True Deceit

Part Six

Cheetara ignored Lion-O the rest of the day. She didn't even come to dinner. She had Snarf bring her dinner in her room. Lion-O stayed away from his wife thinking about what his father said after he told her why he was avoiding Cheetara. The next day, he talked to Snarf, getting his assistance for what he had planned for Cheetara after the ball. That night, Cheetara prepared herself for the nights event. On the outside, she was ready, wearing her dress and adding the finishing touches to her hair and makeup, but on the inside she wasn't. If things were different, she would be happy. If only Lion-O love her.

Tygra knocked on the door before entering or hearing Cheetara's plea to enter. He stared at her a moment before speaking.

"Cheetara, that dress seem to make you look more beautiful each time you wear it."

Cheetara closed her lipstick case and sprayed a little more perfume on her. She took a look at Tygra, she said, "Thanks for the compliment, Tygra. You look pretty sharp yourself. Have you seen Lion-O?"

"He's getting ready," Tygra said unconcern. "The limousines are out waiting for us. You and Lion-O are to ride together, and the rest of us will follow you in the other limo."

"I guess I should go meet him then." The cheetah said in a serious tone. Cheetara grabbed her nightly wrap for her dress off the mannequin when Tygra stopped her with a touch of his hand on her shoulder.

"No, don't. You look much better without it."

"I don't want to get cold, Tygra."

"You won't, Cheetara. The weather's good."

"Okay, if you say so," Cheetara said and laid the wrap on her bed.

There was a knock at her door.

"Who is it?" Cheetara asked.

"It's Lion-O. I've to escort you to the limo."

"The door's open, Lion-O." Cheetara spoke curtly.

Lion-O opened the door and stopped once he saw her. Cheetara wore a long, white dress. The top of her dress had a V-neck front that was sleeveless with its straps wrapping around her neck. Her back was exposed and the dress fit snugly but comfortably over her waist and hips. A spilt on her right leg ran up to her mid-thigh. On her right arm, she wore a three-row pearl bracelet, a pearl necklace help covered her chest and she had pearl earrings that Lion-O was able to see with her hair being up.

While Lion-O was enchanted by Cheetara, Cheetara was captivated by Lion-O. He was wearing a black formal suit fit for royalty. The suit outlined his tall well-fit figure perfectly. She noticed that he was wearing his crown. It made him look even more regal. Cheetara tried to look at something that she didn't find attractive and focused on that. She had to stay mad at him. She saw he had a box in her hand.

"What's in the box?" Cheetara asked.

Lion-O opened the velvet box to reveal Cheetara's crown. "Your crown. Since this is a ball, I thought it was best that we wore ours."

He put the box on her dresser and moved closer to her. Cheetara closed her eyes as Lion-O put her crown on. She expected him to stepped back, but he didn't. He leaned over and kissed her lightly on her lips, but it had an explosive surge of feeling to it.

Lion-O pulled back and said "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," was all Cheetara could say.

"You smell good, too. Didn't I buy that perfume for you a month after we were married?"

"You remembered," Cheetara was surprised.

"Of course I do. I remember a lot of things," he whispered and kissed her again. Lion-O had a feeling he wasn't alone, that he was being watched. He opened one of his eyes and saw Tygra.

Lion-O broke from Cheetara and looked over and saw Tygra. "Tygra, what are you doing here?"

"I was just talking to Cheetara when you came in. Excuse me. I have to check to see if everyone else is ready to go," Tygra said and left.

After Tygra left, Lion-O said. "We should get going too." Lion-O held his arm out for Cheetara to take. Cheetara sighed and took his arm. "Shouldn't you wear your wrap? It might get cooler tonight."

Cheetara became angry with Lion-O again. She felt he was dictating her, telling her she can't dress herself. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. I know how to dress myself. I'm not a child, you know," Cheetara said sharply.

Lion-O ignored Cheetara's rudeness and walked out with her. He helped her in the limo. She sat as far from him as she could. Thankfully, the tinted soundproof window between them and the driver was up. Lion-O wanted to say something on the way to the ball, but he felt anything he said would get him in trouble. He didn't understand her behavior when they were in her room. Why did she change moods like that? What did he say? He love her, but he just couldn't understand her at times. Why was that?

