Threat

Serenity paced nervously in a dimly light corridor the next evening. She was wearing an elegant gown that Jemma had picked out for her. It was made of dusty rose mesh and was covered in lace inlays. The dress cut down in a sharp 'V' shape to her sternum. She had to be taped into the top portion of the dress because so much of her cleavage was revealed. Her breast looked like perfect round orbs that were half covered by the dress. The sleeves wrapped down from her shoulders, opened in a bell shape and cuffed tightly at her wrist. The skirt flared from her hips and jetted down to the floor with a very small train to follow her. Serenity's white blonde curls were pinned back out of her face. Jemma said she looked like Queen.

Serenity felt a little ridiculous. She had never worn a ball gown quite as exquisite as this one in her life. Of course it made her look like a Queen. She was confident that Jemma would not let her wear anything less than something that made her look her part.

She was pacing because of how ridiculous and anxious she felt. She was trapped in the hallway between the glamorous oversized ballroom and the outdoor patio. The corridor was lined entirely of windows and doors that opened up to the beautiful dimly lit patio. The moon could be seen high in the dark sky outside. Serenity stared at it for only a moment as she desperately wished she could fly away.

Across from the glass wall were doors that opened into the ballroom every ten feet down the length of the hall.

In a matter of moments, the King would announce her entrance on the other side of those doors. Serenity stopped and stared at them as she took a long slow breath. She could do this. She frowned slightly. The last time she had stood before the entire Tigerian court was when Terron dismissed her and Theron took her to be his personal slave. She rolled her shoulders back as she tried to reassure herself that she was different now. They would have to look at her differently than they did before.

She was no longer a slave. She was a living creature. She was the King's betrothed and loved. She was going to be Queen. They would have to accept her as she was or they would have to leave the court. She was going nowhere.

At least that's what she kept telling herself to remain calm and confident.

She looked at the ground as she squeezed her hands. She could not keep her mind calm. Her thoughts were racing. Not only was she anxious about the court accepting her, she was also scared that tonight would be the night that her stalker tried to act on their threats and kill her. Tonight could be the night that her nightmares came true—that she would die or Theron would die to save her.

"Are you ready?" asked a voice. It was Jemma.

Serenity turned to see her and Lady Amira walking down the corridor towards her. A third person followed them slowly. Serenity realized as she peered over Amira's shoulder that it was Mel—the woman that piped up in Daija's lesson so long ago about the birds of prey.

"Of course she is ready," Amira said confidently. "You look amazing!"

"She looks like a Queen," Jemma smiled as she fussed with the back of Serenity's dress. Serenity put her hands on her stomach as it flipped nervously. She swore as she looked away from Mel, that she saw the small bird roll her eyes.

"You're sure it's not too much?" Serenity whispered with a dry throat. "Perhaps something I should wear for the mating ceremony?"

"Too late now," Jemma said as trumpets blasted in the ballroom. The booming voice of the King's Harold called for attention from the guests in the ballroom. "Besides, you should wear white and silver for the ceremony."

"There is nothing to be afraid of, Serenity," Amira said with encouragement. "You will bring hope to so many people in the territory."

"There are so many things to be afraid of," Serenity responded as she glanced at her friend. Her blue eyes fell on Mel again. She wasn't entirely sure what the bird was doing in the corridor. "Don't you agree, Mel?"

The bird looked up in surprise. "Yes," she said instantly. "Changing the world usually comes with great fear and a heavy price."

"What price is that?" Serenity inquired.

"Death," Mel responded flatly as she stared directly into Serenity's eyes. Serenity frowned slightly as she read Mel, who was cold looking and dark. Her brown eyes were foreign to Serenity. She sensed no peace in the bird, just constant fear and hopelessness.

The doors to the ballroom swung open. Jemma stepped back, grabbing Mel's arm and pulled her into the shadows so they weren't seen. Lady Amira moved down the hall to make her entrance discretely from one of the last doors to the ballroom.

"King Theron is pleased to introduce his betrothed and future Queen!" the Harold called. Serenity stepped forward, dropping her hands to her side so she did not appear nervous. She continued to move into the ballroom, feeling like she was on autopilot. "Lady Serenity Peacefellow!"

The swarm of applause that greeted Serenity caught her off guard. She looked around the glowing gold ballroom and smiled at the well dressed tigers and tigresses of the Tigerian court.

Her eyes found King Theron immediately. He stood directly across from her, just on the other side of the ballroom in the center of the open floor, surrounded by his friends and members of the court. He beamed at her.

He was dressed handsomely in blue formal pants and a matching jacket that buttoned entirely up his chest and collar. He wore sleek black leather boots that went to his knee. A long sword hung sheathed on his black belt. A red sash hung across his chest and a glorious gold crown with red gems sat on his flowing brown hair; two symbols of his position and rule.

