The Nest

Flying through the chilling air relaxed Serenity. She felt free and at peace despite the terrifying situation she was flying into. She understood what the Falcon prince wanted from her – she just didn't understand King Tzvi agreeing to it. She didn't understand why he would agree to send her alone to the Nest. At least, the council member responsible for the trade agreement should go as well, even if the true reason for the meeting was for the Falcon prince to establish if Serenity was a threat.

As she tore through the sky, looking for Mason below on the horse, she tried to think through how she should act around the Crowned Prince. She frowned. She had to stop thinking. She just had to act like herself; sure and confident. She did not want to appear weak or needy, but she also did not want to appear as a threat.

She did not spot Mason until she was completely out of Carna. She found him riding through the barren fields outside the city, heading north along the Black Morning Mountains. She stared at them for a few moments, remembering the short period in her life when she lived in Allur on the other side of the mountain range. That was probably the happiest time of her life. The first time she was truly free and openly with Theron. There were so many times after he became King that she wished they could return to Allur. It was a simple and beautiful place with few people. No one bothered them there. They were happy and in love. No on threatened them. She frowned with longing for those memories, then took a steep dive down towards Mason as he rode below her.

She darted at Saffron, who neighed loudly in anger as she swooped around his head. Mason looked at her and nodded, acknowledging her presences, before she flapped her wings and took off back up into the clouds.

Dusk came quickly and before Serenity knew it, she was flying in complete darkness. Her wings were beginning to ach with fatigue. She sighed as she swooped back down low in front of Mason and Saffron. She veered off to the right when she spotted a tree and transformed into her human form, walking steadily out of the air as if she had just appeared. She paused to catch her breath and leaned against the tree trunk for a moment, waiting for Mason to catch up to her.

She looked up when she heard Saffron's galloping hooves approaching.

"Alright?" Mason asked as he pulled Saffron to a stop next to her. He patted the side of Saffron's neck as he stared at Serenity with his deep stone grey eyes.

"It's just been awhile since I've flown for that long," Serenity whispered. Mason extended a water flask to her. She took it and drank from it quickly.

"I would prefer if we keep moving for now," Mason said easily as he peered around the field. "We still have a day and half journey ahead of us. If you can't fly, you can ride—"

"I can fly," Serenity insisted.

Mason studied her for a few moments. "You do not have to pretend, Serenity. It is better that you save your strength. You'll need it for when we arrive."

She rolled her shoulders back and glared at him. "I'm fine. We'll switch later."

Mason shrugged but nodded his head in acknowledgement of her decision.

Serenity nodded her head once, mostly to reassure herself that she could keep flying. Her entire body ached. She reminded herself that she had to pace herself as she took another sip from the flask. She handed it back to Mason who sealed it and swung it over the saddle.

Without a word, Serenity ran off and transformed into her beautiful dove form. Her wings flapped strongly lifting her up into the sky. She looked down behind her and saw Mason riding after her. She soared high up into the night sky but stayed low enough so he would not lose her in the clouds. As she moved through the darkness, she felt at ease.

It had been awhile since she had taken a night flight. It was one of the more dangerous activities in her current life and Cevin often frowned upon her doing it. But it was always something she had enjoyed. The chill of the night air and gleaming light from the stark white moon brought peace to her. They calmed her and reminded her that there was still something beautiful in this world.

The rest of the journey to the Nest was uneventful. The party stopped to rest only for a few hours before the sun rose. Serenity didn't think that Mason actually rested. He sat up tending the small fire and kept watch. They walked for a short stint; walking together to give Saffron a rest from carrying Mason's heavy body.

Serenity was thankful when they arrived at the edge of the Falcon territory. She looked up at the massive statue of King Phineaus that Mason described. The statue towered over them; it had to be a few stories tall, standing higher than any trees around it. The statue was of a standing man, with a falcon's head and wide open wings. Serenity stared at it with raised eyebrows. She had never seen a bird look that way in their demi-form. When she took her demi-form, her wings were visible out of her back, making her look like an angel.

"What kind of man was he?" she asked while staring up at the statue.

"King Phineaus?" Mason looked at her with puzzled eyes. "I don't know."

