Things to Consider

Serenity sat peacefully on the wooden bench beneath the large flowering maple tree in Theron's private garden reading a book about ancient magic. From her research so far, she had figured out that the old falcon was right, the magic of doves was rare and difficult to understand. Serenity was beginning to think that she would have to figure out her own family history to determine more about her magic. She knew so little about her family and her magic; she didn't fully understand it or even know what she was fully capable of.

There was a loud slam of a door from inside King Theron's suite. Serenity looked up to the balcony to see the King, in his massive tiger form, prowling around. He paced back and forth at the edge of the railing as if he were agitated and debating what to do. She raised her eyebrows and let out a gasp of surprise when Theron jumped clean over the railing of the balcony. He landed gracefully on all four of his paws. Serenity stood up out of shock as the handsome Siberian Tiger stalked towards her.

"Are you crazy?" she stammered.

As he walked towards her, he transformed into his human form, not missing a step. He stopped in front of her with his hands on his hips for a moment then continued to pace around the space before her. He was clearly agitated about something.

"What happened at the council meeting?"

"Four of the members resigned their positions and requested permission to leave court," he grunted with angry eyes. Serenity frowned.

"Which four?"

"Sampson, Trinity, Clover and Hun," Theron responded. He stopped and rubbed the back of his neck. "Individually they are not an issue, but if the four families join together they could be a threat to the throne."

"That leaves six who support you," Serenity whispered. "And you can place members of your twelve on the council now. Place the four strongest families who have faith in you in those spots. I think with the families that are loyal to you, and the six council members who support you, we will be fine."

Theron looked at her with a weak smile. He reached out and stroked her cheek.

"You see hope in everything," he said gently. His purple eyes gleamed at her with pleasure. She couldn't help but smile at him.

"It's in my nature," she whispered. "What do we do now?"

"I need to appoint a household staff manager," he said slowly. "I'm going to release the birds now. I want it done before we are wed and before the betrothal is public knowledge. I advised the council that I will be releasing them. I don't want people to think I released them because I married you."

"They will think that regardless," Serenity said as she looked down.

"Is there a bird you think could handle the staff?"

Serenity bit her bottom lip. "Constance," she whispered. "She's one of the matriarchs in the bird quarters. She kept an eye on me and Cevin when my mother died."

Theron nodded. "Please retrieve her and bring her to the study," he said. "I would like to talk with her."

Serenity folded her arms over her book and held it close to her chest. "Of course. I'll see you in a few moments."

Theron stopped her before she moved past him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her slowly on the lips. "Lord Michael's interviews with the staff did not produce any answers."

Serenity frowned. "I didn't think they would."

Theron nodded with a sad expression. He didn't like that he couldn't find who threatened Serenity. He didn't like that she wasn't safe in their home. She touched his cheeks in an attempt to comfort him.

"I am not a helpless bird anymore, Theron," she whispered. "I can take care of myself and I trust you to do everything in your power to keep me safe."

Theron nodded before kissing her slowly again. She kissed him in return, sliding her hands down to his chest. They stood for a few moments kissing each other tenderly, showing each other their love with their gentle kisses. Theron pulled on Serenity's hair gently, coxing her to tilt her head up. He kissed her neck smoothly and with gentle fingers pushed the thin straps of her dress off of her shoulders. She smiled as she stared up at the beautiful blue sky.

"Theron," she said with a teased sigh. "We have business to attend to."

Theron pulled away quickly with a smirk. "My apologies," he said stroking her cheek. "Sometimes, I wish we had more time in Allur just to be together. I feel like we have always been robbed of a true relationship."

"I think all King's are robbed of that," she replied. "A sacrifice they all make…"

"I don't know how many kings love one woman."

Serenity smiled broadly. Her navy blue eyes gleamed with hot desire. "You love me?" she teased.

"Immensely," Theron responded kissing her lips quickly. He pulled away just as quickly with a wicked smile. "Go, before I devour you."

Serenity couldn't stop smiling. She wanted Theron to devour her. The last time they had been together was in the Magic Forest, which felt like so long ago. The night before, she was sure he would have taken her if Lord Michael hadn't interrupted them in the private study.

"In time my love," she teased as she kissed his cheek. "I'll meet you in your study with Constance."

She moved away smoothly with a cunning smile to the King. She was happy that he seemed relaxed and less agitated now. She was happy that she could calm him.

Theron watched her as she moved away, taking in the smooth way her hips made her silk dress move and catch the sunlight. Theron turned fully to face her as she walked away. The black silk dress clung to her body like liquid; he could see every curve and detail of her body as if she were naked. There was a growing animalistic hunger deep in his body that was rising up ready to explode out. He was thankful that she walked away because he would have devoured her. He would have torn her dress in his haste to have her.

