Adam's Way
Chapter 8
Teela's shoulder hurt after her session with the healer, but she dared not take any pain medication for tonight was the celebration ball. It was hard to believe only three days ago she nearly died by Skeletor's sword and now they were celebrating his defeat. Teela sat alone in the royal garden. It was peaceful, she closed her eyes and recollected her thoughts on how her life has changed since then. She was healing quite well from her injury, but nightmares still woke her at night. She shook with the cold feeling and then took a deep breath, remembering it was over. Over was the battles and hardships that Skeletor put all of Eternia through. The constant alertness of when the next attack would take place. Training, strategy, and discipline were a constant thing throughout her teenage and young adult years. Now with her injury she could not continue on with the Royal guard. She was officially medically retired from her duties today and wondered what she would do for the rest of her life. With no job or life skills she had no means of taking care of herself. Oh she knew the King and Queen would not send her away, but at this moment she felt as if she was no longer of any use in the palace.
The palace was home to her, she grew up here with Adam. She took a deep breath again. Just the thought of him made her anxious. These few days he had been tied up in meetings and hearings but the times they saw each other he was so attentive to her, wanting to know how she was and if she needed anything. She realized she missed this side of Adam from when they were growing up. Forever her friend in whatever trouble they would get into, he was always there when she needed him. Before Skeletor came they planned out their lives, Teela with the Royal Guardsman and Adam as future king, but after that Teela went on with her plans and Adam had changed for what she thought was laziness. Now she and all of Eternia know the truth and the old Adam is back. She smiled and thought of all the times that He-man and her battled together, it was really Adam and her fighting. The camaraderie, the familiarity, her feelings all made sense to her now. She loved him.
Teela sensed someone approaching and opened her eyes. Orko, the Trollen, floated towards her waving his arms. "Sorry to disturb you Teela but the Sorceress, oh Teela'na, has been looking for you. It's almost time for the ball and you need to get ready."
"Thank you Orko, I'll head back to my room now." Teela replied.
Adam looked around again, it was time for the Royal family to appear at the ball and he was the only one there. Usually he was the last one to arrive. He felt out of place, for so many years he acted the lazy and inattentive prince and now all he could think of was how to make up for all those times. He fixed his jacket sleeve again. He was wearing his best clothes tonight, he wanted to impress upon everyone that he has changed for the better. The King and Queen approached dressed in their finest regalia and Adam sighed in relief that he no longer was alone. Randor hugged his son and Marlena kissed his cheek. "You make me proud son." Randor stated. Adam gave him a nod of his head.
Duncan walked toward them with Teela'na and Teela. Duncan in full military uniform and the ladies in fine ball gowns. Adam walked to Teela and addressed her, "May I please escort you into the ball Lady Teela." "I would be honored my prince." She replied. Both sets of parents smiled and led the way into the ballroom.
The ballroom was at capacity with all of the kingdoms families attending. Dancers on the ballroom floor, people filling up the tables around the room. It was amazing Adam how many people were there. Cheers started as the Royal family entered getting louder as they saw Prince Adam. They were all there for him he thought, he faltered for a second then felt a reassuring sensation on his arm. It was Teela, she smiled at him and he felt confident again. King Randor addressed the crowd of people. "I thank you all for coming to this celebration. I want this to be a celebration of victory by all of you over evil. We all played our parts in defeating Skeletor over the years and it has finally come true. From the villagers, to the Royal Guardsmen, to the Masters, the former Sorceress, and finally my son, who hid the fact that he was He-man. We all are the victors!" A load roar of applause filled the room and the Royal family dispersed to enjoy the festivities.
Late into the evening the festivities were still going on strong. Many of the kingdoms daughters were being introduced to Prince Adam and he would be obligated to dance with them. So most of his night was spent on the dance floor with eligible women who were hoping for the prince to like them. Adam took it in stride, he had to make up for all the years he deceived the kingdom, but his feet were killing him. As he finished the dance with the latest partner he noticed Duncan and Teela on the dance floor. He had not danced once with Teela all night, with a sense of renewed rejuvenation he approached them.
Duncan saw Adam approaching with determination and smiled knowing it was for Teela he was coming for. "Goodnight Dearheart, I'll see you in the morning." Duncan said to Teela as Adam arrived and handed her off to him.
Teela was confused at first then smiled as she realized Adam was there to dance with her. The music started and they began to dance. Teela felt like she was a teenager again, butterflies in her stomach and nervous, she hadn't danced with Adam like this in years. At first they danced apart from each other then Adam moved her closer so they danced with their bodies touching. She felt so safe in his arms and closed her eyes and let him lead the dance.
Some of the Masters stopped their conversations and began to watch the couple on the dance floor. As the couple continued dancing more and more people watched in awe at the elegant way they were dancing. Like they had been doing it their whole lives. As the music stopped, they stopped and Teela opened her eyes. "Thank you Adam for everything." Teela said in a soft voice. They separated and Teela moved to leave the dance floor, but Adam stopped her. "Dinner tomorrow night?" Adam asked. Teela nodded in agreement and Adam released her.