"But you know of his reputation?"

Mason hesitated. "He was a forgiving King. He agreed to liberate your people."

Serenity looked at Mason sharply. "He agreed to it. He did not do it himself. And he liberated the slaves in his territory not the ones his ancestors sold to others."

Mason frowned but nodded his head.

"I'm sure we will have a welcome party," he said as he dismounted Saffron. "Hop on, I don't want you walking now."

Serenity rolled her eyes. "Riding makes me look weak."

Mason stepped closer to her, lifting her chin to look up at his dark eyes. The sunlight hit them, causing her to see her own reflection in his grey-blue irises.

"It makes you look regal," he said sternly.
"Don't argue with me. Put your sword and dagger on and get on the horse."

Serenity smirked as he released her chin.
"Mason," she said his name smoothly. "I don't know if you've ever spoken to me with such authority."

"I always speak to you that way, you just choose not to listen," he retorted as he moved around Saffron, collecting Serenity's sword and dagger. He stepped close to her and slid the blades into the empty sheaths on her hip and thigh. Serenity smirked again as his fingers grazed against her thigh. She stared into his eyes and for a fleeting moment she thought she saw aching desire in them. She bit her bottom lip wondering if she was right, was he attracted to her?

"I listen to you," she whispered, still smirking.

"Then get on the damned horse," he was smiling now.

Serenity turned and mounted Saffron easily. She took the reins and guided the massive stead around the statue of King Phineaus. As she trotted out onto the open field that was Falcon territory, she looked up to the sky waiting to see if anyone came to greet them. Mason walked carefully next to her, also looking up at the sky, but neither of them saw anything.

Looking out along the horizon, the Nest could be seen in the distance. It looked exactly as one would expect – like an enormous nest. Serenity knew that the outside border of the city was surrounded by wood and straw that covered fortified walls. Buildings could be seen rising up along the cityscape and towards the center stood a tall tower. Serenity knew this was the infamous Perch, the falcon palace.

Suddenly, there was the thumping sound of pounding wings from behind them. Serenity turned on her horse to see two peregrine falcons descending towards them from the sky. She watched as they transformed in the sky and landed on their human feet behind her. She turned Saffron around completely to face them. She wondered where they had been hiding, waiting for her to enter the territory.
Both falcons were clad from head to toe in gold royal armor that bore the crest of the royal falcon family on it. Beneath their gold armor they wore scarlet robes, brown pants and boots. The long cloaks attached to their shoulders were also scarlet. One of the falcons stepped forward, removing his helmet to reveal a head full of long sandy blond hair and gleaming yellow eyes. His face was round, but nose hooked, like a beak.

Serenity made to get off her horse, but Mason touched her thigh, stopping her. Serenity glanced at him, but not for long, and sat back on the saddle.

"Serenity Peacefellow?" the falcon questioned.

"Yes," she responded in surprise. She knew that her arrival was anticipated but she did not expect to be greeted at the edge of the territory. The Nest was in sight, but there was still quite a ride to reach it.

"Crowned Prince Fallon is expecting you," the falcon responded. "If you'll follow us, please."

"Yes, of course," Serenity responded. She knew he wanted her to fly with them. "What of my guard?"

The falcon looked at Mason with dark eyes. "Wolves are not allowed entry to the Nest."

"Then I am afraid I cannot enter either," Serenity responded. "I am as responsible for him as he is for me. If he cannot enter than I also cannot."

The falcon looked at his companion, who nodded his head once, transformed and took off across the sky towards the Nest.

"He will seek permission from the Prince," the falcon said. "I will walk with you."

"Thank you for your understanding," Serenity responded. "What is your name?"

"Captain Marcus Brendon," he replied as he moved forward and fell into step next to Mason. "You've made good time. We were not sure when to be expecting you."

"I left as soon as my King ordered me to," Serenity said. "I hope we did not keep you waiting long. I was not expecting an escort from the border."

"Crowned Prince Fallon wanted to make sure you arrived safely."

"That is kind of him," Serenity said softly.