Serenity glided across the ballroom to his outstretched hand, keeping her eyes on his velvety purple gaze. It was a beacon for her. She held it so she did not have to look at anyone else. As she walked to him, she heard the applause begin to fade as the members of court realized who and what she was.

Theron took her hand and kissed her cheek warmly in greeting. Serenity bowed to him, as was customary. Theron held her hand as she turned to face his court. He was beaming at his surroundings, obviously overjoyed that they had made it this far.

"Serenity and I share a love that knows no bounds," he announced to the room that had grown completely silent. "We hope to share that love in our rule. We hope to bring peace to all members of the Tigerian Territory, no matter their place, station or species!" Theron turned his eyes to Serenity. The love that erupted from his stare sent chills through her entire body. She got butterflies in her stomach and her heart ached with love for Theron in return. "Join me in celebrating my beautiful Serenity and the hope that she will bring us all!"

Applause returned to the ballroom and somewhere in the front of the room, near the throne, the orchestra began to play a beautiful waltz. Theron tilted Serenity's chin up as he leaned his head down and kissed her delicately on the lips. His warm kiss lingered against her full lips for a moment.

"You are breathtaking," he whispered in her ear. His hands ran along her body; his right hand down her left arm to her hand and his left hand down her back to her waist. He slowly led her in a glamorous waltz. The applause seemed to fade and everyone watched for a few moments as the spun around the room in their hazy beautiful dream.

"Everyone is staring at us," she whispered as her blue eyes darted around the room. Theron sensed her anxiety.

"Of course they are," he replied. "They're curious about you. Keep your eyes on mine, Serenity."

She blinked up at his purple gaze and immediately felt at ease. She smiled slightly. He always managed to calm her nerve in some manner. She wished she could stare into his violet irises forever. They encompassed peace and strength. He had constant faith in her that never seemed to waiver, despite her doubt in herself.

At the end of the lengthy waltz, they bowed to each other. Theron kept Serenity's hand in his and led her to the front of the ballroom where his throne was stationed. She stared at the empty seat next to his, on his right. It was a beautiful chair that matched his in design but was slightly smaller. She bit her bottom lip as they approached it. The last woman to sit in that chair as Queen was his mother.

Theron ushered Serenity into her seat and then took his place next to her.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

Serenity shook her head. "I was advised it was proper for a Lady to eat before the ball," she said. "So not to appear gluttonous."

"That doesn't answer the question," Theron said with a smile.

"No, I'm not hungry, your Majesty."

He nodded his head and turned to face the ball again. They sat for a few moments watching the members of court spin around to the new music that was playing. Theron reached across to Serenity's lap and took her hand. He gave her a reassuring squeeze causing her to look up at him.

"This is it," he replied with a shrug. "See it was not so hard."

"Walking into the room is not what makes me nervous," Serenity said softly as she looked back out at the tigers dancing elegantly before her. "It's what comes after that scares me."

Theron nodded his head. "Will dancing more help distract you?"

She smiled at him. "Yes, I think it might."

They stood up again and took their place on the floor to join the dancing. Serenity was more relaxed as she was pressed close against Theron, whirling around to the music. She laid her head on his shoulder, listening to his heart beat, as he guided her easily while dancing. Serenity tried to match his calm breathing. She closed her eyes, listening to the music and relaxed against him. With her eyes closed it was easier to imagine that it was just the two of them in the ballroom, dancing alone as lovers. No one watching them or judging them.

"Your Majesty."

Serenity opened her eyes as Theron stopped dancing. They both looked to see Lord Joss Michael standing close next to them. He had alarm in his yellow eyes. He was dressed in full royal guard armor, without his helmet. His hand was resting on the hilt of his sword as if he were ready to grab it at any moment.

"What's wrong?" Theron asked carefully.

"We've caught a young bird," his eyes glanced at Serenity. "She was armed and stated she was here to kill Serenity."

Theron looked at Serenity for a moment. "Let's see her now."

He put his hand on the small of Serenity's back and guided her forward to follow Lord Michael who was leading them out of the room. They stopped to speak to no one. They exited the ballroom into the same hall that Serenity had been waiting in. Lord Michael led them down the corridor to a back stairwell and down it. He spoke quickly as they walked.

"She was armed with a bow and arrow. She said she was heading for the rafters in the ballroom."

"How did you catch her?" Serenity asked. Her stomach was in knots. It was a woman? A bird? This didn't seem right. She knew some of her people did not approve of her marriage to Theron, but she didn't imagine they would try to kill her. Unless they were birds of prey, birds were typically peaceful creatures.

"She was moving through the back hall," Joss replied. "With her bow. Your brother intercepted her."

Serenity nodded but remained silent. She glanced at Theron, who remained silent as well. She could see he was thinking; trying to figure out the strategy behind killing Serenity now at the ball. The bird must have known she wouldn't get far if she killed Serenity in such a public manner. She would be captured.

"You think she is working for someone else?" Serenity whispered.

