Return to The Den

The Den looked grim as ever as the small party approached its boarder. Serenity felt like the rain clouds that were forming over the dense city were forming because of her mood. She felt so heavy and depressed. Despite what everyone told her, to have faith in Prince Theron, she was quite sure that she was riding to her death.

She glanced at Joss and Amira next to her. What would they do if she ran off? Would Joss bring her to Prince Theron because he was a man of duty? Would Amira try to help her escape because in some way she understood the bondage that waited for Serenity in the Den?

She was only mildly relieved when she saw Prince Theron waiting for them at the outside of the stables. He stood alone, feet planted wide and arms folded behind his back. Serenity felt her stomach twitch with longing desire at the sight of him. His gorgeous brown hair fell slightly in front his stunning purple eyes. He hadn't shaved in a number of days and was growing a handsome full beard that matched his hair. She kept her eyes on him as the three stopped their horses before the stable.

Lord Joss Michael jumped off his horse and bowed to the Prince.

"Welcome back," Prince Theron said to his soldier as they clasped arms in greeting. "I trust everything went well?"

"Yes," Lord Michael responded. He glanced at the two women. "I still don't know if this is wise," he advised his Prince. Theron nodded his head but moved away to greet Amira and Serenity.

"Lady Amira," Prince Theron bowed his head.

"Your Highness," she bowed in respect. "I'm very sorry for your loss."

"Thank you," Theron said. His response was forced. He did not care that his father was dead, it was not really a loss to him. "Lord Michael will you please show Lady Amira into the Den? I would like a private moment with my dove."

Prince Theron's eyes met Serenity's as he stepped towards her horse. Serenity only stared at him. She didn't notice Joss and Amira exit the stables. Theron held onto the reins of her horse as if he were afraid she would run off.

"Your dove?" she questioned with raised eyebrows.

"Well, aren't you?" he replied with a shining smile. Her stomach did a flip but she didn't reveal her desire with her expression. Despite the tingles he was sending through her body, she was annoyed by his possessive comment. Did he mean she was his because he owned her or because he loved her?

"Why did you bring me here?"

"The King requested it," Theron said sternly. "I would like to remain in his favor at the moment."

"He will take me back," she responded quickly with fear. "I will never leave here."

Prince Theron frowned. "We will leave here together," he comforted her. "Get off your horse."

Serenity rolled her eyes, but heeded his words. She slid off the horse easily and he caught her in his arms before she could move past him. She didn't look him the eye, simply stared at his chest as he held her. He tilted her chin up to look at her navy blue eyes.

"Something is wrong?"

Serenity glared at Theron. "I'm not safe here—"

"It's not that," he interrupted. "It does hurt that you don't trust me."

"I never said that," she replied quickly. "When the King was in Allur you didn't want me to leave your chamber because you didn't trust him. What makes you think I would be safe at all here in his Den?"

"You'll stay by my side," he replied. "I'll never leave you—but what is the other matter? Something else is bothering you."

Serenity shifted in his arms uncomfortably. How could she possibly tell him? She should have refused to leave Allur because she was with child. She should have requested that Lord Michael return with a letter from her explaining everything to Theron.

"Why did the King ask for me?"

It was Theron's turn to move uncomfortably. "He thinks I should show you off more…requested that your beauty be present for the burial…that you would bring peace to so many who are sad."

Serenity swallowed hard. That was a load of horse shit.

"Come on, let's go to my suite," he said in a low whisper close to her ear. "We can talk more there. I have missed you, Serenity."

She gave him a weak smile. "I've missed you too, your Highness."

"You know, if I didn't know better, I'd say you actually cared for that dove."

Serenity heart stopped at the sound of the voice. She didn't dare look behind Theron's shoulder to see who it was. There was no need. She recognized the voice of King Terron. It made her skin crawl with discomfort. Theron seemed unfazed by the appearance of his brother. He stood up straight and turned to the King.

"What would make you say that?" Theron smirked as he spoke to his brother.

"She does not shutter away from you," Terron motioned to Serenity.

