Dance with the Devil

by The Marvelous Mad Madam Mim

Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight? Have you ever felt her lips, hot as hell's own flames, pressing against your skin?

10. Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

"Today's the day," Alonzo took a deep breath, trying to force a cheerful tone into his voice.

"Yep," Admetus attempted a smile and failed miserably. Both were sickened by their master's newest adventure.

"Kinda strange, innit?" Alonzo shook his head. "I always thought she'd end up with Tugger."

"I don't think neither Bombalurina nor Tugger had a say in the matter," Admetus replied quietly.

"I suppose you're right," Alonzo agreed.

"I should have known," Admetus said with a sad shake of his head. "The moment she stepped out of that litter—I should have recognized the look in his eyes. I should have warned her, I should have tried to save her from herself."

There was a thoughtful pause. Finally, Alonzo offered helpfully, "Well, if it's any consolation, I think Old D truly does love her."

"Of course he does," Admetus replied. "But soon he'll fall in love with another, just like he always does."

Alonzo gave a slight chuckle, "I think you're underestimating our little red queen, Addie. Bomba isn't your average cat—she's more than capable of taking on Deuteronomy."

Admetus had to smile in agreement—whenever her temper got the best of her, Bomba could become the fiercest opponent, and even Deuteronomy had to bow to her terrible wrath. But she was still so naïve. There were still many things Admetus longed to tell her, to warn her about, but now it was too late—once Bomba became the Queen of the Jellicle, her relationship with Admetus would change. The open and honest exchange between them would become a guarded play of words, with Admetus holding his breath at every moment, lest a casual comment spell his doom.

"I guess it doesn't matter anyways," Admetus gave a sigh. "It's too late now."

~*~

Bomba sat before her mirror one last time. Soon she would be leaving for the ceremony. Afterwards, her new life with Deuteronomy would begin; she would move to the eastern corner, away from Coricopat and Demeter. In a matter of hours, her entire life would change once more.

And yet something within her relished the change—life with Deuteronomy would bring freedom. She could go about the yard as she pleased, could walk among the other Jellicles, not as an equal, but at their Queen, to be revered and adored by all. She would be surrounded by cats who loved her and only wished her well—cats without agendas, like Demeter and Cassandra. Things would be simpler, and more harmonious because of its simplicity.

Truth be told, Bombalurina was nothing like her older sister. Unlike Demeter, she did not relish in intrigues and power plays. She held no dreams of ruling a tribe or controlling the fates of hapless victims. She merely wanted to be loved, to be provided for, to be happy and carefree. Life with Deuteronomy promised all this—and despite her fiercest objections, Bomba could no longer fight the allure of safety and peace.

She knew how much pain and grief her decision had caused, but sacrifice came with every decision in life, and in the end she knew it was a sacrifice worth making.

"Are we ready?" Jellylorum's soft voice shook Bomba from her thoughts. The red queen turned to smile at the calico.

"Almost."

"Here," Jellylorum moved quickly to the dresser, taking up the ornately decorated collar and wrapping around Bomba's neck. "Let me help."

Bombalurina felt uncomfortable around the calico queen—ever since her arrival, Bomba had felt Jellylorum's anger towards her, although she couldn't understand it. After a lifetime spent with Demeter, Bomba knew to be instantly wary of anyone who seemed too friendly. There was always a catch to such generosity, a motive behind every smile.

"Th-thank you," Bombalurina stood up and nervously moved away from Jellylorum. The calico queen gave a dry smile.

"You move to the eastern corner today." It was a statement, not a question.

"Yes."

"I wouldn't get too comfortable if I were you." Jellylorum replied in a nonchalant tone. "Deuteronomy doesn't keep his toys for very long."

"I take it you are speaking from personal experience?" Bomba asked innocently, but there was ice behind her dark eyes. She could sense the impending storm in Jellylorum's warning.

Jellylorum gave a dry chuckle, "Deuteronomy was right. You do have claws. But you will need more than your wit to keep his attention—the Jellicle Leader is a cat of passing fancies."

Bomba was instantly infuriated at the comment, but she wisely kept her temper in check—a grand feat for someone with her volatile disposition. She simply stepped forward, her tone low and threatening, "I am not just some passing fancy. I am his Queen, the future mother of his kits—a role you will never fill."

A thought dawned upon the red queen; she studied Jellylorum with renewed interest, her voice as calm and calculating as stone, "That's it, isn't it? That is why you hate me—because Deuteronomy wanted to have me as his Queen from the moment he saw me, while after years of toying with your emotions, he has never offered you such a thing."

"What makes you think he never asked me?" Jellylorum countered, her tone low and serious as well.

