The Phoenix

Fallon escorted Serenity back to her suite. When they landed on the balcony, Serenity was not surprised to see Mason pacing around the couch in the sitting room. She gave him an all knowing look as she entered the room.

"Where the hell have you been!?" he snapped at her. Fallon followed her into the room, causing Mason to stand up straight with a deep frown. "Your Majesty," he bowed to the Crowned Prince.

"Does he always speak to you with such a tone?" Fallon questioned.

"I permit him to," Serenity responded as she glared at Mason.

Fallon smiled and nodded his head. "Have a good evening, my Lady," he said with a bow of his head. He stepped close to her, and without question or warning, he touched her chin gently and kissed her boldly on the lips. Serenity let him kiss her, but she did not return the gesture. He pulled away slowly with a small smile as if he knew she did not enjoy his affection.

The Crowned Prince walked by Mason without a word and exited the suite. Serenity sighed slightly and rolled her shoulders back. When she looked at Mason he looked deeply uncomfortable. She frowned slightly as he stepped towards her.

"Where did you go?"

"He took me to the forest that the doves used to live in," she responded seriously. "Something happened that never has before…."

"What?"

"My magic…I was able to light an entire tree," she said oddly. "It's hard to explain…but I think there is magic in that forest. I think somehow, the magic of my species triggered a reaction in me." She bit her bottom lip as she began to pace. She remembered the forest outside of the Den; her magic always seemed to blossom there as well. Perhaps there was some deep connection between the earth and her magic.

"What are you thinking?"

"That I would like to speak to another magical creature," she said carefully. "Someone who has more experience with their magic—"

"—please don't say you want to talk to the phoenix."

"I want to talk to the phoenix," Serenity said with a wicked smile. She knew that her determination bothered Mason only because it made it more difficult for him to protect her.

"You can't go parading around the Nest at this hour," Mason said seriously. "At least wait until morning to go questioning him."

Serenity frowned. "Alright," she said to appease him. "I'll wait until morning."

"Really?" Mason said surprised. He seemed grateful and relaxed slightly. "You'll come to bed?"

"Yes," she whispered sadly. She pouted as she walked by him.

"Thank you," he said with a bow of his head as he followed her down the hall. Serenity smiled slightly and bid him good night before she went into her bed chamber. She closed the door tightly behind her and crossed the room easily to the bed. She removed her robe and climbed in without a second thought.

Sleep came easier than she expected it to, but once asleep she had vivid dreams of the ancient trees she had just seen burning to the ground. Every one of them around her was lit up with yellow or white light. The leaves were glowing brightly, but flames surrounded the tree trunks and ate at her magic in the trees. She twirl around in a circle, crying out as the trees burned. When she looked up at the smoke filled sky she saw Killian's burning red eyes staring back at her. Her sleep was not restful. She woke up from the same dream at least three times, each time her body felt as if it were on fire and tears were streaming down her face.

The fourth time she found herself in the burning fire, she saw Killian's eyes in the sky above. She transformed into her dove form and took off in the sky, tearing up towards his face. The flames licked her feathers as she raced up—the flames climbed higher up the trees, engulfing the branches and leaves, destroying every whisp of her pure magic that remained.

Killian's figure appeared before her in the open sky. Instead of white clouds, rolls of gray smoke surrounded his fiery figure. He stretched out his arms, grabbing her out of the air. The moment his hands touched her, she transformed into human form. His arms wrapped tightly around her torso. He held her firmly against his chest, took hold of her chin, and tipped her face up to his.

"Will you permit me?" he whispered in a husky tone. Serenity's breath caught in her chest. That is not what she was expecting him to ask as the forest burned around them. Serenity glanced around her, as if she were looking for away to escape. Killian seemed to notice her eyes. He released her and stepped back a foot. All warmth left Serenity's body.

She turned around quickly—the flames were gone. She was standing in the forest, baren and destroyed. Smoke swirled from the piles of ash on the forest floor. She looked up to the tall evergreens that were bare.

"Serenity?"

She twirled around again. Her eyes met Killian's. He was staring at her with apologetic burning eyes. She rushed towards him. Something came over her and she embraced him. Despite the destruction and terror he seemed to be causing in her dreams, she felt relief when she saw him. He held her close, his fingers massaged her back delicately to comfort her.

