Forgiveness

That evening Serenity ate her dinner in the kitchen with the other birds of Allur. There were about twenty of them. They performed a variety of jobs at the palace from working in the stables to being maids. Serenity was the only one with the distinction of personal servant. But so far since her arrival she felt more like a guest than a slave or servant. All of the birds had their own quarters, complete suites with room for a household if necessary. None of them were married, but Jemma had informed Serenity of a few who were seeing each other. One of the younger female birds was pregnant, her name was Cassidy, but her partner was back at the Den. Jemma was sure that he had been killed, but she didn't have the heart to tell Cassidy.

Serenity enjoyed being with her kind. It reminded of the rare times she spent with her friends and brother in their quarters of the Den and the years before she was the Crown Prince's slave. They would sit around tables, eating, drinking and laughing. But in Allur, the gathers were louder than anything Serenity remembered at the Den.

In Allur, the birds were able to do as they pleased. They threw what could only be described as a party. They ate food, drank wine and danced with each other. The kitchen opened up to the cool air outside the palace, allowing for more space and a welcoming atmosphere for a celebration. Serenity saw a new side to her species that brought her hope and joy. She felt wonderful with them and hoped that all of her kin would be able to experience that joy and kinship someday.

She did not dance during the meal. That particular evening she ate her food, laughed with her new friends, and drank some wine. Before the wine made her cheeks too flush, she excused herself from the party. Despite her better judgment or pride, and mostly because of the wine, she made her way through the palace to the Prince's bedchamber. She could not see the light on under his door, but she knocked gently. When no answer came, she opened the door carefully. The room was dark and empty. She frowned and closed the door tightly.

Down the hall there was a door opened partially, revealing a skinny stream of bright yellow light. Serenity made her way towards it. The only sound she heard was the shifting of her red chiffon dress. It was one of her favorite gowns. The top bodice was tight and fit her curves perfectly. It had a heart shaped cut neck line, just over her breast so most of her collar bone was exposed. The sleeves flared and puffed out towards the end, but came in tightly around her wrist. The skirt opened up beautifully in red layers of chiffon around her hips giving her form a flowing 'A' shape.

Serenity paused just outside the opened door. She bit her bottom lip as she peered in. She was relieved to see Theron sitting in a leather arm chair, with a glass of wine reading a book. Serenity pulled the door open and shifted into the private study quietly. Theron did not look up until she closed the door, louder than she meant to, behind her. She stood in front of the door, her hands on the handle behind her back, staring at Theron.

He looked up at her with great surprise. He quickly put down his glass and stood up, coming to her. "Serenity," his voice was low and steady. "Is something the matter?"

She shook her head, but did not say anything as he approached her. He was dressed in black slacks and a white button up shirt that was not tucked into his pants and unbuttoned about half way down his chest. She could only stare at his handsome figure as he came to her. He slowed his pace when she didn't answer him and looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"Your cheeks are flush," he said carefully. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes," she whispered staring at him as her chest heaved up with a heavy breath. "No," she changed her mind. "No, I'm not."

Theron looked at her with a small smile. "Alright, what is the matter?" He touched her hip and took her hand from behind her back. His palms were warm on her body. She bit her bottom lip as he led her across the room to the leather couch across from the chair he had been sitting in. She took a seat across from him and he returned to his chair.

"May I have a sip of your wine?" she asked leaning forward for his glass.

He took it quickly. "I think you may have had enough already," he said wisely. "Why don't you tell me what is the matter?"

"What's the matter?" she looked at him with wide navy eyes as if he didn't know. "You never answered my question. If there have been other women?"

Theron frowned and put his wine glass done. "I don't remember you asking me that directly."

"It was implied," Serenity insisted.

"Why does it matter?"

"So, there have been others," she slumped back sadly in the chair.

"I didn't say that," Theron said calmly. Serenity looked at him perplexed. "There has been no one since you."

Serenity couldn't believe her ears. She sat up straight, staring at Theron in disbelief. So what Amira had said in the corridor was true? Theron had been with no other woman? He hadn't started looking for a new mate.

"Theron," Serenity sighed. "That is not very princely of you."

Theron laughed warmly before casting a serious purple stare on Serenity. "I believed for a long time that I wasn't capable of love. How could I love someone, when I loved you but betrayed you so deeply?"

Serenity frowned. "Perhaps I have been too harsh on you."

Theron lifted his hand to stop her from talking. "No, you were right. No man would leave his love behind to be violated and abused. I was not worthy of your love then, Serenity. I am trying to be worthy of it now, but I doubt I ever will be."

