Teal'c quietly slipped away from the dining hall. The meal had been an elaborate affair, Evie's feast having lived up to her promise. Everyone from the SGC had been invited to attend, and on Keelah's request Abner, Gerino and their families were there too. When the second course had just been laid out, the gifts started arriving. Word of Keelah's return had spread like wildfire from those in the courtyard and the citizens showed their delight with 'welcome home' gifts. In spite of the intention that the meal was supposed to be a private affair, Keelah insisted that the interruptions be allowed. She greeted each person with grace and poise and it amazed Teal'c that she could say thank you in so many ways and so often, making the bearer feel like they were the most important person on the planet.

Watching her, he felt a rush of pride at how she upheld herself and yet there was a knot churning in his stomach. Seeing her like this, totally at ease in the elaborate surroundings of her birth, seeing how she belonged in all the finery, unsettled him. He was happy for her, he truly was, however at the same time he found himself wishing that the SGC computer had never produced the planet coordinates. The guilt he felt at that thought only mixed with the tumult of other emotions that had been plaguing him all day. By the third course he knew he would not be able to swallow another bite; not because he was full but because he was so tense. Not wanting to answer any questions, for he had no coherent answers to give, he waited until his companions' attention was diverted in conversation before leaving.

Seeking a place of privacy, his feet led him to the wing they had been allocated, which was opposite the private residence. Expecting it to be empty, since everyone was still enjoying the food fare, he was surprised to find it a bustle of activity from the servants. The wing was spotless as far as he could tell, however, from the quiet chatter going back and forth, he guessed that the cleaning was just an excuse to remain until Keelah returned so they could catch a glimpse and confirm for themselves that she really was their long lost princess. Teal’c continued his search for solitude and wound up in the sitting room of the residence itself. It seemed the room remained off limits to the servants, for there was still the clutter from the earlier strategy sessions scattered around the tables. He wished he had thought to get O’Neill to bring his meditation kit from the base. The candles especially helped him to focus his mind. With a sigh he made do, simply dimmed the lights and sat down cross-legged on the floor.

Slowly he began leading himself through the mantra that usually cleared his head, only to discover that the knot in his stomach was growing tighter and tighter to the point of distraction. Shoving aside the other as yet unidentified emotions, he determined that he would get nowhere until this ‘knot’ was dealt with. It had been growing tighter in leaps and bounds all afternoon and he tried to recall the first time he'd become aware of it. He’d had it before the monastery...but not when they were locked in the cell. Carefully he recounted every moment between those two points in time. It confused him when he determined the seed had been planted when the Head Cook had delivered the tray of refreshments. He frowned. No, it had been after that. It was when Keelah had learned of her parent’s death. It had grown when Corfy and Keelah had communicated silently over little Kara’neenya’s head, had become stronger and stronger during the day until it was almost unbearable when the town folk had reacted so joyously upon learning of her return...and just now in the dining hall... He sucked in a shocked breath when he realized what the emotion was.

Jealousy.

Knowing the emotion did nothing to lessen his confusion. There was no reason he should be feeling jealousy. Drew in a deep breath. He may not understand it, but at least it was identified, he could move on...

Decades of being on the alert for danger made the sensation of being watched too powerful to ignore and he forced his shocking mental deliberations aside. He cracked one eye open, surveying the room. Saw a little face peeking around the doorway. "May I be of assistance, Your Royal Highness?"

Kara'neenya, dressed in a frilly ankle length nightgown, put a fist to her eye, rubbing the sleep from it. Exhausted after the day's events, the little girl had been sent to bed early, though it was obvious something had disturbed her rest. "Do you know where my pa'pap is?"

"I believe he is still in the dining hall," he replied. "Would you like me to fetch him?"

In the dim light he could see that she did, her eyes were a little spooked, but she shook her head. Her eyes dipped to the floor and she whispered, "I had a bad dream."

Teal'c had surmised that from her body language, and also that she was embarrassed by it. Wondered where was the servant woman assigned to care for her while her nanny was recuperating. Fought down his disapproval that after such a traumatic day for the Princess that the servant had been so lax in her duties. "It has been a troubling day. I expect many people shall experience disturbing dreams on this night."

"You think so?" The droop in her shoulders lessened.

He gave a single nod. "What some people do not realize is that a dream, whether good or bad, is often the mind's way of processing what has happened. There is nothing to be ashamed of."

His words of comfort and assurance restored her self-confidence and she left her 'safety perch' of the doorframe and wandered in closer. "What are you doing?"

"A form of meditation."

"What for?" She sidled up to the couch.

"It assists me to restore calm to my thoughts so I can contemplate any dilemmas I may have." He was aware that his large size and demeanor often intrigued children rather than intimidated as it did adults. It was with a hint of amusement that it seemed the Princess was no exception.

"You didn't look very calm," she pointed out, edging another couple of steps forward.

"I had only just begun."

"What's 'dilemmas' mean?"

"It is another word for problems."

"If I'm really quiet, may I stay here with you?" she asked, a remnant of her dream haunting her.