"I told you, brother, I treat my women, even if they are slaves, very different than you do." There was confidence in Theron's voice that brought comfort to Serenity. In the tense situation he was calm and relaxed as if he knew exactly what would happen. He was always a bit more strategic than his older brother. Terron was emotional and angry. He often lashed out before knowing the full story. "Get your bags, Serenity."

Serenity turned back to her horse and picked up her saddle and travel bag. She didn't look at the King. She didn't want to see him. She didn't want him to see her. His yellow eyes burned into her. She could feel him undressing her with his eyes. He was imagining every position they had once been in and how he desperately wanted to be with her like that again. Serenity clenched the saddle on her horse tightly with white knuckles. She wanted desperately to stab his eyes out. She never wanted him to look at her again.

"I asked that you bring her to me upon her arrival."

"She has arrived," Theron responded. "You are here. You did not give me a chance to bring her to you."

Terron was not satisfied with Theron's quick response. He crossed his arms over his massive chest and glared at his younger brother with dark yellow eyes.

"I told you I will not leave her alone with you," Theron continued. "I know you still desire her, but you gave her up and she is mine now. I will not have you damage her. It took me weeks to repair her so that she would come to me when I desire."

King Terron smirked. "Scared I will break her?"

Serenity looked up at the King finally after his comment. She was glaring at him so harshly she thought she might burn a hole in his center.

"Hardly," Theron responded with a laugh. "I'm actually quite sure if she's ever alone with you again she'll try to kill you. Then I will not have her at all. So in an attempt to keep you safe, your Majesty, and protect my investment from her death, I will keep her in my sights at all times. Surely, if she tried to kill you, you'd put her to death."

"She's more of a cat than a bird," Terron commented with a jeer. "She appears to have nine lives. I've tried to kill her multiple times."

"You monster—" Serenity burst. Theron grabbed her arm to stop her from moving forward or speaking any more.

"Enough," he said rather harshly to her. She turned her glare down to the ground despite wanting to glare him straight in the eye.

Terron obviously suspected that Prince Theron had feelings for Serenity otherwise he wouldn't have questioned it earlier. Serenity did not want to look at Theron with challenging eyes because it might make the King question their relationship even more.

"You'll let your slave speak to the King that way?" Terron growled angrily. He stepped closer to Theron, who turned standing directly in front of Serenity. He was chest to chest with the King.

"I silenced her," he said strongly. "You asked that I bring her here, was it so you could assert your dominance over her? I assure you, she knows you are King and does not challenge your position. I will send her back if she is just going to cause trouble."

"She'll cause trouble just to be sent from here," Terron said, glaring at Serenity over Theron's shoulder. "You are weak, brother. Who is the master?"

"Go to my suite," Theron instructed. "I'll be along shortly."

"Yes, your Highness," Serenity whispered as she clung to her bags. She did not raise her head or eyes as she walked past the King. She hoped that Lord Michael would be just inside the entrance of the Den to escort her. She was not comfortable walking through the corridors by herself. But no one was there. Serenity kept her eyes low as she walked quietly, close to the wall, trying to remain in the shadows unseen.

"Serenity?"

It was a calm familiar voice. Serenity stopped and turned behind her to see Amala, the Bengal, approaching her quickly. Serenity released a sigh of relief. A familiar and trusted friend.

"Amala," she said. "You startled me."

"You're creeping through the hall as if you do not want to be seen," Amala said with a small smile. She looked as beautiful as ever. Her long black silky hair fell all the way to her butt in a loose braid. She was wearing an orange dress of chiffon that made her skin look even tanner. Serenity couldn't help but smile at her peaceful yellow eyes.

Serenity nodded. "I'm trying to find Prince Theron's suite."

Amala nodded. "This way," she said motioning for Serenity to follow her down the corridor. "Has the Prince treated you well?"

"Yes," Serenity nodded. "He is very kind."

She did not want to give too much away to Amala. Despite what Serenity hoped, that she would support Theron's rise to power and release of the birds, Serenity wasn't sure she could trust her. What if she was loyal to the King simply because she was loyal to his Father?

