In The Cave

The sheets were comfortable around Serenity as she lay in bed that evening. She had excused herself from dinner early because she did not care to hear Theron's plan to overthrow his brother once their father died. While he talked the only thing she could do was stare at his handsome features. Something about the way he moved as he spoke calmed in a way that she hadn't been calm before. His voice was like smooth music, humming in her ear, bringing her peace and soothing her to sleep.

Theron did not seem bothered that she asked to leave the meal before they were both done. He seemed to accept her excuse that she was still sore from the few days before her arrival. It didn't matter to her if he accepted her excuse or not, she needed to get out of his bedchamber. Every moment they spent together reminded her of their old love. Her old feelings returned with a burning sensation that broke her heart all over again. She wondered if she would ever be able to forgive him for leaving her behind?

As she lay in the large, over stuffed, bed in her chamber she stared up at the ceiling, her eyes wide open. Despite using the excuse of being exhausted to leave dinner, she was not. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't stop thinking about Prince Theron. Despite everything else, she still loved him. A part of her always would. Another part of her hated herself for still loving him.

She threw the sheets off her body and got out of the bed. Without a second thought she moved to the window and threw the pain open. She climbed onto the edge of the windowsill and jumped from the window. Her body fell through the air with heavy force. As she plummeted towards the hard stone floor of the courtyard outside her window she felt the air pull through her hair and nightgown. The air tickled the feathers on the back of neck. The fresh air awoke magic in her body that she had not used in sometime.

As she fell she pulled her knees towards her chest and spread her arms open wide. Waves of energy spread through her body as her magic returned to her. She felt her body shrinking, and feathers sprouting all over her skin. Just before her body would hit the ground, her transformation was complete and she pulled back up into the air, a beautiful silver white dove soaring through the night.

Serenity could not remember the last time she transformed and actually flew through the night. Immediately, she felt freedom and at peace. Perhaps that is why the Crown Prince never allowed her to fly, he knew it would give her the illusion of freedom. It was one of his ways of attempting to break her. The air felt refreshing between her feathers. She felt like herself again; like she did before the Crown Prince had branded her.

Allur was just as beautiful at night as in the day. The city still glowed like a beautiful white diamond in the evening darkness. Serenity took in its beauty as she soared towards the Black Morning Mountains that the palace pressed up against. As she flew, sudden movement below her caught her eye. She peered down at the tree lined base of the mountain searching for the movement again.

Then she saw it; a massive white Siberian tiger running through the trees heading north along the mountain. She knew instantly it was Prince Theron. Perhaps he needed to escape as much as she did. For a fleeting moment she debated if she should approach him. She decided to follow him, to see where he was going in such a hurry. There seemed to be purpose to his running.

Serenity stayed high above the tree line, scanning it constantly for flashes of Theron's glowing white fur. She was able to keep track of him relatively easily in the darkness. She had no doubt in her mind that he was aware of her following him. As easy as it was to see him, she knew he would see her white feathered form in the sky if he looked up at the right moment.

She lost him for a moment. He seemed to disappear suddenly in the trees. Serenity frowned and swooped lower to the tree line. Her wings clipped the top of the leaves as she dived down into the branches. Either he was hiding, or he had transformed into his human form to hide from her. She landed on a high tree branch and peer around the thin woods, looking for him.

A twig snapped on the forest floor causing her to jump on the branch. She turned sharply looking behind her and saw the source of the noise. It was Theron, walking as a human through the woods. He was moving to the edge of the mountain, just beyond the trees, where an open cave was. Serenity hopped on the branch to get a better view of him. He disappeared quietly into the dark cave. She frowned slightly, unsure if she should continue to follow him.

Against her better judgment, she did. She dived off the tree branch and with three strong flaps of her wings she darted into the dark cave. She transformed mid dive and landed strongly on her feet in the darkness. She shivered instantly as she was only wearing her nightgown. She crossed her arms over her chest and rubbed her arms as goose bumps formed on her skin.

The cave was dark, dank and smell of moss. There was a thickness to the air that was unfamiliar to Serenity. But she knew it was the smell of nature, of deep magic. She reached out to the cave wall and touched it gently. It was covered in twisting roots, vines and dirt. Her pale white hand was covered in dirt when she pulled it back from the wall. She gazed around as her eyes adjusted to the dark. She looked straight forward, hoping to see Theron, but did not. Slowly, she moved forward. She could not turn back now. She walked carefully through the cave. The rock floor of the cave was cold against her bare feet. She was freezing; chilled to the bone because of the cold thick air.