The ball was to take place in Claudus City, a few miles from Cat's Lair at a grand theater hall. It was used for movies, live theater and entertainment such as dancing and concerts. Now it was closed for the public and use as an honorary event for the Thundercats--the one-year anniversary of the final defeat of Mumm-Ra, the ever-living. All the elders from the different cat clans were there. Special invites from ambassadors, press and other representatives were there. A limited number of common citizens were also invited. The money they had to pay to get in would go to charity.

"We're almost there," Lion-O commented seeing the bright lights ahead.

"Mm-hmm," the quiet cheetah responded looking out the window.

"Can you believe it? Mumm-Ra has been out of our lives for a whole year."

"It's amazing and good since we spent years fighting him on his turf--3rd Earth. Amazing that a year on our home planet, he was defeated."

"Yes, and wonderful things followed. For instance, the joining of us," Lion-O said softly.

"Yes," Cheetara said just as soft.

"It wasn't long after that that we were married. We were both very happy then."

"Yes, we were," Cheetara said still not looking at him.

"Why can't we get that back, Cheetara?"

Cheetara looked at him. "You threw it away, Lion-O. You decided I wasn't good enough for you, so you avoided me."

"I never thought that."

"Then explain to me why you spent nights in your study. Why you avoid to touch me, why you kept your distance from me?"

"There's a reason for it, but not right now."

"When, Lion-O?" Cheetara asked impatiently.

"Soon."

"You mean never."

The limo stopped. From the noise outside, Lion-O and Cheetara could hear the screams from people and noises from the press. They had to put their faces on as a happy married couple. The chauffeur opened the door and Lion-O stepped out with a smile. He held his hand out and help Cheetara out of the limo. They both smiled at the press and waved at the crowd. To their surprise, they had many admirers. The women were crazy about Lion-O as the men were about Cheetara. Lion-O put his arm around Cheetara. They answered a few questions from the press. Lion-O even stole a kiss from Cheetara. Afterwards they headed in the ballroom of the theater. Upon entering the majestic room, they were introduced and received a roaring applause and standing ovation. They smiled as if they were happy. Lion-O took the moment to give Cheetara an affectionate kiss on the cheek. With the elaborate decorations, there were pictures of the Thundercats all over the room. There were more pictures of Lion-O than anyone else, but that was because he was the Lord of the Thundercats.

"Lord Lion-O, Lady Cheetara welcome," Candra said greeting them. "We're surprise you made it through the crowds of screaming fans you have."

"We find it amazing that many people were screaming our names," Cheetara commented.

"You know better than to say that, my queen. You know the answer to that. You and Lord Lion-O are a very attractive couple, and before you married, you two were the most eligible bachelor and bachelorette on Thundera."

"It's a good thing we married each other then," Lion-O grinned keeping his arm around Cheetara. He rubbed his hand gently up and down her waist.

"I guess it is, my lord." She looked over her shoulder and saw someone waving to her. "Oh, will you excuse me. Someone is calling me."

Once Candra left, Cheetara spoke. "You had to say that?"

Lion-O faced Cheetara. "What do you mean?"

" 'It's a good thing we married each other then.' I have a right mind to say we are getting a divorce."

"Cheetara, no. You don't want that. I know you don't."

"How do you know what I want? If you knew I want, we wouldn't be in this situation right now," Cheetara replied icily.

Lion-O looked around to make sure no one saw them arguing.

"I saw that," Cheetara commented.

"Saw what?"

"You. You were looking around, making sure no one saw us arguing. That's what you care about. You and your reputation."

"Cheetara, that's not it at all. Maybe we should talk somewhere private."

"Oh," Cheetara said folding her arms. "You want to talk somewhere private so we won't be seen arguing. I have a news flash for you, Lion-O. Married couples argue. Some more than others. Some all the time. It's a part of life. It happens. Deal with it," she scowled. And with that, she marched off in the crowd.

Lion-O was going to go after her, but....

"Lord Lion-O."

Lion-O turned around. "Luther, hello. How are you?"

"I'm fine, my Lord. Is this a bad time? I saw you talking to the queen."

"Everything's all right," Lion-O lied. "What can I help you with?"