"Rumor has reached the Den that Prince Theron has fallen in love with you."

Serenity forced a smirk. She did not look at Amala, who she knew now was fishing for information. "He may treat me well, but he does not treat me as his equal or as if he loves me. I am his servant and he is my master."

Silence fell between the two women as they walked. Serenity felt uncomfortable. She sighed slightly, before speaking. "I was sorry to hear the King passed. I hope you are doing okay."

"I am," Amala answered. "Serving King Terron is much like serving his father."

Serenity nodded in understanding. She was sure that Terron ruled just as his father did; ruthlessly, impatiently and overwhelming neglectful of his people. "It's important for king's to continue their legacies."

Amala stopped in the middle of the hall. She motioned to the door in front of her; Serenity had to assume it was Prince Theron's suite. Serenity gave her a weak smile. It was nice to see her old friend who always seemed to have her back in the Den, but now she was sure she could not trust her and she suddenly questioned if she would be an ally for Theron's cause.

"This is the Prince's suite. It is important for King's to continue their legacies. Heirs are the foundation of a kingdom."

Serenity studied Amala for a moment. "Does the King already have heirs?" Serenity asked. In her year as Terron's personal slave she had never become pregnant and she had never heard of any of his other slaves or partners having a child. Even if he had sired a child, it would be illegitimate as he was not married. Serenity had assumed for some time that Terron was unable to produce children.

Amala gave her a small smile as she placed her hands on her own stomach. She looked down with loving eyes. "He will soon."

Serenity tried to look excited. "That is wonderful news…I'm very happy for you Amala. I did not know that you and the King…" Her voice trailed off.

"King Tomas asked that I marry King Terron before he died."

Serenity nodded. "Well, it's wonderful news. I wish you both all the best. You'll make an excellent queen."

Amala beamed. "Thank you."

"If you'll excuse me," Serenity said with a bow. "I must prepare myself for his Highness."

Amala gave her a smile and moved away easily without another word. Serenity turned on her heel and disappeared into the suite.

The room was much larger than Theron's chamber at home. The sitting room was at least twice the size with a large half circle sofa and corresponding table. There was a desk and chair in one corner with a tall bookshelf next to it. Serenity studied the room as she placed the saddle bags on the sofa couch.

The room was decorated in rich earthy yellow and brown tones. Serenity felt as if she were on a beach, sinking into sand. All the windows in the room and the balcony doors were opened wide letting in the hot steamy air. It still looked as if it were going to rain outside. There was an awful gray haze drifting over the Den that was forbidding.

To the left of where Serenity stood in front of the door was an open walk in closet. She could see glimmering clothes inside it. She stepped forward confused for a moment. She could see women's gowns, dresses and riding clothes. Was she in the right room? When she stepped into the closet she saw men's clothes on the opposite side of the closet. She looked back around the suite. There was a door next to the closet that led into a bathroom with a large marble tub that multiple people could fit in at one time. Serenity crossed the sitting room and pushed open the double sliding doors that led to the bed chamber. There was a large square bed in the room, covered in fluffed pillows and blankets. She closed the sliding doors carefully.

She turned back to face the sitting room and jumped at the sight of Prince Theron standing just beyond the door of the chamber. She released a heavy sigh in relief at the sight of him. How long had he been standing there watching her silently?

"Your Highness," she said with a bow of her head. She wasn't sure what sort of behavior he expected from her now. She knew that he had to present himself a certain way, especially around King Terron, but it hurt her when he treated her that way. It made her feel like she was not worthy of him; that somehow he was embarrassed by her.

Theron sensed her discomfort from her tone.

"We have to be careful here," he said moving towards her. "Terron suspects that I care for you."

"Many people do," Serenity replied rather coldly. "Rumors of your love for me know no bounds. Someone in your circle is sharing information here at the Den."

This comment brought a stern look to Theron's face. Serenity didn't move as he seemed to be thinking deeply about what to do next. "People spread rumors when they want to cause scandal."