Without warning, she felt someone grab her around the waist. A strong arm held her forcefully in place while their free hand placed a sharp dagger across her neck.

"Who are you?"

It was not Theron. It was a woman's voice, which caught Serenity by surprised. She didn't dare move as she glanced down at the tanned hand holding the dagger. Her instincts told her it was a tiger holding her – but she had never met a female Tigerian soldier.

Serenity didn't say anything. She didn't want to reveal who she was. She was not sure what she had stumbled onto here. Who was Theron meeting in the cave? A lover? That seemed odd that she wouldn't just come to the palace. A spy? That seemed more likely.

"Who are you?" the woman asked more harshly as she pressed the blade into Serenity flesh. Serenity grimaced.

"I am a servant in the Prince's household," she replied vaguely.

The woman released Serenity and came around to face her, keeping the blade against her throat. They stood in silence as they both took each other in.

After a moment in the dark, the tiger struck a match against the cave wall. Fire erupted at her finger tips and she leaned it forward to the edge of a torch that stuck out of the wall over their head. Once there was more light in the cave, the woman dropped her knife from Serenity's throat and returned it to the sheath on her thigh. She picked the torch up out of its canister that was mounted on the cave wall. She held the torch up between the two of them to study Serenity's features more clearly.

In the fire light, Serenity could see the details of the woman's features. She was dressed in armor, like a soldier, but it fit her form perfectly. She had burning orange red hair that fell down to her butt in a long braid. Her eyes were golden yellow, like most tigers, and her skin was pale with light freckles.

"You are the dove," she said with a soft chuckle. "Come along, dove. The Prince will find it amusing that you found your way here."

The tiger turned and began to descend deeper into the cave. Serenity shivered but followed closely after taking a long reassuring breath.

"Who are you?" Serenity asked quietly.

The tiger glanced back over her shoulder.

"My name is Amira," she responded.

"You're a member of the royal guard?"

"Here, in Allur I am," she responded.

"At the Den?"

"I am a member of the Tigerian court," she replied dully.

Serenity nodded her head in understanding.

"What is all of this?" Serenity asked. "Why are you meeting his Highness in the middle of the night in a dark cave?"

Amira stopped short and turned to Serenity with a serious expression. "It's probably best that he explains that to you. It's not my place."

Serenity frowned but nodded. She was thankful that Amira was pleasant towards her. Since arriving in Allur she was the first tiger Serenity had encountered beside Theron. It was a relief that his soldiers were like him – they saw birds as creatures, not a waste of space.

"Here," Amira said pulling off her cloak from her shoulders. "You'll freeze in the nightgown."

"Are you sure you don't need it?" Serenity asked politely as she took the cloak. She knew that Amira didn't need it. She had long sleeves on under her cloak and her armor probably provided her some warmth. She was also wearing boots compared to Serenity's bare feet, which no doubt kept her warmer.

Amira shook her head and turned away from Serenity. Quickly, Serenity pulled the cloak on and followed Amira farther into the cave. They walked in silence. It was unclear to Serenity how far or for how long they walked. Eventually, Amira's pace slowed. Serenity looked over Amira's shoulder as the murmuring sound of voices talking reached her ears.

She saw a large burning fire straight ahead with multiple people gathered around it, laughing and talking. Whatever sort of meeting they were holding had not been called to order yet. Amira stopped abruptly and turned to Serenity.

"Wait here," she whispered. "I will go get the Prince."

Serenity frowned but nodded her head. She watched as Amira entered the opening of the cave and greeted multiple people while walking by. She followed Amira around the fire to where she stopped and leaned down to speak to Prince Theron, who was sitting in a high chair on the other side of the fire. Amira whispered something in Theron's ear, and immediately his eyes turned to the cave opening where Serenity stood. She stood up straight when his eyes met hers. He did not frown, or smile. Serenity bit her bottom lip as he stood up and made his way to her. He said something to Amira before he walked away from his chair. Amira stayed in her place by the fire.

"You're still as curious as you were when you were a child," he said as he approached her.

He was dressed in brown slacks, a red shirt and brown vest. He had a cloak around his shoulders and wore leather gloves on his hands. She frowned slightly at the sight of him up close. He was as handsome as ever. His gleaming purple eyes did not reveal anger or displeasure with her, rather they shined with amusement, just as Amira had predicted. She held her breath for a moment as she stared at him. A sudden rush of emotion took her and she wanted nothing more than to be pressed against him. She wished they were alone in the cave so she could be with him as they once had been.