"Don't be afraid of the flames," he whispered as he stroked her hair.

"What have you done?"

He tilted her chin up again so he could look into her velvety blue eyes.

"I've only tried to reach you," he whispered before carefully kissing her quivering lips.

Serenity pressed her body into Killian's as she returned his kiss. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders as he pulled her even closer. Their chest pressed together and he wrapped his fingers in her hair. She titled her head back without prompting. He kissed the white flesh of her neck and bit playfully as she sighed heavily desperately wanting to feel his lips all over her body—-

She was jarred awake by the thumping sound on her bedchamber door in the late morning. She sat up roughly and called for the person to enter. It was Mason, looking as annoyed as ever. She rubbed her eyes as he came to her next to the bed.

"You've been sleeping all morning."

She frowned at him.

"I did not sleep well," she sighed as she laid back into the pillows. He sat next to her, taking in her sleepy expression.

"The Crowned Prince is asking for you," he said softly. "To join him for brunch before he goes to work in the fields."

Serenity nodded slowly as she sat up again. "This is the kind of life I do not want."

"You have no problem going to King Tzvi when he asks for you."

"He does not ask for me daily," she responded. "Probably because I bill him after every meeting."

Mason laughed as he stood up from the bed. "How long will you be?"

"Only a few minutes," she said with a yawn. "Tell him I'll be there shortly."

Mason bowed his head and exited the bedchamber.

Serenity threw the sheets off her body and stripped her nightgown off. She made her way across the room to the wardrobe and pulled out a navy blue layered mesh dress. She slipped it on quickly and sighed with frustration because of the ties on the back. The bodice was a corset and she would not be able to do up the ties herself. She slipped on the same sandals she had worn the night before and exited the room while holding the dress against her chest. Mason was in the sitting room waiting for her.

"Can you tie my dress shut?" she asked as she approached him. He raised his eyebrows at her as she turned her back to him. He hesitated for a moment, but she felt his fingertips touch the small of her back for just a moment as he picked up the strings. He pulled gently to tighten the strings and stitched them through the holes on the back of the dress.

"Is that tight enough?"

Serenity released her hand from her chest. The dress stayed on, but her cleavage was not as supported as she would have liked. "A little tighter," she whispered. She bit her bottom lip at Mason's touch. He was gentle, but firm when he pulled the drawstrings tighter.

"That should be good," he said after tying them tightly.

Serenity turned to him. "Thank you," she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "I'm happy you came with me."

"Because no one would have been here to tie your dress shut?" he asked with a teasing smile.

"Because no one else would keep me safe," she responded.

Mason smiled and patted her cheek gently. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," she beamed.

The navy blue dress was tight across her chest and torso. The sleeves cut right at her armpits and went down the full length of her arm. The skirt was long and billowed as she moved. Serenity knew that Sonnie had packed it for her because it was a thin dress made with multiple layers of navy blue mesh. In the right light, the dress was see through, which would be vey enticing to any man that looked at her. The shade of the material matched her eyes and made her look ethereal.

She brushed her long hair over her shoulder as she exited the room. Mason followed her quickly. Neither of them said anything as they made their way to the dining hall.

Crown Prince Fallon was sitting alone at the arch table. There were plates of food in front of him, full of fruit, meat, and pastries. Serenity approached him slowly and bowed when she reached his side.

"Good Morning, your Majesty," she said.

Fallon stood up with a smile. He was wearing blue pants that tucked into black riding boots, a black peasant shirt and a long black leather coat. He touched Serenity's side gently as he smiled down at her.

"Good Morning," he whispered. He leaned down and kissed her lips quickly before she could turn away. Serenity frowned slightly. "Does my affection bother you?"

"You're trying to charm me again," she said with a serious expression. She pulled away from him to take her seat. He pulled her chair out for her as she sat, then sat down himself. Serenity looked around the room. She saw Mona speaking to Mason at the doorway of the dining hall. She didn't realize as she had entered that Mona had intercepted him. She frowned deeply and reminded herself that she could protect herself if need be.