"Surely they'll get one when you take the thrown," Serenity said as she moved towards Theron. He looked at her with welcoming purple eyes. She was only a few feet from him now. He moved to her, cupped her cheek and traced his fingers along her pale jaw line. She couldn't help but smile at him. She missed his tender touch. They had shared such an intimate moment together when they were last together, it was hard to imagine being with Theron any other way. She craved to be wrapped around him as she once had been. She hoped that he desired the same thing too.

"My plan has run into complications."

"You mean Terron and Amala's marriage?"

Theron nodded. They were speaking in whispers as they were so close together. "I'm sure that Terron does not want anything to do with Amala. The marriage is my father's doing, but I have not been able to figure out why."

Serenity blinked at Theron for a moment. "Amala is pregnant."

Theron looked down at her with raised eyebrows. "Not with Terron's child…"

"That is how she presented it," Serenity nodded. "She did not deny it when we just spoke."

"She wouldn't openly deny it to you," Theron advised. He stepped back and folded his hands behind his back as he began to pace in front of the half circle sofa. Serenity was staring at him oddly.

"Why wouldn't it be the King's child?"

Theron stopped and looked at Serenity for a long moment. She bit her lip waiting for him to speak in anticipation.

"Terron can't have children."

Serenity stared at him surprised. She had been right? It made sense, of course, given how many partners he had and how long she had been subject to his torturous desires and yet no woman ever became pregnant.

"Then whose child is it?"

"It doesn't really matter," the Prince said softly. "They intend to present it as Terron's heir."

"If you can prove the child is illegitimate, does that help your cause at all?"

"No," Theron shook his head. "No, it makes it more even more complicated."

Serenity frowned. How would their child complicate matters? Serenity knew of course; it would force Theron to move more quickly. Serenity's pregnancy had to be kept a secret. Birds that became pregnant by Tigerian men were put to death. It was believed that their fragile bodies could not carry the strength of a Tigerian child. But, Serenity knew it was just another means to control her kind. Half bred children would bring her species place in the social order into question.

Theron gave Serenity a longing smile. He shook his head. "I do not mean to burden you with my troubles."

He came to her again, cupping her cheeks. This time he leaned his head down and kissed her gently. There was longing on his lips. His desire lit a fire deep within Serenity who wanted him as desperately as he wanted her. She brushed her fingers through his hair as she returned his kiss fully on the mouth. Her tongue parted his lips to play with his. Theron welcomed her tongue as he wrapped his arms around her holding her tightly to his body. His hands brushed her long tangled curls. As his fingers caught in her hair she realized she hadn't changed or washed since arriving. She was still dirty from the journey.

She pulled out of the kiss slowly as his fingers grazed the feathers on the back of her neck. It took all of her effort not to recoil from his touch. How was she going to tell him now that she was carrying his child? She was worried how he would react, especially as it would complicate his plans greatly. But she knew, she had to tell him sooner rather than later.

"I...uh…" Serenity looked at the ground.

"What's the matter?"

"I was just hoping to take a bath," she replied softly. She couldn't bring herself to say what she was supposed to.

"Of course," Theron stood up straight. "You must be exhausted from your journey."

"Does the King still wish to see me?"

Theron smiled and shook his head. "No, I think I've talked him down for now. I'm sure he'll want to see you soon though."

"I think he is baiting you," Serenity said seriously. "I think he is hoping that you'll reveal how much you care for me so that he can shun you from court."

He seemed to consider her comment as she moved to go through her saddle bag. She picked it up and looked around to determine which door led to the bathroom. Theron smiled at her as he pointed across the room. She nodded remembering suddenly which one was correct.

"Do you believe I care for you?"

"Immensely," she teased.

He moved close to her, placing his hand on the small of her back. "Why would you say that?"

"Because I know you, your Highness."

Her voice was low and seductive as she stared up at him with shining navy blue eyes. They sparkled much like the night sky. Theron felt like he could stare at them forever, studying their darkness and depth. He brushed her smooth hair gently while beaming at her.