The corner of Bomba's red lips curled into a sardonic grin, "Because if he had, you would be his Queen. I know a thousand felines like you—power mad, thirsty for control. You would have leaped at such a chance—that is, if he had cared for you enough to wed you."

"Ah, how bold it is," Jellylorum shook her head with another wry smile. "I wonder, will you be so haughty when he sends you back here—back to the Harem, to live out the remainder of your life in shame and bitterness?"

"I find it strange that you should be so bold to speak so blithely to your superiors," Bombalurina rose to her full height, towering over the calico queen. Her voice was soft, filled with amusement, for she knew that she had the upper hand, "I will forgive your forwardness this time, Felinestine, but this shall be the last."

Jellylorum seemed shocked by Bomba's sudden display of authority, but she knew the red queen was right—after today, Jellylorum would no longer be allowed to speak to the Queen of the Jellicles in such a demeaning tone.

"I am not as vengeful as Demeter," Bomba assured her. "But you should not count me as a witless kit, either. That would be a grave mistake."

With that, the red queen calmly rose to her feet and left the Harem.

Jellylorum stared after her, a mixture of shock and amusement on her clever face. Then she burst into laughter. Bombalurina was certainly a feisty little thing—which would make it so much more fun when Jellylorum finally tore her down.

~*~

"We've got to do something," Demeter informed Macavity. "We have to stop this—before Bombalurina becomes his mate."

Although Demeter had known all along that this day would come, now that it was here, her conscience was screaming for her to save her sister from the impending disaster that would follow her plans. Ever since the announcement of Deuteronomy and Bombalurina's engagement, Demeter's mind had turned in endless circles, both berating and congratulating her success. Bomba was a necessary victim, but that did not ease the pain in Demeter's heart when she thought of how things would end.

"We cannot undo what has been done," Macavity replied philosophically. "Besides, if they are married, this will only strengthen our case. Despite his feckless nature, Deuteronomy cannot bring himself to break a vow. We shall use Bombalurina's marriage to our advantage."

"And how, pray tell, are we going to use my sister against Deuteronomy?" Demeter asked. In truth she knew, but this was just another part of her plan—she had to make Macavity feel that he was in charge, that he was calling the shots. Toms are so much easier to manipulate when they think they are in control.

"Well, Deuteronomy is in love with Bombalurina," Macavity began. He couldn't help but add, "And, as far as I can tell, the feeling's mutual."

Demeter gave a light snarl of warning. She did not like any mention of Deuteronomy's hold over her sister.

"Take a look at her face next time she's around him," Macavity countered. "You'll see. She might be good at hiding a lot of things, but nothing can stop her face from lighting up when he enters the room."

Demeter knew she could not argue with him. She took a deep breath, "So what do we do?"

"You want to make him suffer, don't you? You want him to know how it feels to lose a loved one, right?"

"I'm not killing Bomba."

"No, no. That would be too simple. Deuteronomy would grieve and be over it within a week. What I'm suggesting is a little more painful," Macavity smiled.

Demeter gave a confused look, "I don't follow."

"What is more painful than watching the one you love fall in love with someone else?"

Suddenly Demeter understood. This was even better than her own plan! "We let him have her, then we steal her back. But who do you have in mind? The Rum Tum Tugger?"

Macavity chuckled, "Tugger is too inconstant. No, we need someone who will actually fall in love with Bombalurina—someone who would convince her to leave Old Deuteronomy."

Demeter was thoughtful, "I don't know of anyone—not even Coricopat could do such a thing."

Macavity gave another grin, "I have just the tom in mind."

~*~

"Please step forward," a very large cat by the name of Bustopher Jones commanded in a deep voice that resonated through the yard.

Bombalurina stepped forward, swallowing nervously. Her stomach was practically doing backflips.

"Do you swear to denounce all other ties, embracing only the way and the law of the Jellicle Tribe, pledging fealty to Deuteronomy as your lord and mate?" Bustopher asked solemnly, his yellow eyes focusing keenly on the red queen.

"I do," Bomba could barely force the words out. Her legs were shaking and she could hardly breathe. She couldn't believe that she was finally here—forsaking her birthright, abandoning her bloodline before the entire world. It was at once wonderful and terrible, a declaration of liberation and damnation. Never had she been so afraid.

Bustopher Jones turned to the Tribal Elders, who were seated behind him, "And do you, Great Jellicles, accept this feline's appeal for acceptance into the Tribe?"

"We do," Jennyanydots replied solemnly. "And we absolve her of all acts committed against the Wondrous Jellicle, granting her clemency and freedom as a true member of the Tribe."