"Yes," Fallon admitted. "I'm hoping to woo you."

"I do not want to waste your time."

"You're not wasting my time, Serenity," he said with a laugh. "I asked you to give me time to convince you that we can be mates. Have you decided to at least grant me that request?"

Serenity nodded. "Yes," she whispered. "I do not know how long I can stay. King Tzvi may call me back. He was anxious about the trade route agreement."

"He will be relieved within the next few days," Fallon said before putting a forkful of passion fruit in his mouth. "I signed the agreement and sent it to him last night before I came to your chamber."

Serenity looked at him quickly. "You did?"

Fallon nodded with a small smile. "I'm sure my Harold will inform him that you plan to stay."

"That's very presumptuous of your Harold and you, your Majesty."

"Hardly," Fallon said with another laugh. "You are a curious dove, Serenity. I know you want to stay to learn more about your magic."

"You mean you want to learn more about my magic."

Fallon looked at her with a frank expression. "Yes," he admitted. "I suppose I am curious too." He threw down his napkin and gave her another smile. "Forgive me for rushing out, I am needed in the fields."

Serenity frowned but nodded her head. "Do you always eat alone?"

"No," he shook his head as he stood up. "Killian usually joins me, but he left early this morning. He did not say where he was headed."

"He went alone?"

Fallon nodded. "He always does. He's a strange creature. He won't be gone long though."

"How do you know?"

"Because he never is," he said as he pinched Serenity's cheek before moving away from his chair. "I will return in the evening to woo you some more, my dove."

Serenity's skin crawled as she watched him walk away. She did not like the game he was playing and she felt like a fool for playing right into his hand. She glanced across the hall to see Mason walking in slowly. He looked cross as his stone grey eyes fell on her.

"I think it's going to be harder for us to leave than I originally anticipated," Serenity whispered.

Mason nodded. "I always knew it would be difficult. We said from the beginning that he probably wants to kill you."

Serenity frowned deeply. "Then why ask me to marry him?"

Mason shrugged and shook his head. "I sent a message with the Crown Prince's Harold last

night, but I doubt it will get to Cevin."

Serenity bit her lip as Mason stood across from her on the other side of the table with his wrist crossed resting on the hilt of his sword. She looked up at him with frightened eyes.

"What did he say?" Mason cocked his head in the direction that Prince Fallon had left.

"That he sent the trade route treaty back to King Tzvi signed and that I planned to stay here for awhile. He thinks I'm too curious to leave. That I want to find out more about my magic…"

Mason rolled his eyes because he knew that Fallon was right. Serenity bit her bottom lip.

"He's not wrong."

"No," she said standing up from her chair. "He's not."

"Where are you going?"

"To the stables, he said that Killian would be back soon." Serenity came around the long table and Mason met her at the end of it. "Do you think you'd be able to leave the Nest and come back?"

Mason looked at her with weary eyes. She frowned slightly. She knew he did not want to leave her alone.

"I think you should try to find someone else to get a message to Cevin," Serenity whispered as they exited the dining hall.

"I'll see what I can do. How long will you wait for Killian?"

Serenity shrugged. "I don't know. We can meet back in the suite in a few hours."

"Alright, I'll kill you myself if you're not back there in two hours."

"Fine," she retorted. "I'll be sure to not give you the pleasure."

Mason bowed his head and moved away from Serenity who stopped in the middle of the hall and was looking around unsure of where to go.

"Did you need help, Miss?"

Serenity looked at the young boy that was approaching her. She frowned slightly. It was as if he had just appeared; she knew from experience that servants and slaves had the keen ability to hide in plain sight. She hoped that this boy hadn't just heard her exchange with Mason.

"I'm looking for the stables," she said. "I was told the Master Killian would return soon."

The boy laughed. "I'll take you—but you shouldn't call the bastard 'master.' Prince Fallon will not like that."

"Why not? He doesn't have a title?" Serenity questioned as she followed him.

"He's a bastard…" the boy responded with a matter of fact tone. "Everyone knows the Prince keeps him around to remind him of everything he's not."