"Would you like to join me?" she asked with batting eyelashes.

He leaned down and kissed her deeply on the mouth. "Yes, I would like that very much."

"Give me a few moments to start the bath," she said walking away from him slowly. Her eyes never left his. She couldn't help but smile at him as she backed into the large bathroom. She closed the door for a moment to give herself some privacy as she prepared the bath.

She left the saddle bag on the vanity counter before stripping off her clothes. She pulled the dagger that Lord Michael had given her from her boot and hid it under the saddle bag. Then she pulled her dirty clothes off and threw them in a large hamper in the corner of the room. She ran the water so it was hot and filled the tub with lavender and chamomile bath soap. Bubbles erupted through the tub. She returned to the bathroom door, opening it slightly, before stepping into the steaming water. She lowered her body down into the soapy water as Prince Theron entered the bathroom.

She looked over her shoulder at him as she lowered her body completely into the bubbles. There was a smile of pleasure on his face as he began to unbutton his shirt. Serenity turned in the tub, leaning back against the tub wall as she watched Theron undress. She bit her bottom lip as his strong upper chest was revealed. His rippling muscles disappeared under his pants. She held her breath as he undid his belt and removed his pants.

He climbed into the tub before her, letting her see all of his gorgeous physic as he lowered himself into the water. He grabbed her wrist, pulling her body towards him and wrapped her in his arms. She straddled his body easily and wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders. His hands rubbed up her back and found her wet hair. He wrapped his fingers in her hair and tugged gently; coaxing her to tilt her head back. She smiled at him as her hands rubbed his shoulders. He leaned down, kissing her neck gently before nibbling her flash playfully.

"Will you tell me what was bothering you when you arrived?"

She looked at him calmly as his fingers continued to tangle in her hair.

"Not yet," she replied. "When the time is right."

Theron nodded before kissing her neck again. Serenity felt his hands on her feathers now. She kept her eyes on Theron's not wanting to give anything away. He pushed her hair over her shoulder and bit her flesh gently.

"When will that be?"

Serenity tilted her head back as she sighed with pleasure. Theron's other hand was stroking her inner thigh, caressing her carefully. She couldn't think about his questions; the only thing she could think about was his hands all over her body and the tingling desires he was sending through her.

"Turn around," he whispered in a husky voice close to her ear. She carefully turned her back to his chest. He wrapped his right arm around her torso pulling her as close to him as possible. His throbbing manhood pressed into her back. He kissed the back of her neck hotly, dragging his tongue on her flesh. She sighed with desire as his fingers grazed the inside of her thigh. He used his fingers to penetrate her, causing her to moan and lay her head on his shoulder.

Theron continued to kiss her shoulder, neck and ear as his fingers slid in and out of her. The feeling of her hot body against his was enough to make him go crazy. He constantly controlled himself so not to move too fast. He wanted every inch of her beautiful body on him. He wanted to feel inside of her as he had months ago when they made love in Allur. He had desired her more than ever before. Waiting for her to arrive at the Den so he could love her again was torturous. When she asked him to join her in the bathroom, it took everything in him to not grab her and take her in heated passion.

He pulled his fingers from her, grabbed her hips and lifted her body up so she was on her knees. Serenity followed his lead easily. She leaned her weight against the side of the tub while spreading her knees apart. He came behind her, on his knees, and penetrated her smoothly from behind. His left hand held her hip firmly in place as he began to move in and out of her. His right hand glided up her back, holding her shoulder for strong support as he pressed into her.

Serenity cried out in ecstasy as Theron moved steadily. The way he felt inside her was driving her mad. She wanted him to keep going and never stop. He wrapped his entire arm around her hips as he pressed his chest to her back. He moved her hair over her shoulder so he could stare at her beautiful pale skin and his eyes fell on the wet slick feathers at the base of her neck. He saw their discoloration and for a split second he stopped moving in her.

Realization came over him but he quickly continued to penetrate her from behind so she wouldn't suspect anything. It didn't take long before she cried out again and completely relaxed her body around him. He kissed her shoulders as he slowed his pace before completely removing himself from her sex.