Cheetara talked to some of the guest and ask how things were going between cats of all different clans. When Lion-O gave a speech about the continuance of peace on Thundera, Cheetara had no choice but to join his side. Afterwards, they talk to other people. Lion-O made his feelings for the cheetah apparent: giving her kisses on the cheek or lips, rubbing a hand up and down her back, waist, keeping an arm around her tight or just holding her hand. Cheetara wasn't buying the display one bit. She saw it as Lion-O trying to make himself look good for the public. When the time was right, Cheetara and Lion-O separated again, much to Lion-O's disappointment. While walking pass all the people, Cheetara picked up a glass of wine from one of the waiters walking around, trying to find a quiet moment for herself. She found one in a corner. She took a sip of wine and looked around at the people.

"You know you shouldn't drink too much."

Cheetara turned around. "Tygra. I'll be fine."

"Only if you drink three glasses. I know your limit."

"Don't worry about me, Tygra."

"I like worrying about you," the tiger commented, but Cheetara fail to hear how soft the tiger's voice was. "I see you're not with Lion-O much throughout the night except when he had to make his speech. Why?"

"We had a spat. I went my way. He went his."

"Yes, but you know the image you two have to put up."

"Yes, and if Lion-O love me, I could do this, but he doesn't which makes this so hard."

"I know, Cheetara, and I feel so sorry for you, being in a marriage where the wife loves the husband and the husband doesn't love his wife. Be strong, Cheetara, and get the divorce. Maybe then you will find the man who is meant for you," Tygra said looking in her eyes. He continued. "How about a dance? To take your mind off this."

"Don't you think it would be weird if I, the Lady of the Thundercats, have my first dance here with someone who isn't my husband?"

"I'm your friend and a fellow Thundercat."

"That doesn't matter. People will talk."

"Let them."

Tygra reached out to touch Cheetara's bare arm but Cheetara unaware of Tygra stepped out of Tygra's reached. "There's Carvel, one of the cheetah elders. I should talk to him to see how things are going."

She walked off and Tygra snapped his fingers. "So close."

"Carvel, it's nice to see you here."

"Why wouldn't I be here, Lady Cheetara, it's a very important event and honor for all the Thundercats. Your husband made a wonderful speech about peace."

"Thank you. I'll tell Lion-O what you thought of his speech, but you don't have to call me Lady Cheetara."

"Why not? It's only proper. Don't worry, you'll get use to it. So, how is married life to the Lord of the Thundercats? Very happy I assume."

Cheetara hated that Carvel asked that, but she knew someone would ask sooner or later.

"It's something I never thought it would be," Cheetara answered.

"Ah, yes, marriage is a wonderful thing."

Cheetara wasn't really thinking about it like that. She was thinking of the pain she was in. She thought marriage would be happy and blissful, and for the first four months of it, it was, but now it was terrible. She was so confused. She didn't know what to do, but play it out. Instead of showing her true feelings, she smiled.

"Yes, it is."

She gasped when a pair of arms wrapped around her body.

"Miss me?" Lion-O asked as he kissed her left temple.

Carvel smiled at the young love and politely made his exit.

Cheetara looked at Lion-O angrily. "Lion-O, what are you doing?"

"What does it look like?" He asked calmly.

Cheetara broke from his arms and faced him. "Lion-O...."

Cheetara was silenced when Lion-O kissed her. Despite her anger at the lion, the cheetah couldn't help but put her arms around his neck. She always felt weak when he kissed her the way he was, with so much feeling and love. It has been a while since Lion-O kissed her like that. They didn't know it but they were causing scene. Not a negative scene, but a positive one for them. Tygra wasn't liking this at all. He clutched his wine glass tight, brewing, scheming. After the kiss, Cheetara heard the beginning of a familiar song. She almost cried as Lion-O lead her to the dance floor as the song played. Cheetara locked her arms around his neck again. Lion-O had his arms around her, holding her close in a way to show everyone that Cheetara was his.

"Remember this song?" Lion-O whispered.

"How can I forget? This is the first song we danced to at our wedding," Cheetara said full of emotion.

"How about the first time we danced together?" Lion-O asked.

Cheetara laughed. "How can I forget that? You came in my room in the middle of the night."

"And as I recall, you hit me with your staff."

Cheetara looked down smiling. "Yes, well, I didn't know it was you. I thought it was an intruder. You wanted to learn how to dance for your anointment party. You said it would only take you one dance to learn, but it ended to be five dances."

"What can I say, I didn't want to leave you arms."

"You also overslept the morning of your first trial." Cheetara commented.

"Yes, but everything turned out for the best. I did become the Lord of the Thundercats."