"Would you not be more comfortable in your bed?"

"Jaleen has fallen asleep, I don't want to wake her."

At least that answered his question of what had become of the servant. He saw beyond the 'courtesy' she spoke of to the need she had to feel safe. As much as he had to process in his own mind, he would not deny the little girl. "You may remain if you wish."

Happily she sat down beside him, adjusted her nightdress around her and folded her hands primly in her lap. "You can go back to meditating now."

"Thank you, Your Royal Highness." It took great effort not to smile. He closed his eyes, drawing in a few deep breaths. He could feel her eyes studying him. Cracked one lid open to watch her. Her face was alight with curiosity and when her gaze landed on his hands that were resting palms up on his knees, thumbs and middle fingers pressed together, she experimented the position with one hand. It was then his turn to be curious when he saw her brow pucker in thought. "You have a question?"

"Meditating is like dreaming when you're awake?"

He was surprised by the correlation she had drawn from their discussion, especially from one so young. "It is."

"Would meditation help me?"

"There is no reason it would not." Patiently he explained the basics and in a few minutes her position was a mini mirror image of himself. Teal'c once again closed his eyes completely, wondering how long it would take her to become bored or to fall asleep. She lasted longer than he thought, but inevitably she began to fidget.

"It's not working," she whispered.

"It takes time to master the technique," he replied, not opening his eyes. "Perhaps you would find it easier if you were lying down." He doubted that she would actually meditate, however given the late hour it would encourage her to fall asleep.

He heard the rustle of her clothing as she shifted, but his eyes sprang open when he suddenly felt a touch on his leg. Innocently she rested her head on his thigh, using him as a pillow. He debated whether to suggest the couch would be more appropriate, then dismissed the idea. Kara'neenya feeling safe was a higher priority than any impropriety. As she snuggled into him, he found himself wondering if Keelah had been as trusting before her abduction. He vividly remembered the nightmares Keelah had experienced when the base had been in lockdown, the aftermath of having that trusting innocence stripped brutally away. Sent up a silent prayer that her namesake would never experience even a moment of that kind of terror. Protectively he laid a hand to her shoulder, "Pleasant dreams, little one."

Kara'neenya gave a drowsy yawn, "You too, Uncle Teal'c."

Teal'c felt like the world had tilted on a strange new axis. The child's mistaken form of address was understandable given that as far as everyone was concerned he and Keelah were in a relationship, and in a child's mind that meant he was married to her Aunt. What threw him off kilter was the tug of his heartstrings; the warm trickle of pleasure of being 'Uncle Teal'c' to Keelah's niece.

Another emotion which had no logical explanation. Even if it did, there is no chance of it coming to pass, he thought, once again trying to resume his meditative state. Keelah is of royal blood, could claim the crown should she wish. A queen should have a man by her side whom she can be proud of, whose actions cannot be questioned. I have committed atrocities that I will never be able to atone for. My presence would be a stain on her good name... The direction of his thoughts brought him up short. When had he started thinking in terms that he could possibly be a permanent companion to Keelah? Permanence was never part of their agreement. The opposite is true, he firmly reminded himself. A word from either of them and they would go their separate ways.

And that knot was back again tighter than ever.

Why am I feeling such conflicting emotions? Though he had asked himself that question many times during the day and had been unable to come up with an answer, now every instance, every revelation, every moment seemed to converge to come up with a resolution. His mind skipped back to when she had taken it upon herself to stall Uneg. He acknowledged that he had been concerned for her because of the dangerous position she had put herself in. What his mind only now started to admit was that he had also been gripped by fear, not just for her safety but for how he would cope if something had happened to her. He was overjoyed that Keelah had gained her independence, that she didn't need to lean on anyone anymore...it was just, he didn't want her to not require his support anymore. He didn't want her to not need him anymore.

Why? that little voice continued to press.

Because I need her...

The world tilted once again. At the rate I am going, I will be walking upside down, he thought ruefully, trying to counteract his shock at what he had just forced himself to admit. When had this happened? How did I allow it to happen? He had been so careful in his approach to keep their relationship formal, in setting the rules... The little voice needled him again with devious smugness. Because by formalizing their romance it had broken down the mental walls created by the abuse she had suffered. She would not have let him get as close to her as she had if it hadn't been. Their ruse of a relationship also provided the distraction his heart needed to break through his stubborn insistence that he did not want or need romantic entanglement. He realized that now. While they were so busy pretending, it allowed his emotions to grow and take root without him being the wiser.

Stubbornly his mind rebelled. No! I proposed my agreement to Keelah to stop Annika Jackson's matchmaking, that is all. Even as the thought formed he realized that while true it wasn't quite correct. I proposed the agreement to stop Annika Jackson from setting me up with anybody else. His body went numb all over, the only thing he was truly aware of was steady thump of his heart, which seemed to be calling Keelah's name with every beat. Then ever so slowly the numbness was replaced with a warm tingle. Now that he recognized it, he could recall the instances when his love had seeped through his defenses over the last few weeks. What he had labeled as simply physical desire was really love. He didn't know how long he sat there but eventually the shock wore off. He didn't try to analyze anything, didn't think beyond the moment, just let the love he'd been denying for so long filter through him. He embraced it, cherished it, was in awe of the magnitude of it, for while he had experienced love before, what he was feeling now had no rival.

