Leafstar walked to her den with Billystorm following her. She felt so excited this was the moment. The words her ancestors had said came back to her. Seize the moment. This was a moment that Leafstar would not lose. She sat down and Billystorm did the same.
"Is there anyting you wish to discuss Leafstar?" Billystorm asked.
"I wanted to ask…" Leafstar took a big breath. "I wanted to ask if you would like to become my mate. I know there have been tensions between the daylight-warriors, but Frecklepaw is going to start to train with Echosong, and I want this Clan together, not apart. I also love you more than any other cat…" Leafstar trailed off.
Billystorm looked at her with warmth in his gaze. "I've been expecting this," he meowed cheerfully. In a softer voice, he added, "And I approve."
"But what will the Clan think of it?" Leafstar asked hesitantly.
"It is your decision, not the Clan's. Sharpclaw will be a great leader in your stead," Billystorm assured her. "Our kits will be strong and brave, loyal to SkyClan."
"But…"
"No "buts" Leafstar. It isn't the Clan's place to argue. They will still trust you, and it may even bring the Clan closer together." Leafstar's eyes sparkled, glittering with happiness.
"I know, Billystorm. I trust Sharpclaw, and the Clan too." Leafstar's heart was jumping. She looked Billystorm in the eye, and found nothing but love. She intertwined her tail with Billystorm's and their muzzles touched. At last came the moment Leafstar had waited so long for!
Suddenly Sharpclaw raced into Leafstar's den.
"What in the world are you doing? Our territory is being attacked by dogs, and you stand there mooning over a ki-daylight-warrior!" Leafstar broke away instantly.
"Sharpclaw! Have you supervised the attack party? The defense?"
"Yes." Sharpclaw flicked his tail in annoyance. "You and Billystorm can be on defense with me. I've sent most of the Clan on attack."
"Thank you Sharpclaw. Can I talk with you after this battle?" Leafstar asked.
"Okay. Oh look! There they are!" Sharp indicated. Leafstar spotted nost of the Clan warriors coming back, triumphant, and without a single scratch on them.
"We chased them away!" Tinycloud announced. "They just ran after we hissed at those mangy dogs!"
"Congratulations," Leafstar purred, sharing a glance with Billystorm. "Sharpclaw," She whispered, "Can we talk now?"
"What?" Sharpclaw asked when they had reached Leafstar's den.
"I want Billystorm to be my mate, and I want you to be ready to take over leader duties when I need to move to the nursery. Patchfoot will be deputy. "
"But..."
"Do you have any complaints about me and Billystorm mating? If you do, don't nome them because I am not changing my decision," Leafstar spat.
"I don't have any complaints," Sharpclaw said, alarmed at Leafstar's ferociousness. "I was merely thinking if I was ready or not." Leafstar relaxed.
"Don't worry, Sharpclaw. You will do fine."
"Thanks, Leafstar. I will try my best." Leafstar let out a mrrow of laughter.
"You worry too much, Sharpclaw. I'm not close to living in the nursery, and you will only have to do duties for about six moons, maybe a little more, as I will return to being leader the moment my kits can come off of milk." Sharpclaw looked relieved.
"Thank goodness. I want to be leader, yet I am really afraid that I will do something wrong." Leafstar sighed. She had thought her deputy was a ambitious cat, but she had just realized that he shared any other cat's worries.