Serenity wasn't sure who the boy was referring to. The Prince kept Killian around to remind Killian of everything he was not, or to remind himself of everything he was not? Serenity shook her head. She needed to think about other things, like what she was going to ask Killian once she saw him.

The walk to the stables was long, and silent. Serenity thanked the boy when they arrived. The stables were large, which did not surprise her as they served the entire castle and possibly the entire guard. Serenity looked at all the beautiful horses and sighed slightly. Where was Saffron? She walked up and down the stalls and finally found her sweet horse at the last one. He was being brushed by a young girl. Serenity stepped in front of Saffron who immediately began to neigh.

"Hold on!" the girl said taking the reins. "Steady now—we're almost done."

"I'm sorry," Serenity said as she pet Saffron's nose. "I haven't seen him since yesterday."

"Yes, my lady," the girl said without looking at Serenity.

Serenity stared at the girl for a few moments. She was young, perhaps only eight. Her brown hair was tied in a tight braid that fell down her back all the way to her bottom. Serenity could see the dark brown feathers at the nap of her neck. Serenity didn't think she was a bird of prey.

"Excuse me," Serenity said to the girl. She looked up at Serenity with surprised eyes, as if she had never been addressed that way. "Do you know where Killian might go when he returns?"

"He always comes in right around now," the girl said. "The second stall is where he keeps his horse, Stonewall."

Serenity nodded and thanked the girl. She looked at Saffron and gave him a tender squeeze. She whispered that she'd seem him later and moved away quickly.

At the second stall, Serenity stepped onto an overturned bucket and pulled herself to sit on the edge of the stall wall. She looked out towards the entrance of the stable so she could see when Killian returned. Thankfully, she did not have to wait long. The edge of the stall was growing uncomfortable under her bottom. She was sure she'd have a red line across her cheeks from the wall because she had to sit on it for so long.

Killian's dark green eyes fell on Serenity instantly when he rode into the stable a few moments later. She met his gaze as his black stallion bounded towards the stall. He looked sun kissed and worn from riding, but not exhausted. Rather, he looked lively and strong as if riding woke a burst of energy inside of him each morning.

Serenity hopped off the wall and caught Killian's surprised expression as he steered Stonewall into the stall.

"I hope you have not been waiting to see me for too long."

Serenity stepped forward, grabbing the reins of Killian's horse. "And if I have?"

"You surprise me, Serenity. You don't strike me as the type of woman to wait for any man."

"I'm not waiting for a man," she replied. "I'm waiting for a phoenix."

Killian's eyes flashed at her. The green shade vanished instantly and became the striking red Serenity had dreamt about. She bit her bottom lip as she released the reins of his horse. She stepped back as he dismounted. He grabbed her arms, holding her before him.

"What are you trying to do?" he questioned.

Serenity was taken by the sight of him. Was it a spell he placed over her last night when he touched her chin and sent visions of flames dancing through her head? His chiseled face was stern, his red eyes fiery, and long dark hair pulled back into a low bun at the base of his neck. Strands of hair too short to be tied back fell forward to the side of his face. He was wearing grey again; a loose fitting linen button up shirt that was unbuttoned half way down revealing his muscular and hairless chest and worn leather grey slacks.

"How long have you been keeping him dormant?" she asked quickly as she studied his face. She ignored his question entirely because she wanted an answer to her own. She knew very little about phoenixes, most of what she knew was from old legends and children's stories. But she, like Mason, knew that Killian was a phoenix. She forgot to ask how Mason knew…"When you touched me it triggered a response from him—"

"—stop talking," Killian said quickly as a few stable workers walked by. Killian followed them with his red eyes, bowing his head slightly to them and releasing Serenity's arms. Both stable workers bowed their heads but said nothing as they passed. Serenity was surprised by his discretion. If she figured it out in less than an hour that he was a phoenix, surely everyone in the Nest knew already. Why was he keeping it a secret? Once the workers were gone, he looked back at her with an intense glare. Serenity raised her eyebrows at him.

Killian grabbed her arm and led her away from Stonewall's stall. They walked silently across the stables. Serenity wasn't entirely sure where they were going. Killian seemed to be looking around for a private place. He found a closed door along the stable wall and opened it quickly. Serenity frowned as he shoved her into the storage closet. She crinkled her nose at the smell of horse that was fermenting on the brushes and saddles in the closet they had just stowed away in. Killian closed the door behind him. Light barely shined through the cracks in the wood of the door.