Serenity stood up quickly, a little too quickly though, and had to catch her balance. "That's the problem, Theron!" She walked around the table that divided them. She stepped up onto the chair he was sitting in and then sat down on his lap. Theron looked at her with surprised eyes. "That is what is the matter!"

"My worthiness?" he asked puzzled.

"You are worthy," she whispered. "But you are unsure, and that is confusing me. That is making it difficult for me. I'm starting to think you like us being caught in this tortured state – wanting each other but not giving in."

She was leaning her face close to his. "Serenity," he whispered her name gently with longing. His warm fingers brushed her beautiful silvery curls behind her ear. He wanted desperately for her to come to him, but not like this. Not emotional and full of wine. "I can't give in now."

Serenity sat up straight, sadden by his words. She stood up off his lap and moved away from him. "And that, your Highness, is exactly what is the matter…"

She picked up his wine glass from the table and took a sip. She put it back gently while smiling at him, then turned, swishing her hips and dress, and walked away slowly. She walked out into the hall, leaving Prince Theron alone and full of longing in the private study.

In her chamber, she stripped naked and sunk down into a hot bath that she prepared herself. She filled the tub with lavender soap creating many bubbles. She laid her head back on the edge of the tub, wish deeply that the prince was with her. She desperately wanted his body against hers. He confused her so easily. He told Amira in the corridor that he wanted her to be his mate, but when she went to him he refused her. She couldn't believe any man was that much of a gentleman when a beautiful woman sat on his lap. She smiled to herself. That is exactly what made Theron worthy. He was a gentleman at the most difficult times. He had learned from his mistakes.

"What are you thinking about?"

It was a familiar voice that brought Serenity back to reality. She opened her eyes and lifted her head in horror – it couldn't be—but it was. She sat upright in the tub, most of the bubbles still covering her body from view. Her eyes fell on the tiger of her nightmares.

The massive muscular figure of Crown Prince Terron stood in the doorframe of the bathroom. She shuttered as he stepped into the steamy room with a jeer on his face. His yellow eyes struck fear into Serenity's heart, but she didn't dare let him see it. She did not want to give him the pleasure of thinking he had any effect on her emotions. She glared at him, her expression full of malice.

"What are you doing here?" she hissed.

Terron stood up straight. He shook his head as he continued to jeer. "That is no way to greet your King, dove."

King? Serenity stomach flipped over inside of her. King Tomas was dead? She shifted uneasily in the tub. Did Theron know? He must not yet. Serenity's eyes darted around the bathroom looking for something to defend herself with.

Terron tore his eyes away from her and gazed around the marble bathroom. "It appears my brother is treating you very nicely. Far better than you deserve."

"You'll attract more flies with honey," Serenity said easily.

Terron laughed at her. He stepped forward, grabbed a fistful of her hair and pulled her head back. He leaned down, inhaling her scent deeply. Serenity shuttered under him, but tried not to move. "I gave you everything and you still ran from me. I gave you more honey than you had ever had before…" His voice trailed off as his other hand grasped her neck. He squeezed slightly, then slowly dragged his hand down her collar bone and until he grasped her breast.

"Remove your hands from my dove," said a stern voice. Both Terron and Serenity looked to the door of the bathroom. Serenity's heart raced as her eyes met Theron's. He barely looked at her. His eyes remained on his older brother. Serenity knew inside that he had to appear indifferent to her in some manner. He had to act as though Serenity was his property. "I'll remind you that I killed the last tiger that touched her."

"I thought you did that as a favor to me," Terron said releasing Serenity and standing up straight. He rolled his shoulders back and smiled at his brother. Serenity sunk down into the tub and pulled her knees to her chest. She took a slow breath while staring at the bubbles in the bath to try and regain her composure. "Forgive me, younger brother. You know how sweet she is…it has been so long…I have craved to have her again."

"Leave her be, Terron," Theron's tone was still stern. "You are in my home. You were done with her and she is mine now."

Terron rolled his eyes as he walked towards the bathroom door. "You are spoiling her. She will start to think she has the right to demand things of you," he said as he passed Theron and exited the room.

"I like my women to feel cherished, not fearful," Theron said following his brother's lead. He motioned for Serenity to stay put. She said nothing as he walked out of the doorframe.

"She is not your partner," Terron said disgusted. He looked back into the bathroom over Theron's shoulder. "Do not treat her as such, brother. Fear is the only thing that makes her comply."

"We can debate how to treat our personal slaves at another time," Theron said easily thumping his brother on the shoulder. He had such a casual tone to his voice it gave Serenity goose bumps. It disgusted her how he suggested they discuss their variety in the treatment of their woman as if it were something casual to discuss like their preferences in hunting or games. She knew it was an act, but it did not steady her stomach any more.