"I was flying," she responded dully. "I saw you running through the forest—"

"You'd hope to find me alone?"

Serenity opened her mouth for a moment then closed it. She did not want to admit he was right. He seemed to know it already though and smiled at her again. His smile warmed her heart.

"What are you doing?" she asked quickly. "Why do you have to meet here and not in the palace?"

Theron studied her for a moment. "There are spies amongst my men," he said carefully. "I cannot risk them finding out my true plans."

"Which are?" she asked with raised eyebrows. Theron smirked at her.

"You did not care to hear about my plans hours ago at dinner," he reached out to stroke her cheek. His gloved hand still felt warm on her cheek. She smiled meekly at his touch. She wanted it desperately, maybe because the thought of him warming her up brought her much needed comfort. She was so cold, her bones were beginning to hurt. "Serenity, you're freezing."

He tore his gloves off and touched her cheeks with his full hands. His hands slid down her neck and shoulders, under the cloak, and rubbed her skin in an attempt to warm her body up.

"You're practically naked," he said with disapproval.

"In my defense, I did not think I would be wondering around a dark cave when I left my bed to take flight," she responded.

"Come sit by the fire," he said sternly. "Please, say nothing, but listen."

Serenity nodded as he wrapped his arm around her. He escorted her to the fire. All talking stopped as they walked by. Tigerian eyes followed Serenity as she moved past them, the Prince's arm wrapped snuggly around her. He ushered her into his own chair which sat close to the fire, then tore his cloak off in a whirl of dark brown leather and laid it on her like a blanket. She gave him a weak smile, in the form of thanks.

The fire roared before her. Serenity did as she was told and remained silent as the meeting began among Theron's men. There were twelve of them present, counting Amira. It seemed each was a Lord or a representative for a Lord who was loyal to Theron's right to rule the realm. Lord Joss Micheal was also present, but he stood back from the fire in the shadows as if he were not a leader for the rebellion but rather a protector for Theron. His position was similar to hers no doubt. Stay quiet, listen and sense out betrayal.

Serenity paid close attention to them as they spoke. As a dove, she was good at recognizing peace in people; she had a good sense of people's character early on in meeting them and often could pick a good soul out from a bad one. Perhaps that is why Theron wanted her to stay for the meeting. She may be able to determine if any of the twelve were disloyal to him.

"The King is forecasted to visit Allur in a few weeks," Theron said after the meeting had come to order. All were silent around the fire as he spoke. "He is coming to inspect the border and see that my soldiers have done their job properly. He has not succumb to the poison yet, but it could be a matter of days. If all goes to plan, he will not come to Allur. Rather, the Crown Prince will come in his place."

Serenity was listening intently. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was this how all kingdoms transferred power? Was it always bloody and full of betrayal?

"It is not the transfer of power we have to concern ourselves with," Theron continued. "But rather, the sweeping changes that we plan to instill once I am in power." He paused for a moment and glanced at Serenity before he spoke to the twelve. "When I announce the release of the birds, that is what will cause war. That is why we must remove any threat before I take the throne."

Serenity nearly fell from her chair. Release the birds? Was he serious? She glanced at Amira who was sitting a few seats away and beaming. She winked at Serenity as if to reassure her that what Theron said was true. He planned to free all of the birds in the realm. Serenity's mouth hung open for a few moments.

"We must ensure that the path is clear for the new Tigerian kingdom to rise," Theron said sternly. "I trust that your households hold true to the vow you made, that you stand firm in your conviction that any creature has the right to live without the chains of slavery holding them down. That all creatures have the right to live as they wish, with whomever they wish, regardless of their species, place or station."

Serenity looked at Theron and saw him looking directly at her as he spoke. She swallowed her thoughts so not to speak them out loud. She turned her gazing blue eyes to the fire so not to let him stare into her soul.

"Once the Crown Prince is out of the way," Theron looked back around the fire. "Then we will purge the court of the evil that has continued over time. When the time is right, I will call for the release of all slaves."

There was a cheer of solidarity around the fire. Serenity smiled slightly as she glanced back up at Theron. Was this another way to redeem himself? To make up for his part in the evil that his family perpetuated for centuries? What did he mean when he said anyone should be able to live their life with whomever they wanted? Why had he looked at her with burning desire when he said that?

"Your Highness," said a voice from the other side of the fire. "If I may…"

"Of course, Lord Garad," Theron bid him to speak. The Lord stood up to speak. He was a tall, skinny tiger with fine strawberry blond hair and piercing crystal blue eyes. His skin was well tanned. Serenity wondered what sort of tiger he was.