He took a long slow breath before sitting down on the bench under the flowering tree. He rubbed his hands through his hair as he tried to remember himself and what business he needed to discuss with Constance when she arrived in the study.

Serenity's walk to the bird quarters was short. When she arrived in the courtyard, she looked up the window that led to Cevin, her brother's, room. The window was open with thin white curtains blowing in the breeze. Serenity transformed easily into her bird form and floated up to the open window. She landed on the sill and peaked into the room. It was empty.

She hopped on the sill for a moment, looking around the courtyard again. There were a few birds moving about. Mostly women who were taking care of the children that were gathered for their daily lessons. When Theron became King, he allowed the birds to begin teaching their own lessons to their children. Under King Tomas, Theron's father, the birds were not allowed to teach their children anything—from reading to writing or even their own history. It was because of that rule that Serenity did not know much about her own history.

She swooped down to the courtyard and transformed back into a human as she landed. She paused by the women teaching the children just for a moment as she walked by. One woman was standing at the front of the circle of children, while other women were gathered around to assist if needed.

"It is a well known fact that all birds are born with some type of magic in them," the woman said. Serenity stared at her for a moment. Her name was Daija. She was a beautiful tanned sparrow with short light brown hair and warm golden brown eyes. "Now, different species were known for using different types of magic—predator birds like hawks, falcons and eagles were said to have the strongest and most dangerous magic. Their magic was used for fighting, war and death—"

"—if birds of prey have magic that is meant for fighting, why didn't they come and save us?" asked a child. Serenity found him in the crowd. He couldn't be more than ten years old.

"Neman," Daija said the boys name with a tone of disapproval. "Please raise your hand when you have a question. There are a lot of pieces missing from our history. Hopefully, we will be able to fill in the gaps of our story as we gain more access to knowledge and information. But, I don't know, Neman. Hardly anyone knows if any birds of prey exist anymore. Some believe that when our kind was taken from the Nest, birds of prey were eliminated quickly in order to ensure our enslavement."

"But, that is just what some believe," said another woman from the other side of the circle. "As Daija said, there is a lot of information missing from our history. Daija, will you continue telling us about magic?"

Daija smiled and nodded. "Yes, thank you, Mel," she said with a bow of her head. "As I said, all birds have some kind of magic in them, but it has been so long since any of us have used or been taught how to use our magic that it is as if we don't have it at all anymore."

A young girl raised her hand to ask a question. Daija pointed at her. "Yes, Clementine?"

"Can we get it back?"

Daija frowned. "I don't know. That would depend on finding someone who knew how to use their magic and could teach us how to use ours."

Serenity turned away from the lesson, heading for the halls of the birds quarters that were just a few feet away. She entered the apartment stairwell and walked up it slowly as she pondered what Daija had said to her class. On the third floor of the apartment, she knocked gently on the first door on the right from the stairwell. The door opened promptly. Serenity was not surprised when she saw her brother standing in the doorframe.

"Serenity," Cevin said surprised. He opened the door wider and let his sister into the apartment. Cevin looked well; as Theron had lifted many of the restrictions on the birds at the Den, Cevin had been training with Amira just like Serenity. He was growing stronger and more muscular. Cevin had always been thin and handsome, but now that he was constantly training, Serenity couldn't help but notice how defined and large his muscles were becoming.

Serenity glided into the apartment. She looked at her brother's light crystal blue eyes with her own deep navy blue stare.

"Hello," she said. Something was bothering him. "Is Constance here?"

"In here," called a female voice from within the apartment. Serenity walked past her brother through the foyer into the open room of the apartment. There was a long couch and two arm chairs set up in front of a small fireplace. Constance had one of the nicer apartments in the bird's quarters.

Serenity found the older bird standing by the window across from the fireplace, watering the potted plants that sat on her window sill. Serenity stared at the bird for a moment. She remembered helping Constance water the plants when she was a small child.

Constance turned to look at Serenity. She was a tall woman, taller than Serenity with long graying red-brown hair that fell to her bottom. Her hair was brushed smoothly and hung loosely around her face. Her skin was pale, and aged well. She didn't look like an elderly bird. She was a respectable robin with dark brown eyes and that reddish tint in her hair. She folded her arms in front of her chest as she looked Serenity over.

"Her royal highness has graced us with her presence," Constance said with a smirk.

Serenity did not appreciate the comment.

"You should not call me that," Serenity said easily.

Cevin walked by Serenity, pausing for a moment to kiss her forehead in greeting, then took a seat on the couch in front of the fireplace, which was empty.

"I apologize," Constance said. "But, you dress like a royal, you act like a royal and we've heard rumors that the King intends to make you his mate."

"Those have been rumors since he took me into his service," Serenity responded coolly. She sighed for a moment. "But, at this moment, that is his intention."

Cevin looked up at Serenity with wide eyes. "You're going to marry the King?"