"We thought you would come with another bird…"

Serenity glanced at Captain Brendon. "This is Mason Isangrim. He is a grey wolf and has been in my service for over a year now."

"You are no longer a member of the pack?" Captain Brendon asked as he studied Mason.

"No," Mason replied coolly. He did not elaborate.

"The Isangrim pack has moved north out of the Black Morning Mountains," Captain Brendon continued. "They're attempting to push the Lupus pack from their position in the northern range." He pointed out the left of the Nest where a large mountain range could be seen rising from the horizon.

"I do not follow pack politics," Mason said dryly.

"We have to. The Lupus pack is an important ally."

"They also own a small portion of the bird population," Mason continued in his dry tone. "As allies, has your Prince encouraged them to free their slaves?"

Serenity's chest tightened as Captain Brendon grew quiet. She glanced down at the two men who walked steadily next to her. Captain Brendon was still quiet. Mason glared at him as if he were the sole person to blame for the enslavement of Serenity's species. Serenity was surprised by Mason's question. She had never heard him speak of any sort of politics, especially the enslavement of birds. She also did not know that the Lupus pack of wolves was one of the groups that had bought her kind from the birds of prey who enslaved them initially.

"I didn't think so," Mason said looking back at the horizon. "Your kingdom relies on the enslavement of the birds by the Lupus pack. It is their labor that brings you goods. Your Prince would not encourage their freedom because it would cost him too much."

"The politics of avian enslavement can be discussed at a later time," Serenity said easily to stop a retort from Captain Brendon.

"I would not bring it up in front of the Prince," he said as he looked up at her.

Serenity frowned but kept her heavy stare straight forward towards the wall of the Nest.
"Of course you wouldn't, because Mason is right," she whispered without looking at Captain Brendon. What she did not say is that she was going to make it a point to mention it now. "Will it be possible for me to clean up before seeing the Prince?"

"Crowned Prince Fallon will want to see you immediately," Captain Brendon said.

Serenity nodded her head but said nothing.

"You need to rest," Mason said.

"After I see the Prince," Serenity said as she looked at Mason, who was frowning deeply.

Serenity was exhausted, but if the Prince would demand to see her immediately then she would see him. She hoped she would be able to keep it short so she could rest and get cleaned up. She wanted nothing more than to take a long hot bath.

"If the Lupus pack is an ally why are wolves not allowed in the Nest?" Serenity asked.

Captain Brendon grumbled something under this breath that Serenity couldn't hear. He didn't have to repeat himself because before Serenity could ask him her question again, his counterpart appeared in the sky, soaring towards them. The falcon transformed and landed as a handsome human in front of the small party.

Serenity pulled the reins on Saffron and he stopped on the spot. Mason stopped in front of Saffron, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword on his hip. Captain Brendon moved forward to speak to the Falcon that had just appeared. The two birds of prey spoke softly to each other so that Serenity and Mason could not hear.

Captain Brendon nodded his head at his colleague then moved back to Serenity and Mason.

"Prince Fallon will permit you entry," the Captain said to Mason. He looked up at Serenity. "And he asked that you meet him for dinner. He has another meeting to attend to first before seeing you."

Serenity relaxed on the back of her horse. She was thankful to hear this. She desperately wanted to bathe and even nap before she met with the Prince.

"Thank you," she said with a bow of her head. She glanced at Mason, who also looked relieved. He took the reins on Saffron and led him carefully forward to follow Captain Brendon who had turned to lead them the rest of the way to the Nest.

The interior of the Nest was no different than that of the Den, Serenity's former Tigerian home. She was not surprised to see that the outskirts of the city that pressed up against the border wall consisted of slums for poorer members of the population. As Captain Brendon led Serenity and Mason through the streets into the heart of the Nest, Serenity thought that it was clear that most of the wealthier members of the falcon court did not even live in the city. At the center of the Nest, stood the tall pinnacle of the falcon kingdom – the palace was a stronghold tower standing like a beacon in the center of the city.

When they arrived on the palace grounds at the base of the tower, Mason stepped forwarded and assisted Serenity off of Saffron's back. Serenity gathered her bags before stepping away from her horse. Captain Brendon waived his colleague forward, who stepped up and took the reins.