"My father wanted me to pass on his concern for your lack of bride," Lord Garad said carefully. "He thinks that if you were to marry, that it may make the transition to power easier. And if you choose a wife who has strong holds at the Den, that it will help with the remodeling of the laws."

Theron nodded. Serenity looked directly at him to see his response.

"Many of your households have expressed that concern," he acknowledged. "But I will not take a bride until I have taken the throne. I believe that my bride, if taken now, would be in great danger from any who wish to overthrow me or hurt me. She would be a liability and I cannot take that risk or put any woman in that position."

Lord Garad frowned. "A true wife and Queen would take responsibility for that risk and bare it on her shoulders as our families and wives do."

"I appreciate your concern," Theron repeated with a stern tone that suggested the conversation was over. "I will take a mate when I think it best serves my plan and the kingdom. At this moment, I feel that it is best to wait until after I have taken the throne."

Lord Garad bowed his head and returned to his seat. Serenity glanced around to see who else seemed bothered by Prince Theron's response. Amira caught her eye for a moment because she shifted uncomfortably. She had strong holds at the Den. Now, she was a soldier in Theron's guard, representing her family as followers of his rebellion. But at the Den, she was a lady of the court. She was one of Theron's spies within the King's circle. She would be the perfect mate if one followed Lord Garad's logic.

Slowly, the cave began to clear as the Lords returned to their homes. Some were staying in Allur, while others had a long journey home to their households. The fire was beginning to burn out. Lord Joss Michael stepped forward and placed a few more logs on the burning embers. The only people that remained around the fire were the Prince, Lord Michael, Serenity and Amira.

"When do you think they will let it go about you choosing a mate?" Amira asked quietly after she sipped from a flask that had been hanging over her side.

"When they have won the argument and I have chosen you to be my mate," Theron responded.

Serenity shifted uncomfortable in her chair as she glanced between the two of them. Amira was smirking with a fiery look in her eye that would destroy most men's control. Serenity liked her; even admired her confidence and control. She was the type of woman that everyone desired; men wanted to be with her and women wanted to be like her. Serenity hoped to be as confident as her one day.

Amira laughed loudly. "I would never be your mate, your Highness."

Theron smiled as well. "I know. I did not want to ask to avoid the rejection."

Serenity kept her eyes on the fire to avoid the pair's expression. She did not want Theron to see the jealousy in her eyes. And she did not want them to catch her staring at them. She thought they were joking with each other, but what if they weren't? What if it was just a show? The way Theron treated Serenity was often just for show.

"What of Amala?" Serenity asked. It was the first time she had spoken since sitting down at the fire. The Prince glanced at her with raised eyebrows, waiting for her to elaborate. "Is she part of your circle yet?"

Theron shook his head. "I am sure she will be," he said. "She has always been more sympathetic to birds. But I feared if I brought her in too early it could put the entire plan at risk."

Serenity nodded. "She would not make a bad mate, either, your Highness. Her position at court now gives her great knowledge. She may be the key to ensuring a smooth transition, especially once you announce your new laws."

Theron gave Serenity a smile and nodded at her. "That is wise advice, Serenity."

"Your Highness," Joss said standing up as the fire started to die again. "I think it is time to return."

Theron nodded. "Go ahead, I'll bring Serenity."

Joss bowed at the waist. He bid good night to everyone and turned, leaving into the shadows.

"Are you staying in Allur, Amira?"

"If I am welcome, your Highness," she responded.

"Yes, of course," Theron replied. "Jemma usually keeps your room ready. If there is any issue with it, please seek me out."

"You are kind, your Highness," Amira said. "It was a pleasure to meet you, finally, Serenity."

Serenity bit her bottom lip and bowed her head in agreement.

"Oh," Serenity stood up quickly, dropping the prince's cloak to the floor. She tore off Amira's cloak and extended it to her. The chill of the cave took her again as her shoulders and arms were bare. The nightgown barely covered her and was so thin it was practically see through. "Thank you for your cloak."

"Perhaps you should keep it," Amira said looking Serenity over. "It's a long walk back to the palace."

"I'll be fine, my Lady. Thank you for your kindness," Serenity said still holding the cloak out to her. Amira shrugged and took the cloak back. She bid the Prince good bye with a bow then disappeared after Joss into the darkness.

Serenity looked at the Prince as the fire light dimmed. He picked up his cloak off the cave floor and wrapped it around her shoulders easily. He buttoned it under her chin as she looked up at him with deep wanting eyes. The dancing flames reflected off her skin, giving her a pale orange glow.