"You only danced with me at your anoitnment party, not even some of the warrior maidens who only came to dance with you."

"I had good reason, Cheetara. You were and always will be the only woman I want to dance with."

Lion-O pulled her closer. "I miss holding you like this, Cheetara," he whispered.

Cheetara missed it, too, but she wondered if she should tell him that. Instead, she let her body answer and she pressed her body against his and leaned her head against his chest.

If Tygra stared at the two any longer, he would break the wine glass he was holding. He growled lowly seeing Lion-O's hands on Cheetara's bare back. How dare Lion-O take Cheetara from him? How dare Lion-O touch her like that? Cheetara was to be his. Lion-O was to push Cheetara away from him so she would be his. It was part of the plan, but looking at them, Lion-O was winning Cheetara back. He had to separate them. How though? How could he split them up?

Once the song ended, joining hands, Lion-O and Cheetara quietly left the room. Tygra thought best that he kept an eye on the two.

"Tygra, right?"

Tygra turned around and saw a female tiger, looking slyly at him. "Yes, may I help you."

The young tigress rubbed her nervous palms together. "I was wondering if my friends and I could get a picture of you. My friends and I think you are so handsome and so intelligent."

Tygra sighed. He didn't want to do this. He wanted to spy on Lion-O and Cheetara, but it wasn't everyday he met a fan. "Fine."

What Tygra didn't know that the tigress had signaled ten of her friends to come to them and they soon bombarded the tiger with questions, as well as took pictures with him.

*****

Cheetara and Lion-O walked outside the back of the building, to hide from the press that were in the front. Behind the building was a long grassy hill. Lights were on the trees to give a peaceful, tranquil look. They held hands, neither talking.

"The ball was nice," Lion-O spoke several moments later.

"Yes, it was, and yet...." Cheetara paused.

"You weren't happy to be there, either?" Lion-O asked.

Cheetara stopped walking and looked at Lion-O. "You too?"

"Yeah," he said. "Luther wanted to talk to me and ask me how we were doing. I didn't feel good lying to him that all was well."

"Carvel questioned me too," Cheetara admitted.

"Cheetara, I honestly think there is a chance we can save our marriage."

Cheetara stared in his soft eyes. "Do you? Why?"

"Because I love you and it's been terrible not holding you, touching you, talking to you."

"Lion-O, you've been doing that for a while, Lion-O. You only became concern about it when I asked for a divorce."

"No, Cheetara, I've been feeling this ever since I started avoided you, but I had to. I had to work this out."

"Work what out, Lion-O? Tell me. I have a right to know," Cheetara demanded.

"Yes, you do, but I don't think right here or now is the time."

"When will you tell me?"

"Soon, I promise."

"Liar," Cheetara accused, folding her arms upset.

"I will, Cheetara. I promise. Just give me some time."

"You had enough time, Lion-O! You had enough chances! Don't bother talking to me until you tell me what your problem is!" Cheetara shouted and marched off.

Lion-O ran after Cheetara, grabbed her arm, causing her to stop.

"Take me home now, Lion-O! If you don't, I'm going to go in that ballroom right now and tell everyone we're getting a divorce!"

This was not going as Lion-O had hoped or planned, but the other plan he had for later was still on track. He was determine to have that plan work.

"All right, Cheetara. I'll tell one of the Thundercats that we are leaving."

Lion-O escorted Cheetara to the door in the back of the building. He went inside looking for a Thundercat. He saw WilyKat at the buffet table, munching down on some food.

"WilyKat?"

With a mouthful of cheese balls, WilyKat looked at his leader. "Yeah, Lion-O?"

"Cheetara and I are leaving now, so if anyone ask where we are just tell them that."

"What if they ask why?" WilyKat asked.

"Just tell them one of us felt ill and we're going home."

"Okay, Lion-O, sure."

Lion-O thanked him again and left. He found the driver to the limo he and Cheetara were in and told him to meet them in the back. Afterwards, Lion-O joined Cheetara outside. The night had gotten cooler indeed since they left Cat's Lair. Apparently, Cheetara didn't know how much cooler until after her anger with Lion-O had settled.

"I told you to bring your wrap," Lion-O told her.

"It was fine when we left. I'm fine now," Cheetara said firmly, trying to pretend she wasn't cold, but the frequent rubbing of her arms told Lion-O otherwise.