Gradually the sound of approaching voices brought him out of his reverie and brought him crashing down to the real world with a hard thud. This changed everything. He had to end their agreement. It had been based on a lie from the very beginning. It didn't matter that he hadn't known it was a deception of his sneaky heart. Keelah had agreed to an unemotional, no strings attached proposition. It went against his honor to continue unless he revealed the truth to her. And he could not do that. It wouldn't be fair to put that kind of pressure on her. Just because his heart had chosen her, didn't mean hers had chosen him. For how could it? She had no experience except what he had shown her, had nothing to compare it to. She had the right to explore what he had taught, to put it into play with a man of her choosing, and not be bound to a 'loveless' deception. He had to set her free.

The voices grew closer and he recognized the owners. When the door opened, he kept his eyes closed trying to rein in the love he knew would be expressed on his face. The chatter cut off when they saw him, and unable to delay acknowledging their presence any longer, he took a steadying breath and opened his lids.

Xa'bella and Corfy were looking at him with perplexity, especially when they saw their daughter curled up beside him.

Keelah on the other hand simply gave him a hesitant smile. "So this is where you disappeared to." She had seen him leave the dinner over two hours ago and though she had wanted to follow, she knew him well enough to know when to give him some privacy.

"I needed solitude to meditate," he replied in what he hoped was a normal tone. He didn't dare meet her eyes, for he hadn't quite contained his emotions. Instead he turned his attention to the monarchs to answer their silent query. "Your daughter was troubled by a nightmare, Your Majesties." He kept his voice low so as not to disturb the little girl. "She was too unsettled to return to her bed, though she would not admit it."

"Thank you for offering her comfort," Xa'bella said as Corfy stepped over and gently lifted his sleeping daughter into his arms. "I'm sorry if she disturbed you."

"She was no bother." A smile of affection tilted his lips. "We had quite an enlightening conversation."

"I'll keep her with 'Bella and me for the rest of the night." Corfy gave both of them a smile. "I wish you peaceful dreams."

They whispered a returning good night.

After the trio had disappeared behind the bedroom door, Keelah smiled, trying to get a reading of his emotions. He had been acting strangely all day. Distant one moment, overprotective the next. It baffled and worried her. Now there was something different about him again that she couldn't quite put her finger on. "It seems you are able to chase the nightmares away for all the princesses of this world,"

"I just happen to be present when comfort is needed." Teal'c rose to his feet. "I am sure anyone would have offered the same."

His words caused a bubble of unease in her belly. "They may have tried, but you exude an aura of safety like no other. When I'm in your presence I feel like nothing can harm me."

Teal'c didn't know how to respond to that, so he said nothing, and they silently walked the corridor to their room. He resisted the impulse to link his hand with hers, a gesture that had become automatic in recent weeks, because he wasn't sure he'd be able to stop at that single touch.

Keelah watched him from the corner of her eye, very much aware of the physical distance he was deliberately maintaining between them. "Did meditation bring you the peace you were searching for?"

"Not peace, but resolution," he replied, stepping first into the suite. Out of habit he swept the room ensuring it was free from intruders.

She watched him prowl the room, feeling that unease grow. She'd thought that once they were alone that he would return to normal, that he would relax somewhat into the friend and companion he was at home. Those hopes were dashed as every move he made was more that of a bodyguard than friend. Her head dipped down to the floor. This was what she had been afraid of. "Will you not even look at me?"

The quiet plea in her tone began to unravel his resolve. He couldn't deny her request and he turned to face her. She looked so beautiful...and totally exhausted. His feet of their own accord moved towards her and his hand gently nudged her chin up, locking their gazes.

Keelah couldn't fathom the mix of emotions that flickered on his face and at the moment she was too tired to try. Whatever mixed emotions he was doing battle with, the 'resolution' he had reached, she knew in the pit of her stomach that she wouldn't like it. Call her selfish, but she didn't have the energy to cope with whatever it was right now. "Please, Teal'c, just for tonight, just hold me."

The moment she was cocooned in his embrace, Keelah felt the tumult of emotions that had been roiling through her all day begin to settle. How is it that Teal'c is able to do that? He hadn't even needed to say a word. In the back of her mind she knew that there was a reason, one that had been skirting the edges of her consciousness for a while now. Weariness made the thought dissipate. All she knew was that she needed him tonight.

The sound of the town clock chiming in the distance, reminding them of the late hour, drew them apart. Silently they undressed and slipped between the sheets. Mentally drained, Keelah almost immediately fell asleep when she snuggled into his arms. Teal'c watched her for the longest time, treasuring every precious moment, knowing that this would be the last night he would do so. Eventually he drifted off into a fitful sleep.