He sat back in the tub with a long sigh. Serenity laid her body next to his, with her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his torso. He stroked her arm while she smiled up at him. She was happy to be in his arms, even in the King's Den. She trusted Prince Theron enough to know that he would keep her safe and get her back to Allur without any issues.

"Your brother has asked to see you," Theron whispered after a few moments of calming silence.

Serenity sat up to look at him. "Can I see him?"

"Of course," Theron replied as he stroked her cheek. "I'll ask that he come here to see you. I don't want you going to the Bird's quarters."

Serenity nodded as she moved across the tub to the faucet. She turned on the hot water, adding more to the tub. The bubbles had started to fade into the water. She picked up a cloth and began to wash her body gently. Theron watched her as she moved. His eyes fell on the back of her neck as soon as her back was too him again. Even though her wet hair covered her feathers now, he knew what secret they told.

"Now, is the right time, Serenity," he said with a stern tone. She looked to him quickly, with a deep frown. She still did not want to tell him, but she was sure he had seen her feathers when he was behind her. "For how long?"

She was surprised by his question as she felt it was a stupid one. They had been together two moons ago, surely he knew how long ago it had been.

"About two moons," she replied as if it was obviously. "I just discovered it before I left Allur."

"You shouldn't have come," he said standing up out of the bath.

Serenity looked at him with a heavy glare before turning off the water.

"What should I have done? What would you have done if your Prince was calling for you?"

"You should have told Lord Michael that you could not travel because you are with child! He would have reported to me and I would have been able to lie to the King."

Serenity was growing angry now. She looked down at the foaming water, her mind racing. She was right all along and she should have stayed in Allur? Maybe he shouldn't have called for her to begin with.

"Maybe you should have lied to begin with and not even called for me to come—"

"It's too late," he said raising his hand to stop her from speaking. He opened a cabinet near the vanity and pulled out a white towel. He wrapped it around his waist and stood before her with his hands on his muscular hips. She couldn't be angry with him as he stood in front of her like that; water was dripping down his defined chest and his handsome brown hair was clinging to his neck. "You are here now. We must continue in complete secrecy."

Serenity rolled her eyes because he was stating the obvious. "Of course," she murmured as she sat back in the tub.

"Stay in the room, and please keep your hair down," he said turning away from her. "I'll send up food for dinner with your brother."

"Where are you going?"

Theron looked back at her. "To see my soldiers. When will you start to show?"

Serenity was thrown off by his question. "I—I don't know. Not for some time."

"I'll see you later tonight."

Just as quickly as he appeared, he was gone. Serenity frowned as she crossed her arms over her naked chest. Her blood was boiling so hot that she might begin to warm the water. How could he respond in such a dismissive manner? He claimed to love her but was angry that she was having his child? Or was he simply angry that there was yet another complication to his plan? She looked up at the bathroom door where Theron had disappeared.

She moved quickly out of the bath to try and catch him before he left the room. She grabbed a towel, wrapping it around her as she exited the bathroom. He was in the wardrobe, completely dressed.

"Are you at least happy?" she asked.

Theron looked at her with sharp purple eyes as he tightened his belt. He didn't say anything as he exited the wardrobe, moving past her. Serenity felt tears well up in her eyes at his silence. He paused at the bedchamber door, looking back at her.

"I will be happy when we are safe," he said with an expressionless tone.

Serenity sighed as she choked back tears when the door slammed behind him. She sunk to the sofa and buried her head in her hands. Uncertainty and anxiety took control of her mind. What if he was so displeased that he got rid of her? Or made her get rid of the child? What if the child caused too much of a complication in his plan? Was there any way to ease the difficulty?

It wouldn't have been so difficult if she hadn't come. Serenity began to cry harder, angry at herself for not staying in Allur despite the Prince's order. She should have stood her ground more diligently. Then, perhaps, Theron wouldn't be upset with her and she would not be angry with herself. She would also be safe from the constant creeping danger that was King Terron. She really should have stayed in Allur.