Escrito por: Summoned
Teela walked all the way up to the Privy Gardens, the secluded and beautiful part of the palace known only to the Royal Family and their closest friends, where Teela spent many hours of her childhood, under the care of Queen Marlena herself. She arrived a few minutes early to wait for Prince Adam, so she was surprised to see he was already there.
«You have summoned me, and I attend, Prince Adam.»
«Just Adam,» he asked.
«This is an official meeting, Your Highness.» Teela knew how to be exasperating without saying a single inappropriate word.
«I only did it because you left me no choice. I haven’t been able to reach you for two weeks straight.»
«You have exerted your royal right, Prince Adam, there’s no explanation needed.»
«You’ve been actively avoiding me.»
She didn’t dare deny it. But why did he have to point it out? Wasn’t his self-pride already satisfied? Did he expect a written confession? Anger started to creep up her chest. The best she could do was to remain silent.
«Please Teela, drop it. We know each other very well since we were little children. More than a high ranked official, I regard you as a friend.»
Teela felt her face turn red and her eyes go watery, since she couldn’t hold her cold facade anymore, «Then you must know how difficult and humiliating this situation is for me! Couldn’t you just let me hide away, for the sake of that friendship?»
«Teela, I really wanted to spend the night with you!» said Adam almost too loud.
Teela froze for a moment, her eyes wide open, all anger had left her body when she asked in low voice, «Then, why didn’t you?»
«Let me be clear about something: It was the hardest thing to resist. But, you see, you were barely conscious, and I was heavily drunk too. I couldn’t risk you regretting it the morning after. Because I care about you deeply, you must know that. That’s the reason why.»
His sweet blue eyes did not lie. He hadn’t rejected her; he had her wellbeing in mind. This explanation soothed her wounded pride.
«That’s an honorable reason, I cannot argue with that. And… well… if you give me some time… we’ll be good friends again, soon.»
«That’s not what I meant,» he said, unable to repress a grin.
«Then… what…?»
He approached her slowly, standing just a step away from her, looking right into her eyes, with a deep voice, he said, «Teela, I still want to spend the night with you,» he joined his forehead with hers, in an intimate plead, «Invite me. Invite me now…»
Adam lifted her chin with his hand and kissed her deeply. She responded hesitantly, her heart beating faster. When he pulled back, he could read the turmoil of emotions in her eyes, so he smiled and said in a soft voice, «Or whenever you are ready.»
And then he walked away.
Adam left her alone, because he sensed how stirred up she was, and putting her under too much pressure had never gone well for either of them.
Teela was dumbfounded by the encounter. For the last two weeks she had felt insecurity and despair biting her heels, despite how fast she’d kept running and training and hiding.
He had evolved from the young boy she found attractive but also a bit lame, into a fully grown man with strong morals and a sharp mind. As if the undeniable chemistry between them wasn’t confusing enough, she truly cared for his happiness, far beyond her military duties. For years and years she had ignored the feelings she had, mostly for the sake of her own peace of mind, but now…
Pondering over it, she realized she had to find strength in her own vulnerability. She could be proud and walk away, but what would be the merit in it? She could dismiss what had happened as a mere sexual arousal enticed by –loads of- alcohol and then lose the chance to be with him, the chance of… happiness? It took her much more courage to admit she was falling in love with Adam, than guiding the troops in any battle she could recall.