"Rickon will take your horse to the stables," he said. "Please follow me."

Serenity bowed her head as Mason placed his hand on the small of her back and escorted her forward. She looked up at him with gentle crystal blue eyes. She wished in some ways that he wasn't so protective or gentlemanly towards her. She did not want his protection to undermine her authority. Mason seemed to know what she was thinking because his hand slipped away from her back and he slowed his pace behind her. She glanced over her shoulder at him. He was looking up at the tower as they entered the palace, his hand still resting instinctively on his sword.

They passed through the tower gate and into a large foyer. The foyer was wide and empty with a large opening into the courtyard opposite the gate. She stepped forward with curiosity and looked up into the glowing sun as it shined down into the courtyard. The courtyard was the center of the tower, making the building's structure into a large 'O' shape. Serenity covered her eyes and smiled. The building design seemed appropriate for an avian palace.

"Lady Peacefellow?"

It was Captain Brendon calling her back. Serenity turned to him and re-entered the foyer. A young woman was standing with him and Mason now. She was as tall as Mason with long brown hair in a loose braid over her shoulder. Her eyes were dark emerald green and her tanned skin was freckled from sun exposure. She wore a dusty blue dress made of cotton that Serenity thought looked comfortable. Serenity was sure that she was a bird, but it was unclear what species. She wondered if she was a falcon, like her master, or if she was a 'lesser' bird who remained in his household after her people were freed.

"This is Mona," Captain Brendon said motioning to the girl. "She is the Prince's head of house, she'll assist you from here."

"Thank you, Captain," Serenity said to the large falcon. He bowed his head before leaving the foyer. Serenity looked at Mona.

"Hello," she said softly. "My name is Serenity, this is my guard, Mason."

Mona's green eyes glanced at Mason with hesitation. Obviously, he made her insecure for some reason.

"Yes," she said softly. "I know who you are. Please follow me to your suite. The Prince has a few meetings he has to attend to before he can see you. He apologizes for any inconvenience but we did not know when you would arrive."

"There is no inconvenience," Serenity smiled. "I appreciate the chance to rest and clean up before meeting his Highness."

Mona studied Serenity closely before turning and leading her down the foyer towards the corridor. "Do you have any formal attire with you?" she asked noticing the bag that Serenity had hanging across her body and the other in her hand.

"Yes," Serenity responded simply. Mona nodded her head.

"I expected you to arrive with a larger party," she said. "I've prepared the master guest suite for you. It's large enough for an entire household."

"That is fine. Please put us wherever we won't be a burden."

Mona folded her hands behind her back as she walked next to Serenity. Mason trailed behind them slowly.

"A guest of the Prince is never a burden," Mona said as she stared forward.

Serenity smiled. "I used to be a slave in the Tigerian court, guest are always a burden."

Mona glanced at Serenity with harsh eyes. Serenity bit her bottom lip, perhaps she was out of line speaking that way, but Serenity had never been one to filter her thoughts. Mona led the way up a long staircase that seemed to wrap around the circular tower entirely.

"I know you were not always a slave."

"Yes," Serenity frowned. "My story seems to have spread widely across the territories. I wonder which embellished story you've heard?"

"You brought down the Tigerian court single handedly by seducing King Theron and killing him," Mona said turning her eyes forward again.

Serenity gut clenched at the woman's comment. She knew that many people believed this story. The tales that had risen from the destruction of the Tigerian court were laughable at times. In reality, after King Theron had released the enslaved birds and announced that Serenity was to be his mate, former members of the Tigerian council staged a coup to take back the kingdom. Their radical forces had killed the King and all of his loyal court. Serenity barely escaped with her life.

"How farfetched is that?" Mona asked.

"Very," Serenity replied. "King Theron and I were madly in love. Though, I know no one will believe the true story. How could a Tiger ever love a Dove?"

Mona nodded her head slowly. "How could a woman love a man who kept her as a slave?"

Serenity frowned with a bow of her head.
"A valid question. The horrors I lived as a slave were not put on me by King Theron. He released me and my people because of his love for me. I was in his service for a short time, but he never treated me as a slave, always as a person."