"It may be common knowledge what I am, but not many know the true power a phoenix carries and I'd rather keep it that way. He is not dormant—"

"—are you in control?"

Killian glared sharply at Serenity. "Are you?"

This made Serenity frown. She wasn't going to lie though. "No," she whispered.

Killian stood up straight, frowning himself. "That is why you were looking for me?"

Serenity did not answer, only stared up at his gleaming red eyes as it was all she could see in the dark. His face was hidden in the darkness, much like she was and thin lines of light spread across his tanned flesh making him appear to be a tiger. Serenity's gut clenched for a moment.

"Why don't you want people to know you're powerful?" she asked quickly hoping to change the subject.

"Because they'll fear me," he said softly. "As they fear you."

Serenity understood his point, but she was sure that the fear his magic could insight was much worse than hers. Her magic was built on love, growth and peace. While it was meant to counter act the violent magic of the falcons, she never understood how it struck fear into them. But despite what she said, they did still fear her. She was sure it was the reason that Fallon had asked her to marry him. So he could control her and her magic.

"Does Falllon know?"

Serenity blinked at Killian confused. "He knows that I'm curious about my magic and not nearly as powerful as I could be. He seems to think that I would come looking for you in an attempt to learn more about my magic. Does he know how strong you are?"

Killian shook his head. "No," he whispered. "He does not understand that phoenix magic is different from falcon or dove magic. He believes that because I am a half bred I am weaker than a pure phoenix. He does not understand that the phoenix is an entity that lives within me. I am simply his vessel."

Serenity frowned deeply. "Do you speak for him?"

"He speaks through me," Killian responded confidently. "He is a part of me as I am of him. I simply meant that the measure of my strength has nothing to do with my lineage."

"Does being half falcon make you stronger? Do you have falcon magic in your as well?"

Killian shrugged as he lifted his hand and a ball of flame erupted in it. Serenity stepped back surprised. She looked up at Killian as the flame brightened the dank closet they were in.

"Perhaps," Killian said as he twisted his hand under the flame, making it dance and move over his hand. "I've learned most of my magic myself. My mother died giving me life. The King could not find another phoenix to help me, though he tried a great deal. He hoped that…" Killian paused for a moment.

"He hoped for what?" Serenity asked staring up at Killian with curious eyes. He seemed unsure if he should continue speaking. Serenity reached forward, touching his forearm gently. The flame in his hand went out immediately. He grabbed her hand, his palm was hot against her flesh, and pushed her away forcefully. Serenity frowned. Had her touch put out the flame or had he put it out himself?

"He hoped that I would be strong enough to destroy you."

Serenity frowned deeply but nodded her head.

"Is that why you told me to leave?"

"Yes," he whispered.

"So you did not have to make a choice?"

"I won't hurt you."

Serenity bit her bottom lip at his reassurance. She believed his tone and the expression in his eyes. It was of gentleness. But in the depths of her mind she had to distrust him. He was raised to destroy her. He was used by the King, kept around for the single purpose of defending the Nest against Serenity.

"But you don't want to disappoint your family?"

Killian frowned deeply. "I don't want to be put in a position that could put both of us in danger."

"Too late for that," Serenity snipped as she was growing agitated. She had to remind herself that she sought Killian out. She wanted to know more about him, his magic and possibly her own. She frowned deeply though, she wasn't sure if he was going to be able to help her as she wished.

She reached for the door, pulled it open slightly. Killian stopped the door with his hand. He leaned over Serenity, invading her personal space and blocking her exit. At first Serenity was angry that he stopped her from leaving, but as he leaned close to her she could feel the heat reverberating off his body and smell the fragrance of evergreen trees. She bit her bottom lip as she looked up at his burning stare with her own fire in her eyes. His scent was familiar, as if from a memory.

"Where were you riding?" she whispered.

"The forest north of the Nest," he responded easily. "It is a nexus of magic."