Serenity bit her bottom lip. She didn't mean to tell him in such a manner. Honestly, she had hoped when the time came to tell her brother, that she'd be able to do so in excitement, not in response to rumors.

"That is my intention," she replied as she folded her hands together in front of her body.

Cevin stood up and embraced Serenity firmly. He was beaming at her. She couldn't help but smile back at him. "That is wonderful news, Serenity," he said with a warm smile. "I am very happy for you, because I know how you feel for the King. It is very good news for our people too."

Serenity nodded. "Yes, I know."

She glanced at Constance who did not look as pleased. "What is wrong?"

"I wish you didn't have to marry a King to free our people," she said with a heavy sigh. She turned back to her plants and poured more water into their pots.

"I'm marrying the King because I love him."

Constance looked over her shoulder at Serenity. "Has he convinced you that he loves you?"

Serenity shifted her weight uneasily.

"Or does he just mean to make a symbol out of you?"

"There is great risk with taking me as his mate," Serenity responded. "More risk than gain from making a symbol of me and freeing our people."

"Are you sure?" Constance asked. "Kings are not known to do risky things, Serenity. The King would be a fool to put his kingdom at risk over love. I do not think King Theron is a fool. If he is taking you as a mate, there is a lot to gain from it."

Serenity frowned deeply. Why did her own people have to cast doubt on her relationship with Theron? Why did they have to see him as only a King and not a creature that was capable of love? It hurt even worse that it was Constance, who was like a second mother to Serenity, casting doubt on her.

"He is asking to see you," Serenity said softly.

Constance smirked. "Even as his Queen, you'll still do his bidding."

"Yes," Serenity shot back. "Because he is my King. He asked to see you because I recommended you for a household management position."

Constance frowned as she peered at Serenity with her dark brown eyes. "Household management?"

"He needs assistance maintaining the birds who stay on as staff."

Cevin looked at Serenity surprised. "He intends to release us?"

"Yes," Serenity said softly. "But please, don't speak out of turn. I don't know when he intends to do it. But he wants things in order before he does. He wants to give everyone the option of staying if they wish to."

"How can he release all the birds from slavery?" Constance asked stepping forward. "It's not just here in the Den where we are enslaved, it's throughout the territory."

"He has to start somewhere," Serenity responded. Truthfully, she did not know what Theron's plan was for the rest of the territory. Constance was right. There were slaves everywhere; mostly in wealthy homes of members of the council and court. But as Theron had already told the council he intended to release the birds, it was only a matter of time before he made it law and sent the royal guard out to enforce his order.

"Will you please come talk to him?" Serenity asked with strained eyes. "I know you are skeptical of his rule and our relationship, but can you trust that he has good intentions? If you don't trust him, do you at least trust me?"

Constance seemed to consider Serenity's point. She frowned and nodded. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to doubt you or your relationship with the King. I know that doves love purely. I have no doubt that you love the King, Serenity. I just don't want you to get hurt—"

"It's far too late for that," Serenity retorted. "You know the pain I have experienced. The King does everything in his power to help me cope with my trauma and its aftermath."

Constance nodded her head in understanding. She put her watering can down. "Let's not keep him waiting."

Serenity bowed her head. "Thank you." She looked to her brother. "I'll see you later?"

He nodded and kissed her forehead again. "I'm proud of you, little sister. Mother would be too."

Serenity beamed at Cevin, but didn't say anything. Constance asked him to start dinner because she wasn't sure how long she'd be. The two women left the apartment quietly. When they walked through the courtyard, the lesson appeared to be over as the children had dispersed. Daija and a few of the other women sat talking quietly.

Constance followed Serenity through the Den to Theron's private study. Serenity knocked gently on the door, but there was no answer. She frowned, but pushed the door open. The study was empty. She moved across the room to the desk and lit the lamp easily. Constance lit the lamps along the wall by the fireplace.

"He trusts you immensely?"

"He says he loves me immensely," Serenity responded. "Are you thirsty?"

Constance shook her head. "I'm fine."

Serenity took a seat in the armchair and motioned for Constance to sit on the couch. Constance sat down, studying Serenity. "Do you know how he intends to rule with you by his side?"

Serenity frowned. "No," she said. "He always seems open to my council."

Constance nodded. "Have you pushed him to release us?"

"No. When I came to his service, he was already planning to over throw his family and take the thrown with the intention of releasing us."

"And Telson?"

Serenity frowned for a moment. Theron's younger brother, Telson was not in the Den. He had left shortly after Theron became King. Serenity was not entirely sure where he was or what he was doing; she only knew he was traveling through different territories.

"I don't know his position," she whispered.

The door to the study opened and the King entered swiftly. He was followed by Lord Joss Michael and Lady Amira. Serenity and Constance stood up out of respect. Constance bowed her head as the King approached her.