"Perhaps that is why you loved him."

Serenity stared at Mona for a few moments because she was suggesting that she only loved Theron because she didn't know any better. She knew the woman didn't know what she was talking about. There was no way of describing the full scope of Serenity and Theron's relationship to an outsider. Their love was so deep that Serenity didn't think anyone but Theron would ever understand her; and she certainly thought she would never be able to love again.

Silence fell between the women as they continued up the long stairs to one of the highest floors in the tower. Mona stopped on a landing and motioned for Serenity to follow her down the curved corridor. The entire building seemed to be made of brown and gray stone. There was no lavished décor in any of the corridors they had passed through.
Mona stopped in front of two large brown oak doors and pushed them open with both hands. Serenity was not surprised to see that the suite they were shown into was well decorated and fully furnished. She bit her bottom lip as Mason moved into the room, placing his bag on a large chair before crossing his arms and looking around carefully. She knew he was inspecting the room for any security issues.

The suite was curved, just like the corridor, and full of comfortable sitting furniture. Across from the entrance of the suite was a wide open balcony with no windows or doors on it. Almost the entire wall was missing as the balcony was a beautiful extension of the room outside. Serenity watched as Mason stepped out into the sunlight, looking out across the Nest from the balcony. He leaned against the railing of the balcony as he stared up into the sky.

"The stay rooms are to the right," Mona said. "The master bedroom has a private washroom. There is a second washroom down the hall. On the left is the kitchen and laundry."
She turned to face Serenity directly. "I will send up a maid with some more clothing for you. I'm sure you only have one or two dresses in that bag and you cannot see his Highness in the same outfit over again."

Serenity frowned at Mona with a puzzled look.
"The Prince places great value on physical appearance and attire?"

"It would be disrespectful to not present yourself at your best to him."

Serenity nodded her head. "Very well. Send me the maid and the clothes. Thank you, Mona."

"I'll retrieve you for dinner," she said with a bow of her head before she left the room.

Serenity sighed heavily as she moved to the right, down a narrow hallway to the bedchambers. She opened the first door and saw that it was a small room with a single bed, wash table and window. She closed the door and continued down the hall. There were two more small bedrooms, then the bathroom that Mona had mentioned. The last door at the end of the hall was the door to the master bedroom. Serenity walked in and looked around. It was no different than any private suite she had stayed in before. There was a large oversized four poster bed with curtains on it, a large bay window and small balcony, a wardrobe and closet. Serenity turned to the door when she heard footsteps behind her.

"This is where you are sleeping?" Mason asked as he entered the room.

Serenity nodded.

"I'd prefer if you took a room without a balcony."

"I don't think anyone will try to assassinate me here, Mason," she said tiredly. "Are you going to sleep here on my floor or take your own room?"

Mason smirked. "I'll take the room next to yours," he said. "I'll let you rest."

He moved back to the door as Serenity placed her bag on the bed.

"Serenity?"

She looked up at Mason with questioning blue eyes.

"You'll wear a knife under your dress?" he asked.

It was Serenity's turn to smirk. She nodded; of course she would. She wasn't a fool. She always wore a knife for her own protection, even in her own home.

"I'll let you know when Mona returns."

"Thank you," Serenity said with a smile.

Mason exited the room, closing the door tightly behind him. Serenity immediately made her way across the room to the bathroom where she started to run a bath. Her body screamed for a hot bath to relax her sore muscles and aching back. She found some lavender bath salts in the cabinets and added them to the water, filling the steamy room with the rich, relaxing aroma. Serenity stripped naked and slowly lowered herself into the hot water. She sighed with comfort as she relaxed into the water. She lay her head on the edge of the tub as she sunk into the hot water. She felt completely at ease. Her limbs felt heavy as they relaxed.

Serenity didn't stay in the tub long. Her eyes were too heavy and her body too tired. She felt herself dozing off. Before she fell asleep in the tub, she stood up out of the bath and quickly dried off in a towel. Against her better judgment, Serenity made her way back into her bedroom and laid down between the heavy sheets naked. She fell asleep almost instantly once her head hit the over stuffed pillows.