, I just acted. Do you think I was wrong?"
"No." Stratos started. "The strength that you were given during your battle as Adam with Skeletor was extreme. I can only assume the power of your love toward your family and friends gave you the strength of He-Man, especially the love a man can have for a woman." Adam blushed. "Does Teela know of your feelings?" Stratos asked. Adam nodded, "She does now." Stratos placed his hand on Adam's shoulder, "Good. Many blessings to you both." They joined the others.
Duncan and King Randor entered the dungeon hallway that held Prince Keldor. "Duncan," King Randor began. "Do you think there is anyway this could be a trick and Keldor is still Skeletor?" Duncan answered. "I am sure my king. Without the sorceress and the power of Grayskull we can not magically secure Skeletor to the dungeon. Keldor is still here in a cell, demanding to see Adam." "Let's get this over with." King Randor ordered.
When Prince Keldor saw the King and Man at Arms he sat down on the cot in his cell. "Have you come to gloat you buffoons? Come to see what your son has done to me Randor? How is that Bitch daughter of yours Man at Arms? I could not even get that right."
"Silence!" King Randor yelled. "We are here to announce that you, Prince Keldor, will be held accountable for your actions while you were Skeletor. In 1 months time you will be brought in front of a tribunal and judged accordingly to the laws of Eternia. A list of your crimes will be delivered to you and if you wish you may have witnesses brought to testify on your behalf." Skeletor jumped up and slammed into the door, startling King Randor. "Bring me Adam so I can kill him slowly for what he has done to me. He should have killed me when he had the chance." Both men backed away from the cell when Prince Keldor tried to reach through the bars. They left not knowing how to deal with deadly psychopath.