"Let's go get a drink. Tell me about your journey, and where is father?"

They both disappeared from view. She released a heavy breath as tears filled her eyes. She had not felt that afraid, out of control, or angry since she arrived in Allur. Her body was shaking and for a few moments she could not catch her breath. She was having an anxiety attack. She sunk down into the water, pulling her knees back to her chest and wrapping her arms completely around her body. She tried to steady her breathing by taking slow and rhythmic breathes. It took time, but she eventually calmed herself down.

She was still in the tub, which was now full of cold water, when there was a soft knock on the door. She did not say anything. She heard the door open and then the soft voice of Jemma spoke.

"Serenity," she called.

"In the bathroom," Serenity responded. She heard the door close and Jemma's feet move across the chamber to her.

"His Highness sent me," she said instantly. "Are you alright?"

Tears welled up in Serenity's eyes again. "No," she muttered. Her hands shook as Jemma helped her out of the tub and wrapped her in a soft white towel. "No. I hate that he has so much power over me…that I'm so afraid of him."

"You don't have to be," Jemma said rubbing Serenity's arms. She moved around her to pull the plug on the tub. "Come on. You need warm clothes to wear to bed. His Highness asked me to escort you to his room. He wants you to stay with him tonight."

Serenity frowned deeply. "Alright…" She looked in her wardrobe. "I had better dress for the part."

Jemma looked at her with raised eyebrows. "If everyone thinks I'm his personal slave then I had better dress as if I'm going to please him…"

"Oh," Jemma said surprised. "Forgive me, Serenity…you haven't?"

Serenity smiled meekly. "No, you were right. He is kind and has not asked me to do anything I don't want to."

Jemma nodded and squeezed Serenity's hands. "Which nightgown would you like?"

"The black one," Serenity said confidently. Jemma disappeared to collect the nightgown and a matching robe for Serenity to wear.

With Jemma's help, Serenity was dressed with her hair done up on her head in no time. They walked down the hall in silence to Prince Theron's chambers. "He asked you try to stay up for him," Jemma whispered as she looked around the hall. "I started the fire in the grate already. There is tea on the sitting room table."

"Thank you, Jemma," Serenity whispered.

"Good night."

"Serenity," Jemma said her name quickly. She pulled a small dagger from inside her skirt and pushed it into Serenity's hands. Before Serenity could say anything, Jemma opened the door and pushed her in gently. The door closed soundly behind Serenity.

She held the dagger in her hands like a foreign object. She didn't know how to hold it correctly. It felt awkward and uneven. Serenity shook her head and went to the small table next to the arm chair. She opened the drawer on the front of the table and placed the dagger in it. Once the drawer was closed, Serenity didn't think about the dagger again.

The door to the chamber opened announcing someone's entrance. Serenity turned quickly, her robe swinging open as Prince Theron entered. He closed the door quickly behind him and strode across the room to her. His hands were on her in an instant. His hands squeezed her arms in comfort. He touched her cheeks gently as he looked at her with pained eyes.

"Forgive me," he whispered. "I would have killed him if he did not—"

Serenity placed her fingers on his lips.

"You stopped him," she responded softly.

He tenderly kissed her fingertips before taking her hands. "I thought it better you sleep here," he said. "To keep up the appearance of us being together. But please do not leave the chamber tonight. You'll be safe here. I do not trust him to stay away from you. I will sleep on the couch if it makes you more comfortable."

"No," she shook her head. "I would prefer to be right next to you."

Theron smiled at her. He would prefer that as well.

She stepped back from Theron with a warm smile. Her robe was open revealing her very visible body through her nightgown. The black gown was made entirely of a single layer of black glimmering mesh. The straps of the gown were solid black liquid spandex in the shape of the letter 'Y.' The long line of the 'Y' fell down the chest of the dress, covering Serenity's nipples, but the rest of her chest was completely visible. Just below her belly button, there were similar strips of liquid spandex sewn on the mesh that crossed to cover her womanhood. As she turned away from Theron, she dropped the robe off her shoulders and threw it on the couch. The long line of the 'Y' on the front of the dress wrapped around under her arms and connected low on her back. The liquid spandex strips on the front of the dress wrapped around crossing over her well shaped buttocks.

Theron's breath caught at the sight of Serenity and he felt a beast rise up within him. Why was she teasing him in such a manner now? Did she feel it was necessary to act the part, just as he did in front of his brother? But his brother wasn't here now, she didn't have to be a seductress…unless she wanted to be.

