Chapter Four
Dovewing's P.O.V:
"Ivypool," I whispered in a trembling voice. "I need to speak to you." The sun had finally set and the Clan was settling down as the last bits of dusk faded into black. The place I had called home for so long suddenly seemed strange and sinister. I felt like a stranger to myself. Everything had changed so quickly…
Ivypool's eyes glistened in concern, as they had since that morning after border patrol. "Okay," she murmured. She stood up and stepped away from the fresh-kill pile. We padded toward the entrance tunnel and Brackenfur, who was on watch, gave us a questioning look.
"Where are you two going?" he asked curiously.
"We're going hunting," Ivypool responded cheerfully. I tried to look excited.
"Good luck," Brackenfur said. "StarClan knows we can't have too much fresh-kill."
After we got through the tunnel, Ivypool's cheerful expression died away. She knew this was serious. We walked in silence until we reached the heart of the territory. We found a great oak tree and sat down by its gnarled roots. I stared down at my shivering paws, feeling Ivypool's eyes, but refusing to meet them. Fear gripped my chest like claws. I felt as if I could hardly breathe. What was I going to say? She knew about Tigerheart, but this…this was something entirely different.
"Dovewing, please," Ivypool burst out after a moment. "Please, tell me what's wrong. I can't bear seeing you like this." Her voice was pleading. "You're my sister. You can tell me anything."
My heart skipped a beat as I finally met her gaze. I felt yet another kick in my stomach that seemed to be encouraging me. I took a deep, shaky breath and said, "Ivypool, I think I'm expecting." Another kick. "Ivypool, I…I'm having kits." I looked away.
There was a pause and then Ivypool was suddenly pressed against me, her tail draped over my shoulders. "Oh, Dovewing!" she breathed. "You must be so scared."
"I am," I admitted. "I'm terrified."
"Are they…Are they his?"
"Yes, they're Tigerheart's kits," I answered.
"Are you going to tell him?"
I thought of his eyes, his bright amber eyes. "Yes, of course I will," I meowed firmly. "He has a right to know." Even if he doesn't love me. Even if he doesn't care for the kits.
"You're right," Ivypool agreed softly.
"What will I tell the Clan?" My voice shrunk.
"Queens don't have to reveal their mates," my sister reminded me gently. "ThunderClan is under a great deal of pressure. Revealing your secret will help no one." I flinched, guilt seeping through me. She went on, "But what will help our Clan are kits that will grow to be strong warriors."
"You're right," I breathed.
"They will be beautiful kits, you know," she purred softly.
Broad shoulders, tabby striped, and amber eyes ran through my mind. "Yes," I realized, pride trickling through me. For the first time, my fear began to shrink slightly. "They will."