Serenity nodded her head slowly. He smelled of evergreen trees, not the great tranquil oaks. She remembered the smell from the night before. Where in the forest was he? She didn't see any evergreen trees.

"There were no evergreen trees there."

Killian stood up straight, removing his hand from the door. "Pass the dove territory, deeper into the forest than you traveled last night."

"How did you know about that?"

Killian just smiled at her. He must have spent a great deal of time in the forest. Serenity stared up at him silently for a few moments. There was a familiar aching growing within her that she had not felt in a long time. She wanted to stay as close to him as possible in that moment. His physical being was invading her personal space, but she wanted him to. She wanted him to get closer to her, hold her and show her affection. She didn't know why she was so attracted to him, but she didn't want to question it. She just wanted to see where his affection and magic would take her.

"Why do you think Fallon wants to marry you?"

"You didn't answer my question."

Killian leaned forwarded again, putting his arm back over Serenity, coming closer to her.

"I go there every day," he whispered.

"To control me," she responded to answer the question he had asked.

"And your magic," he nodded.

"Why not just kill me?"

"I'm fairly certain he will, whether you say yes or you deny him."

Serenity frowned deeply and looked down. Killian lifted her chin with gentle fingers. His other arm was still over her head. She looked up at him with haunting desire in her midnight blue eyes. His fingers traced her jaw line to her ear. He pinched her earlobe affectionately before pushing his fingers into her hair at the nap of her neck. He stroked the feathers along her hairline. His deep flaming eyes were locked with hers.

Serenity didn't dare look away from him. She wanted him to touch her. She enjoyed the warm touch of his hands on her skin. His touch bore the warmth of dimming embers in a fire. She felt a new kind of fire burning in her as he touched her. Killian twisted his fingers into her hair, coxing her to tilt her head back, just as he had in her dream. There was something more gentle and enticing to his touch—it was completely different than any man who had touched her before, even Theron from so long ago. Perhaps it was simply because Serenity wanted Killian to touch her. She was curious about him and his magic. She was drawn to him, that was clear to her from her dream. She craved to feel his touch in reality.

"Will you permit me?" he asked in a husky whisper. Her heart jumped in her chest and a fire lit between her legs in her center. How was it that he asked just as he did in her dream?

Her hands touched his torso gently. She hoped that she lit a fire in him just as he did her. The burning sensation in her center seemed foreign. It had been so long since a man had made her feel such desire with just his touch. Serenity recognized that it was more than just Killian's touch that aroused her. It was his being, the way he spoke and respected her. He was asking to kiss her; he wasn't going to do it without her permission and that meant more to her than anything. She remembered the moment she no longer found Lord Carter attractive. It was in the Den many years ago, he had come onto her and would not leave her be when she refused him. He didn't listen when she asked him to stop. That is why she would not marry him and she knew there was no way to explain it to him that he would understand.

"And if I deny you?" she whispered with a whimpering breath.

"We'll leave this closet," he responded still in his whisper. He lowered his head closer to hers, his lips just centimeters from her ear. "If that is what you want."

He stood up straight, moving his head back and smirking at her. He knew it wasn't what she wanted. Serenity bowed her head as her cheeks flushed. She turned her back to Killian and opened the door, leaving the closet quickly. The fresh air of the stables was startling and refreshing to her. She sighed slightly, regretting her decision. Why hadn't she given into her desire? Why did she turn away from him?

Killian followed her out of the closet, closing the door quietly. When she caught his eye he was smirking. She had not hurt his ego, which she was thankful for. He had to know that she desperately wanted to be thrown around him—she wanted to feel his lips against hers, his muscular body pressed against hers, and the heat of his fire burning against her skin.

"It won't hurt you," he said as he caught up to her. Serenity looked up at him surprised. Could he read her mind? He smiled an all knowing crooked smile again, before placing his hand on the small of her back to escort her forward. She stopped abruptly while turning to face him. His body pressed against hers and out of instinct, he wrapped his arm around her waist to prevent her from falling.

"Show me," she whispered.

Killian raised his eyebrows at her with a questioning look.

"Show me how your fire won't hurt me," she clarified. He bowed his head to her as his eyes burst into red flame. She smiled widely at his hungry expression.

Killian took her hand. "Come with me."