Theron nodded. "Even if she was successful, she would have been caught. The ballroom is full of royal guards and loyal members of the court. She was sent there to kill you and either die herself or be caught."

At the bottom of the stairs, the air became instantly colder. Serenity knew they were in the bowels of the Den. She had spent many occasions in the dungeons for her disrespect and escape attempts. She crossed her arms over her chest as she followed Lord Michael to the first door on the left. He opened it and motioned for Theron and Serenity to enter.

The room was small and completely empty except for a wood chair in the center where a small bird Serenity recognized sat. The bird was flanked on either side by a member of the royal guard. The guards wore their helmets, blocking their faces, but as Serenity peered at each of them she recognized the crystal blue eyes of her brother, Cevin. She shifted her weight uncomfortably as she met the gaze of the little bird that was bound to the chair.

Mel.

Serenity frowned because she did not fully understand what would cause Mel to wish to kill her. Why was she with Jemma and Lady Amira earlier in the hall? Had they simply run into her by chance when she was on her way to attack Serenity?

"Your Majesties," Mel said upon their arrival with disdain. She sat upright in her chair, her arms tied behind her back and her chin held high. Serenity frowned deeply as she peered at the bird. She was a lark. Her pale flesh was speckled with freckles and her brown hair had natural blond highlights in it.

"Did you destroy Serenity's room weeks ago and send her the box of dead roses?" Theron asked.

"Yes," Mel responded blankly as if it were obvious. She was staring directly at Serenity with her dark brown eyes. "I was just trying to scare her a little."

"And tonight, you intended to kill her?"

"Yes." Her stare was still on Serenity.

"Who do you work for?" Theron asked with a stern tone. Mel finally looked at him, but she said nothing. He stepped forward and lifted his hand to smack her, but Serenity jumped forward and grabbed his arm.

"Stop," she whispered with a shake of her head. "It doesn't matter who she works for."

Theron looked at her with a dark purple glare that frightened her for a moment. She bit her bottom lip as she stepped back.

"So compassionate," Mel said in a condescending tone as she looked at Serenity. "I don't need you to save me. None of us do."

Serenity looked directly at Mel. "Save you?" she repeated. "I have saved you from nothing. Your choices will lead to your death and I will not save you from that. My point is simply that who you work for is inconsequential." She looked up at Theron with calm eyes. "And I would like us to return to the ball. Your absence will be noticed soon."

Theron frowned as he stared at her for a moment. He looked back at Mel.

"I'll ask you again," he said carefully. "If you reveal your employer I won't have you killed. You'll rot in a cell for the rest of your life instead."

Mel tilted her head to the side as if she were considering the offering. "It's tempting," she said but shook her head. "But, no thanks. I'm not going to die here."

"Your master will come to save you?" Serenity questioned with raised eyebrows.

Mel frowned slightly.

"I have no master. And I don't need anyone to save me."

"You did not come here to die," Serenity responded. "You've made that clear. But this was a fool's errand. You knew you'd be caught or you would die today. Or at least, your master did."

Anger flashed in Mel's dark eyes. Serenity smirked slightly. She knew she had hit a sore spot. Serenity studied Mel's expression for a few moments in silence.

"It's not her master," she whispered as she squinted, studying Mel's eyes. She looked directly into them as if she could read her mind. "It's her lover."

Serenity looked up at Lord Joss Michael. "Daija, the teacher in the bird quarters."

Mel tried to move frantically in her bonds. The royal guard placed their hands on her shoulders to hold her in place.

"You leave her out of this—she has nothing to do with any of it—she doesn't even know I'm a member—" She stopped speaking abruptly as her face turned red. She was boiling with anger, at Serenity for naming Daija or at herself for revealing more of her story. It didn't matter. Serenity knew that in her anger, Mel would have a harder time controlling her mouth.

"Of what?" Theron asked. "If not Daija, then who do you serve?"

Mel looked at the ground. "No one. I serve no one. I am free."

"It must really bother you that Daija wanted to stay," Serenity whispered. "She wanted to stay and teach future generations of our history—"

"—you know nothing of our history!" Mel screamed. "You're one of them. You're a tiger—a follower. You are a false dove. A disgrace to your own heritage and power—you and Cevin are not deserving of the power that comes with being a dove. You could have freed us from all bondage! From birds of prey and from predators – but instead you choose to mate with one!"

Mel spit at Serenity, who stepped back so it wouldn't land on her. She was caught off guard by Mel's outburst.

"The Virtuous Flight will see an end to your betrayal," Mel spat in her frustration.

Serenity looked at Theron who nodded. "That's enough. Leave her here in this cell. Bring her food and water in a few hours."

He motioned for Serenity to leave, which she did promptly. She hesitated for a moment at the door of the cell. Theron was speaking to Lord Michael in whisper. Within a moment though he moved away from his trusted guard and came to her. Serenity looked up at him with raised eyebrows. What had he told Lord Michael?

"Come on," he said. "I'm sure you're right that our absence has been noticed."