He stepped forwarded and wrapped his arms around her from behind. He pressed his body to hers so that she could feel what she was doing to him. His fingers traced up and down her waist, wanting desperately to touch her breast, but not wanting to push her too far, too fast. He buried his head in her hair, taking in her lavender sent, before he kissed her bare neck. He brought his left hand up to stroke the small white feathers at the nap of her neck. They were soft to the touch. They tickled his skin with their simple texture. He found them captivating; beautiful and pure, just as she was. Carefully, he pulled the pins from her hair, letting her long curls fall down her shoulders.

"Theron," she sighed his name with longing as she rested her head back on his left shoulder. He looked down at her as she reached up with her right hand. She caressed his jaw and neck, where she squeezed gently. His fingers traced up and down her body, following every curvy inch of her figure. He kissed her exposed neck; nibbling and sucking on her flesh playfully.

"I forgive you," she murmured.

The words she spoke in her tender low voice pushed him over the edge. He scooped her up into his arms with one easy sweep. He was up the steps to the bed in three long strides. He placed her down gently and pulled his shirt off before he leaned over her, kissing her full on the mouth.

It was the first time in a year that their lips had touched; the feeling was so familiar and intoxicating it was like no time had gone by. He pushed his body over hers gently as his arms wrapped around her. He held her firmly under him with tenderness as they exchanged continued kisses. Love seeped from their bodies into the other. Serenity did not stop him when he pushed her nightgown up her legs. He stood up over her and pulled her legs off the edge of the bed slightly, until her buttocks was at the edge of the sheets. He knelt down the steps before her, kissed the inside of her thighs smoothly before dragging his tongue to her sex.

Serenity cried out in utter passion as Theron teased her most intimate spot with his tongue and fingers. He had never touched her like that before and she wondered what made him do so. She ran her fingers through his hair as a rush of heat took her body. Her stomach quivered as the muscles in her lower torso convulsed with pleasure. She screamed suddenly with hot uncontrollable desire as his tongue entered her again. She felt Theron press his lips to her thigh. He was smiling. He bit her playfully which made her jump. She grabbed at his shoulders, trying to pull him up to her. He grinned as he pressed down onto her. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him into a heavy kiss. She could taste herself on his lips. The thought of him licking and kissing her sent shivers through her entire body again.

She pushed with all of her strength so that he was lying on the bed. She pulled her nightgown up to straddle him and as she sat on his waist, she pulled the gown up over her head. She sat for a moment on him, letting him take her in completely. His hands danced up her back before stopping at her shoulders. He sat up, wrapping her completely in his arms. She wasn't sure when he took off his pants, but she was thankful they were gone already. As he sat up to hold and kiss her, she moved her hips up and used her hands to guide herself onto him. She pressed her body down, taking him in fully.

Theron groaned heavily into her shoulder. The feeling of her body wrapped around him released a year's worth of pent up sexual energy and aggression. He bucked up into Serenity hotly and held her shoulders firmly, she cried out slightly causing him to open his eyes and look at her with concern. She gave him a smile and pushed her palms on his chest. He followed her lead and laid back on the bed, his legs hanging off the edge. She leaned over him and began to move her body and hips in ways he did not remember. Her hips ground on him as she rode him quickly. She sat up fully on him, her hands on the center of his chest for support. He reached up, desperately wanting to hold her close so she couldn't get away. He tenderly twisted her hair in his fingers and tugged her head back, coxing her to look up at the ceiling.

He loved looking at her round breast, long neck, and smooth jaw line. He released her hair. She tilted her head down with a begging sigh. Her deep navy eyes looked at him with unwavering desire. He grabbed her hips to hold her in place and quickly thrust up into her repeatedly. She cried out again and again, screaming his name and begging him not to stop.

When she reached her climax, she threw her chest down onto his and bit down on his shoulder to stop herself from screaming loudly. Her screams of pleasure brought Theron to the edge of his own climax. She gasped for breath and turned her mouth to his ear. She kissed his earlobe and bit him playful. Her fingernails dragged across his chest and despite having reached her climax, she continued to grind on him. Then, she said something that she never had before.

"Give it all to me," she whispered so passionately his skin instantly tingled with desire. "I want all of you."

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her against him firmly. He buried himself into her numerous times until he climaxed and gave her everything she wanted. As he finished he gasped for breath and slowly moved in her.

Serenity laid her head on his shoulder and stared at him with glossy happy eyes. He turned his head to her, kissing her hotly on the mouth. His tongue penetrated her lips as he attempted to show her how much he loved her. But she knew already. She knew that he loved her more than any other woman in existence. After the love they had just made, he was certain that she loved him too, perhaps more now than she had ever loved him before.