Lion-O pulled off his evening jacket and put it on Cheetara's shoulder. He then wrapped his arms around her. "Don't worry. I'll keep you warm."

"Who said I wanted you to, and don't talk to me until you want to tell me why you are avoiding me," Cheetara spat.

Lion-O ignored her and continued to hold her. Cheetara was actually liking it that Lion-O was holding her. In fact, she lean closer to him. A few minutes later, the limo arrived. Lion-O opened the door for Cheetara and she got in. Lion-O got in, closed the door, and pressed a button in the back, rising the dark, soundproof window that separated the Lord of the Thundercats and his wife from the driver once more. As they left, Lion-O thought it was best that he tell her what else he had planned for them.

"I want to tell you that I've planned something for us tonight."

"I'm not talking to you," Cheetara said refusing to look at him.

Lion-O continued. "We're going out of town. Snarf has already packed our bags when we were at the ball. He and the driver put it in the trunk while we were inside. We're leaving as I speak."

Cheetara scowled at the lion. "Who do you think you are, dictating where we will go and not talking to me about it?"

"I got you talking, didn't I?" Lion-O grinned. Cheetara folded her arms and looked away from Lion-O. "I did this for us, Cheetara. I was hoping you would be in a better mood when we left the ball, but you weren't. However, I had it planned that we would leave after this event. While doing some traveling, looking for places to build cities a while back. I came upon this piece of land near the ocean. As of late, no one occupies this place. We're going to stay there until we work things out."

"Ha! We're never going to work things out. You're going to run out in the middle of the night to take care of duties as Lord of the Thundercats."

"No, I'm not. Snarf is taking care of everything. My schedule is clear and so is yours. Snarf has Pumyra taking your duties and Tygra will be taking care of mine. They will report to us when we get back." He paused before adding a smile. "You know, you're the one who said I should do something spontaneous. Well, I am."

"Doing something spontaneous requires you not to care what happens to your work," Cheetara corrected Lion-O.

Lion-O laughed a little. "I like to call it responsible spontaneity. I am ruler of Thundera. I can't shirk my responsibilities."

"Yes, I know," Cheetara said solemnly looking out the window. She knew he was right. He was Lord of the Thundercats. He had to protect the whole plant. That is a heavy burden. He couldn't shirk his duties for anyone, not even her. Otherwise millions of lives would be put in danger. Maybe it was his work that was taking his time away from her. Maybe she was being too hard on him. Maybe she should be a little more supportive. A little more understanding.

Lion-O reached out and turned Cheetara to face him. "But I'm also a husband, and I have been shirking those responsibilities, which I am terribly sorry about. I'm trying to make up for it, Cheetara. I'm trying to save this marriage, but there are two people in this. Two people have to come together and try to work this out. So far, I'm the only one who wants to work this out. You have to try too."

Cheetara soften when he apologize to her, but she pushed Lion-O away angry when he commented that she wasn't trying to save the marriage.

"I have been trying to save us! Why do you think I'm pretending to be the happy, perfect wife of the Lord of the Thundercats?!"

"You haven't been trying when we're not in the public eye."

"I have talked to you every night you out of the lair on business trips! Like I said before, you've only try to save us when I asked for a divorce!"

"That's when I realize that I was making a terrible mistake by avoiding you. That's when I realize there was trouble."

"That's when you realized there were trouble between us? When I asked for a divorce? We were in trouble before then Lion-O, and it's your fault. I'm not the one who deserted us. You did, Lion-O. Now you are paying the price of your mistake."

Lion-O was about to speak but Cheetara turned away from him. He just leaned back in his seat. He knew there was no use getting through her now. "It may be best that we don't talk until we get there."

"I told you not to talk to me until you want to tell me what your problem is." Cheetara pointed out.

The cheetah looked out the window again and crossed her leg--her right leg over her left one. Her right leg was bare all the way up to her mid-thigh. Lion-O looked at her. He stared at bare leg and worked up to her waist, her chest and up to her face. She was still looking out the window brewing over her anger at Lion-O. He wanted to tell her his problem, but now wasn't the time nor place. The lion thought about his talk with his father. Claudus told Lion-O to tell Cheetara. That she would understand. However, telling her would be the hardest thing to do according to Lion-O. How could he tell Cheetara that she is part of the problem of his distance towards her? Lion-O turned away from Cheetara and looked at the top of the limo. Eyes closed and letting out a sigh, Lion-O pulled off his black bow tie and unbuttoned two buttons at the top of his shirt.