"Constance," he said kindly in greeting. "Serenity speaks very highly of you, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Your Majesty," Constance said bowing her head. "It's kind of you to see me."

"Constance, this is Lord Joss Michael, he is my personal guard and aid, and this is Lady Amira Tong. She is a high member of the royal guard and court."

"Hello," Constance said to the other two tigers.

Lord Michael and Amira said their hellos. Theron approached Serenity and kissed her cheek gently. His fingers lingered on her waist for a moment as he stared at her. His purple gaze was as hungry as it was when she left him in the garden. She couldn't help but smile at him as her own body ached with desire. She bit her bottom lip as he moved away from her, heading for the desk.

"Serenity, Lord Michael agrees that I should place four of my trusted advisors on the council," he said. "He also thinks I should place a bird on the council."

Serenity looked at Lord Michael surprised. His hands were crossed, resting on the hilt of his sword on his waist. He gave Serenity a smile and shrugged his shoulders.

"Do you think placing a bird on the council will encourage war?" Constance asked.

Everyone looked at her surprised that she was speaking.

"I think it's important for the entire Tigerian population to start understanding that your kind are not beneath mine. That together we can all work together and build a beautiful society."

"That is a very romantic idea, my King," Constance said quickly. "I think you may better serve your kingdom if you free the birds and let them leave. I don't think many of them will want to stay in a land where they have been enslaved and mistreated for centuries."

Theron looked at Constance with raised eyebrows. "Do you think they all want to leave?"

"No," Constance shook her head.

"Do you?"

"Yes," she replied instantly. "Forgive me, your Majesty, I appreciate everything you wish to do for our people. And I appreciate you considering me to manage your household for any birds that wish to stay in your service, but I do not wish to serve anyone any longer. I would not choose to be in your service. I'd much rather be on my own."

"Where would you go?" Amira asked.

Constance glanced at her for a moment. "I don't know," she responded honestly. "I would find my way. I would work to build myself a home."

Theron nodded. "As is your right," he said.

He glanced at Serenity for a moment who was silent. She did not consider that Constance, who had been in the Den longer than her, would want to be free. Serenity rubbed her forehead. She hadn't considered that the birds would want to be free – which was ridiculous of her. She had craved it for so long and now that she had it, even if it was for a short time, she already took it for granted. Of course they wouldn't want to stay and work in the Den, even if it was for a wage and they were offered housing and protection. The work responsibilities of being a staff member for the Den would be the same as when they were enslaved; how many birds were going to want to stay?

"Thank you for your time, Constance," Theron said softly. "Please excuse us. Would you like Serenity to escort you back to your quarters?"

"That will not be necessary," Constance said. She bowed low to Theron and moved towards Serenity. She squeezed her hands and kissed her cheek. "Cevin is right, your Mother would be proud of you. But don't forget where you came from, Serenity. Don't forget what you always wanted. It is very similar to what the rest of us want," she advised.

Serenity nodded but didn't say anything. Constance made her exit without another word. Serenity frowned deeply and sunk into the armchair. She rested her chin in her hand, her elbow on the arm of the chair, as she stared across the room away from Theron.

"Do you think any bird will want to serve the King?" Lord Michael asked.

"I don't know," Serenity whispered turning to face him. She looked at Theron with a sad expression. "They do not love you like I do."

"You serve me out of love?" Theron teased. Serenity gave him a weak smile.

"They won't all leave," Amira said. "If you announced tomorrow that they were released, they would enter a world that still hates them. I think it is very important to place a bird on your council and staff as many people as you can. You have to show that you respect them as much as you respect a tiger."

"I agree," Lord Michael said. He thought for a moment. "How many tigers do you have on staff?"

"At the Den probably fifty," Theron responded. "Not counting royal guard members. In Allur, six."

"But it takes an additional seventy birds here at the Den and fifteen in Allur to manage the house?"

"Yes," Theron nodded.

"Allur is not fully staffed," Amira said easily. "As there are no civilians or court present."

"I think you should release them," Serenity whispered. Theron looked at her with curious eyes. "Release them and see who stays. You can't put a bird on the council that you don't trust. I'm the highest ranking bird in the territory simply out of luck. They need some freedom before you can give them positions of power. Let them join the royal guard, let them work here if they'd like. Let them have the same options as any tiger. Fill the council with your men. Wait to put a bird on the council."

The four were silent after Serenity's words. Theron nodded his head but turned away to look out the window of the study. He was deep in thought, which did not surprise Serenity. He had many options to think through and difficult decisions to make.

"Thank you everyone. If you'll all excuse me, I have some things to consider."

Lady Amira and Lord Michael bowed, making their exit without question. Serenity stood up, staring at Theron. She hesitated. He wanted her to leave too?

"I'll see you later tonight," he said with a reassuring smile. Serenity nodded and made her leave, a little frustrated that he did not want her to stay.