"What do you think now that you've heard my plans?"

Serenity sighed slightly as she stared at him. His fingers lingered on her collar bone after he buttoned the cloak. She did not speak as he dragged his fingertips along her flesh and gently pushed the left strap of her nightgown off her shoulder. She couldn't think when he touched her so tenderly. How could he possibly expect her to answer truthfully when all she was thinking about was his touch?

He smiled an all knowing smile at her as he pulled his hands away. She felt colder without his touch suddenly.

"You torture me with your affection," she whispered. She didn't answer his question because she still wasn't sure what she thought about his plans. She was worried it was too bold. He and his followers wouldn't survive. But she was also inspired by it. It gave her hope that she desperately needed.

"Hardly," Theron responded. "Torturing you would be teasing you, not planning to follow through with my affection."

She looked at him surprised. His purple eyes beamed at her.

"I plan to follow through, if you'll allow me," he said carefully with a confident smile. Serenity's mouth opened but no words came out.

Yes! She wanted to scream. Of course she would allow him to take her as he once did. She had dreamed of his love desperately; sometimes it was what carried her threw the hard times in the last year…but then….it reminded her of everything that hurt. She came to her senses and stepped back, not wanting to give into him. Not wanting him to have the pleasure that he once did.

"So, it is you who will torture me," he said looking her over. His eyes lingered on her body for a few moments as the cloak was open revealing everything to him. He bowed his head. "As I deserve. Will you tell me your thoughts as we walk back? Now that I am not torturing you with my affection?"

He motioned to the entrance of the cave and turned his back to her. He walked away slowly, giving her a chance to clear her head before she followed him. She pulled the cloak tightly around her body then made her way around the extinguished fire. She pursed her lips and tried not to smile at his words. He was playful and a tease, which always made her want him in the past. He had not changed in that manner.

The walk out of the cave seemed short; not nearly as long as the walk into it. Outside, the night sky was beautiful, dark with light speckles of stars. The moon was out and bright, casting light on the thin forest, despite not being full. The air was much warmer than it had been in the cave. Serenity pulled the Prince's cloak off and offered it to him. He looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"Do you mind if I fly back to the palace?" she asked.

"No not at all," he whispered taking the cloak. He couldn't help but stare at Serenity as she looked up at the night sky. There was a sharp jump in his stomach and chest as he saw every inch of her body in the mesh floor length nightgown. Somehow, the silver blue color of the dress made her skin look iridescent and she seemed to glimmer in the moon light. Her blonde white curls fell down to her shoulder blades on her back and when she turned to face him, she pulled her hair over her shoulder, brushing it with her fingertips. The way she stood with her arms over her chest, her fingers brushing her hair, he could not see her breast through the nightgown, but he could not help thinking how he desperately wanted to.

"I want you to feel like yourself here. I'm sure you have not felt that way in sometime," he said as he stared at her eyes so not to stare at her breast. She had dropped her arms to her side and he was sure if he lowered his eyes he would see their beautiful shape, and details.

"Thank you," she bowed to him.

He watched as she transformed easily into a small dove. He was captivated by how she moved as she transformed. It was so natural to watch her arms and legs fold into her body as she reshaped into a small bird that sat just for a brief moment on the ground. As soon as she was changed, she pushed off the ground with little, powerful, wings. She fluttered up into the sky leaving Prince Theron staring at her with bubbling desire deep inside his center.

It had been a year since he left her at the Den, but all of his desire still remained as if no time had passed. She was right to torture him with her appearance and soul. He had wanted no one the way he wanted her. He had spent so much time pining for her, and hating himself for leaving her, that he had never brought another woman to his bed. He did not think he deserved to find love after what he had done to Serenity. He knew that he hurt her worse than his brother ever could have. It was not his brother who pushed her to want to end her life, it was him. If he had not abandoned her, then maybe she would be happy. And maybe together they would have been at peace.

Serenity saw Theron standing below her watching as she flew away. She tried not to give it much thought. Perhaps he was just watching to make sure she made it back to the palace alright. When she landed in her bedchamber, she was relieved by how warm it was. She closed the window tightly and immediately crawled into her large, warm bed. Sleep came to her instantly. For the first time since arriving in Allur, she felt at peace. She was confident that she would be able to make this place her home. She was sure that she could find a place within Prince Theron's circle that would bring her purpose and joy. She was happy to hear of his rebellion and she thought that she could serve at his side despite their history.