At Lion-O's sigh, Cheetara looked at him in his black trousers and starched white shirt. She observed that she was still wearing his jacket. While he wasn't looking, she put her arms in his jacket. She thought it was nice that he gave her his jacket. The scent from his cologne was all over the jacket and the cheetah let the scent take her to happier times with Lion-O. Times when they were in love. She stared at the lion. He looked elegant, refined and so very attractive to the cheetah. The cheetah has always found him attractive, but she was so angry at him now. How dare he order where they were going without consulting her? She didn't even have the chance to say no. What was she going to do, spending who knows how long with Lion-O in the middle of nowhere. Suppose she have to talk to Tygra for advice. What were she to do?

Face it, Cheetara. You're on your own.

With that depressing note, Cheetara looked away from Lion-O again.

*****

Tygra searched all over the place for Lion-O and Cheetara. Where were they? They've been missing for an hour. If he only gotten away from his fan club sooner, he would've known where they went. Being as late as it was, people begin to disperse and go home for the night. Tygra spotted WilyKit and WilyKat talking to one of the elders. The twins left the elders and saw Tygra.

"Are you ready to go, Tygra? The rest of us are."

"Have you seen Lion-O and Cheetara?"

"I saw Lion-O. He told me that he and Cheetara were leaving." WilyKat answered.

"When did this happen?" Tygra asked, trying to keep his cool.

"About an hour and a half ago."

"Where did they go?"

Kat looked at the tiger as if that was a stupid question to ask. "Home. Where else would they go?"

"Why?"

"He said to say that one of them were ill. I assume he means Cheetara since he looked okay."

"I don't think either one were ill," Kit said. When Tygra asked why, WilyKit answered, "You saw them on the dance floor. They looked happy. I say they wanted to go home early to make up."

"Let's go now," Tygra said firmly.

"What about Pumyra?" WilyKat asked.

"Tell her to hurry and get her butt to the limo, and if she's not there in two minutes, we're leaving without her," Tygra growled angrily and marched off.

The twins looked at each other confused about the tiger's actions.

"What's his problem?" Kit asked.

"How should I know?" Kat asked. "Come on, let's get Pumyra before Tygra deserts us."

*****

"Cheetara, we're here," Lion-O whispered.

Cheetara awaken slowly. She looked up and saw Lion-O looking down on her. He got out of the limo and held his hand out to her. She refused and stepped out on her side. The chauffeur didn't see this since he was taking Lion-O and Cheetara's bag out of the limo's trunk. Lion-O took the bags and thanked the chauffeur. The driver went back in the limo and flew off. Cheetara looked around the land. The ocean view was incredible. If they were happy now, this would be a good getaway trip. There were palm trees, sandy ground and a small cottage. It looked like a small beach house. "If you said the land was deserted, why is there a cottage here?" Cheetara asked.

"I had it built. It's amazing how the construction workers got this done so quickly and two days before scheduled."

"You are Lord of the Thundercats. Whatever you say, goes," the cheetah commented drolly.

"Not always," Lion-O said taking their bags. "Come on. Let's go."

Cheetara followed Lion-O. When they entered the cottage, the cheetah was surprised. It was so modern, simple. It was like an ordinary home. A kitchen, a living room, a den, a bathroom, and a bedroom. There weren't any highly scientific equipment like the home she's been used to in Cat's Lair.

"This isn't what I expected," Cheetara said as she took a look around.

"I wanted something simple. No major communications, no alarms. Not a lot of technical equipment," Lion-O answered.

"What if someone attacks? How are we to know?"

"I do have the Sword of Omens with me. So if anyone attacks the lair or is preparing to attack us. We will know."

Cheetara walked around the rooms and Lion-O followed her. She continued to look at each room while Lion-O went into the bedroom to put their bags. He stepped out of the room and he went into the kitchen while Cheetara entered the bedroom. A moment later she stepped out.

"Lion-O, I see only one bedroom."

"That's because there is only one."

Cheetara folded her arms confused. "How are we to handle the sleeping arrangements?"

"Simple. We sleep in the same bed."

Cheetara shook her head. "No, no we're not. We haven't slept in the bed for weeks now."

