A/N: Dual update...please don't forget to read chap 55 :)
This is the last chapter of A Royal Pain. Thank you for your support. This was my first writing attempt so it was a learning process for me. Thanks to EVERYONE who reviewed, favorited, and followed (especially my new followers since the last update...welcome and thank you!).
Thank you Alphalover for your support. Without you, this story would never have seen the light of day as you encouraged me to post my story idea. ((Hugs))
Chapter 56
Two hours later, nobles from around the country, including the Duke of Aberra and his fiancé Lady Irene, were assembled in the throne room nervously chattering over the events that occurred earlier that morning. The King and Queen were sitting on their thrones attempting to calm everyone over the arrests of two of Skeletor's cronies as Duncan stood at the bottom of the steps on the Queen's side, his back against the wall.
"Everyone, please calm down," Randor implored as he stood to his feet, his arms out. "Man-At-Arms has devised a way to safely hold the witch and the beast in their cells. They will bring no one harm. They are prisoners of Eternos and will stand trial in thirty days," he explained.
"Who is this He-Man, and can he be trusted?" someone interjected from the floor.
Marlena snapped her head in the speaker's direction as her eyes flashed with anger. Randor shook his head in annoyance and replied, "Yes, yes he can be trusted. He came to my aid in the Evergreen Forest last week when Kel –," he stopped and corrected himself. "When Skeletor attacked and abducted me. He has been summoned by the powers of Greyskull to defend Eternia."
With that, the nobles launched into surprised chatter at the mention of that ancient castle. Instantly, the royal couple were assailed by urgent questions:
"Who sent him and why?"
"Is there someone living at the castle now? Isn't the place haunted?"
"I thought that the children of King Greyskull were wiped out a century ago. Is He-Man a long lost descendant?"
Randor shook his head again. "We do not have all the answers as of yet but Duncan has informed me that the castle is guarded by a powerful woman known as the Sorceress. She is a magical creature apparently able to summon He-Man at will," he explained.
The nobles once again broke into loud chatter and huddled in groups as two guardsmen suddenly opened the entrance to the throne room and Prince Adam calmly entered.
Duncan observed the young man's pale yet determined and unflinching countenance. He felt sorry for the young Prince as he endured recurring gossip and now, with the advent of He-Man, suffered the contempt of some of the nobles with endless comparisons being made between him and the mystic Warrior.
"Finally! Where have you been, my Prince?" Lord Meechum asked sharply.
"He was busy entertaining a chamber maid in his quarters," Lady Vandela spat as the room erupted into laughter.
Duncan snapped his head in anger toward the offending wench as the Queen jumped to her feet, her hazel-blue eyes flashing with heat. Holding her stunning blue gown gracefully in her hand, she shot off, "My Lady, utter another slander like that against my son and I will personally leave you bereft of your ability to speak. Do you understand me?"
Someone gasped and the room went silent as Lady Vandela, her eyes registering shock and fear, curtseyed in deference. "My Queen, please forgive my impertinence."
Marlena lowered her chin and quirked an eyebrow in warning as she offered a regal nod and gracefully took her seat.
Randor, his own eyebrows raised in surprise, watched her over his shoulder as she quietly sat back down. She glanced irritably at him and waved a hand for him to resume.
Prince Adam bit his lip in amusement as he took his place, hands clasped behind his back, at the bottom of the steps on the King's right side.
The King resumed court, the room's energy level rising as he busily addressed issues connected to the daily administration of Eternos and the five kingdoms. As the royal family talked with the nobles, Lady Teela slipped into court virtually unnoticed, wearing a beautiful rose colored gown. Her hair was swept up into an elegant bun, her Royal Consort crown in place. She curtseyed to the King and Queen.
"Forgive my tardiness, your Majesties," she stated, straightening as the room quieted down. "I did not feel well this morning." Her eyes darted to Adam who was now eyeing her from across the room, his expression shadowed.
Duncan glanced at his daughter catching the look that passed between them and noted something was amiss. The Queen, knowing her son, noticed a slightly saddened look in his eyes and knit her brow in concern.
The King smiled and inclined his head as he resumed his conversations and the room returned to busy chatter. Some whispered regarding rumors of an illicit affair between she and Eternia's Defender.
Teela approached as the Queen stood and made her way down the steps toward the young woman. Cupping her cheek, Marlena asked, "What is it, child? You're not feeling well?"
"Oh I'm alright now, my Queen. I just needed a little rest that's all," she replied as she fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. "I came to say goodbye before returning to school."
Marlena blinked at her. "Are you sure you're ready to return?"
Teela glanced back at Adam who was now engrossed in conversation with Lord Dewhurst. "Yes, Mum. I'm ready for my last two semesters and I'm looking forward to graduating next year. It's then that we will find out who gets selected to join the Royal Guard," she replied excitedly.
The Queen eyed her. "Do you want Adam to take you back?"
"No!" she replied too quickly. Some nearby snapped their heads towards her in surprise then returned to their conversations. Teela cleared her throat and regained her composure. "I'm sorry Mum. No thank you, I've got a ride. Simka is here to ride back with me."
Marlena nodded in resignation. "Well alright. Don't forget that my husband wants to speak with you before you go," she reminded as she affectionately smoothed the younger woman's hair away from her face. "He wants to apologize to you for his outburst the other day," she added, her brow furrowed.
Teela nodded and glanced at the floor.
"And my dear, thank you for making the sacrifice in missing school and attending my son's birthday. Adam was so surprised. We were all so glad that you made it," Marlena said with a warm smile.
"Yes Mum," she replied shyly. "I…I love him, Mum."
The Queen offered a troubled smile. "I know you do, dear. And he loves you too."
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They stood in Hangar 12 as attendants loaded her bags onto the Wind Raider. Her friend Simka busied himself with powering up the vehicle and entering the coordinates for their destination, the City of Wisdom.
"If you need anything at all, you contact me," Duncan advised as he embraced his only daughter.
Teela smiled. "I will, Father."
"Have you said your goodbyes to David and Irene?
"Yes, Father."
"Are you sure you don't want to say goodbye to Adam?"
She shook her head. "I'm sure. He's busy dealing with the dignitaries from Tarulta," she replied. "I'll talk to him later."
Duncan eyed her. "Daughter, please don't push him away."
"I'm not! Everything's fine, Dad," she huffed.
Out of concern, he exhaled loudly through his nostrils and embraced her again. "Stay safe and alert. Although it's been relatively quiet these last few days, the rest of Skeletor's thugs are still on the loose. He's unpredictable. If anything happens, remember your training, daughter," Duncan warned.
"I know, I know, Father," Teela replied with a smile and a roll of her eyes.
Her father gave her a concerned smile and another embrace. "I love you."
Teela smiled into his shoulder and replied, "I love you too, Daddy."
With that, she hopped into the Wind Raider, turned, and waved goodbye as the vehicle's jet propulsion groaned loudly and with a mighty woosh, lifted them into the air. They surged and thrust forward through the gate.
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Adam stood arms folded across his chest, his shoulders and the bottom of his boot leaning against the outer wall of the hangar. With a troubled gaze, he wordlessly watched the Wind Raider rise into the sky and eventually fly out of sight.
Cringer sat at his feet and released a small whimper as his eyes shifted between the Raider and the Prince.
Orko floated quietly beside his two friends, his eyes fastened on the Prince, heavy with emotion.
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This concludes A Royal Pain
Thank you for your readership and taking this journey with me
Please join me in three weeks for the sequel: Son of Miro
-Hooked-