"That's one of the problems as to why we aren't getting along."

"I'm not the one who decided not to sleep with me. That was you."

"I admit that, and I'm sorry."

"Sorry's not going to cut it. I'm taking the bed. You're taking the couch. We are not going to solve our problems by taking care of it in the bedroom. That's not going to help it."

"Maybe, but it could be a start." Lion-O said moving closer. Cheetara stepped back from him. She looked in his eyes and it excited her. His eyes had so much desire in it, so much love. It was clear that he wanted her. She has seen that look before. If times were different...

Cheetara was back to the wall, and not in the mood Lion-O was in. Lion-O was edging closer to her. The blonde cheetah shook her head at him. "Lion-O..." but that was all she could say before Lion-O planted his lips on hers. She protested, trying to push him away with her hands on his chest, but he grabbed both of them and transferred both of her wrists to his left hand. He kissed her thoroughly, passionately unlike like a husband but as a lover and seducer. She felt his hand running up her back. Cheetara felt pressed again the wall by Lion-O and she felt the jacket Lion-O was giving her, slipping off and landing on the floor. She had to stop them before they went too far. She was ready to give in to him, but her conscious stopped her.

No, Cheetara. Don't give in to him. Resist him. Your marriage can't be save by one night of passion. He has to tell you why he's avoiding you. He won't tell you if you make love to him now. He'll keep treating you the same way as he had before. Remember what Tygra said.

Using all the strength she had in her, she pushed Lion-O away from her. "Lion-O, no!"

Lion-O took a moment to recover. "I still want you, Cheetara," he said softly, still trying to control his breathing.

And she still wanted him, but she had to remain strong. "If there is a chance to save the marriage, then we cannot do it this way. It will only complicate things."

Lion-O stepped forward but Cheetara moved away from him. She shook her head and stepped away and head towards the bedroom. She locked the door. Lion-O, disappointed, put his left hand in his pocket and walked outside to feel the cool breeze against his body. Right now, besides Cheetara, that was what he needed the most.

*****

Tygra searched through the lair for Lion-O and Cheetara when he got back, but to no avail, he couldn't find them.

"Where are they?" Tygra grumbled.

"What's the big deal where they are, Tygra? They probably decided to stay out a little more before coming home. We'll see them in the morning," Pumyra said.

"No, you won't," Snarf said bumbling in the hall. He had two notepads in his hand.

"Why not, Snarf? Where are they?" Tygra asked losing his patience.

"They are out of town, spending some quality time together," Snarf said.

Tygra turned to WilyKat angry. "You told me Lion-O and Cheetara went home. Why did you lie to me?" He was nearly shouting at the younger Thundercat.

"I'm just telling you what Lion-O told me. Don't kill the messenger," the teen replied back.

"Snarf. Don't get mad at WilyKat, Tygra. Lion-O wanted this to be a secret. He probably told WilyKat that so he would tell anyone at the ball that in case someone ask where he and Cheetara went."

"Oh, that's good," Kit smiled. "Maybe they can work out their marriage now."

"No, it's not good!" Tygra shouted.

"Why not?" Pumyra asked.

Tygra calmed down a little. He didn't want the others to know. "Uh, suppose we are attacked. What about their duties? Who's going to take care of that?"

"Lion-O got it all worked out, Tygra. He has the Sword of Omens with him. If there's trouble, he would use the sword to fly he and Cheetara back here. As for their duties, you and Pumyra will be taking care of them," the snarf said giving Tygra and Pumyra each a notepad listing all they are responsible for.

Pumyra read her list over. "All right. This doesn't seem hard. Besides, I'll do what I can to help Cheetara and Lion-O save their marriage. Right, Tygra?"

"Right," he grumbled. "Snarf, did Lion-O mentioned where he was going?"

"No, he said it's somewhere away from here where they will have peace and quiet. Snarf. Snarf."

"And peace and quiet is what they will get," WilyKat confirmed.

The others agreed and went into their separate quarters. Tygra entered his room and shut the door.

"Blast that lion. I must find out where they are." the tiger sat on his bed. He begin brooding. If only he had telepathic powers, he could get to Cheetara or if Cheetara would only contact him and tell him where she is. He laid on his bed and waited and waited. After two hours of waiting, he knew she wasn't going to contact him that night. Maybe tomorrow. One can only hope.

Go to Part Seven

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