The crowd cheered heartily, although this acceptance came as no surprise to anyone. It was merely a formality that had to be observed before the Kitteni queen could wed the Jellicle Leader.

Now Bombalurina was swept into a dizzying whirlpool of Jellicles as they cheered and hugged her, pushing her forward to the grand tire, where Deuteronomy patiently waited for his bride. The ceremony was performed once more by Bustopher Jones, and within a matter of minutes, the two cats were linked unconditionally by eternal vows. Bombalurina then took the solemn Oath of Sovereignty, swearing to aid Deuteronomy in his rule and to treat all her subjects with equality and benevolence. She was declared the Right Paw and Royal Consort to the Most High Leader Deuteronomy. Again, the crowd erupted into shouts of delight, and a celebration was declared in honor of the auspicious occasion.

It took every ounce of Jellylorum's well-honed self-control to keep the calico queen from murdering the smug little bitch on the spot. Here was this simpering idiot of a cat—a mere kit!—taking the crown and title of the Great Jellicle, after all of Jellylorum's hard work! The fact that Bombalurina would never use that power to its full extent caused the Felinestine Queen even more agony—to have the power of the crown and not even use it seemed like the greatest travesty of all.

"If she has kittens, then all our plans will be in vain," Cassandra reminded the calico queen gently. "Her offspring's bloodline will trump Munkustrap's—if she has a son, then all of Deuteronomy's other children will be thrust from the throne."

"Not exactly," Jellylorum countered. She was still staring darkly at the red queen, who was completely oblivious to their plans. "The kits will have to survive to adulthood first—and who's to say that Deuteronomy will be around long enough to protect them? Besides, I know him all too well. He'll have Bombalurina declare an annulment of Heritage Rights."

"A what?" Cassandra had never heard of such a thing before. Unlike Jellylorum, she was not of royal blood, so matters such as bloodlines and birthrights did not concern her.

"An annulment of Heritage Rights is simply a declaration giving up the supremacy of your bloodline," Jellylorum explained. "If Bomba annuls her children's Heritage, then she is voiding their birthright to the throne."

"Which means her kittens would not be able to contest for the crown," Cassandra surmised. "And Munkustrap is safe and sound, happily installed as Jellicle Leader."

"Exactly," Jellylorum gave a sardonic smile. She shook her head—Deuteronomy's craftiness impressed her at times. It was the only quality about him that had made their affair worthwhile.

"But would Bombalurina do such a thing?" Cass asked skeptically.

"Oh my dear," Jellylorum gave a disgusted frown at the red queen. "In a heart beat. She is nothing like her sister."

~*~

"And now, ladies and gentlemen," Munkustrap raised his paws over his head, garnering everyone's attention. "It is time for the couple to dance their first waltz as mates."

Deuteronomy gently led Bombalurina to the center of the floor. There was a light spatter of applause.

"The piece has been composed by our very own Rum Tum Tugger," Munku announced grandly. "I give you Midsummer's Serenade."

The music began—beautiful, soulful, filled with overpowering emotion coupled with a light and airy delicacy. Even if Munku had not announced the composer, Bombalurina would have known that it was Tugger's work. No one else could write music so stirring.

Bombalurina looked around—she suddenly realized that she had not seen Tugger all day, "Where is Tugger? Why didn't he present the waltz himself?"

"He did not feel like attending today," Deuteronomy replied simply. "He was indisposed."

In reality, he was curled up in the arms of Rumpleteaser, trying to forget the fact that his father had taken the only queen who had incited within him anything more than passing fancy. He had not wished to compose the music—not for his father and the queen he would have chosen for his own mate—but Deuteronomy had forced him to.

"Oh," was all that Bombalurina could find to say. She was instantly saddened by Tugger's absence, and at the same time, she felt quite guilty for thinking about him while she danced with the cat who had become her mate less than an hour earlier.

"How does it feel to be the Queen of the Jellicle?" Deuteronomy asked, quickly changing the subject.

"Terrifying," Bomba admitted with a smile. "But I think I shall like it."

"You think so?" Deuteronomy leaned forward with a playful smile, kissing the queen lightly on the mouth. Her stomach flip-flopped and her eyelids fluttered.

"I know I will," she corrected in a low tone, grinning up at him with unrestrained adoration.

"Before we adjourn to the eastern corner," Deuteronomy traced the outline of the white patch on her chest. "There is one more thing we must do."

"What's that?"

"There's one more oath you must take—just another formality that must be observed. It really isn't anything, but for the sake of tradition, it must be done."

Bombalurina instantly knew that it was indeed, an important matter, despite Deuteronomy's profuse assurances that it was not. But she was wise enough to play dumb, "Anything for you, my dear one."

"It's just a simple annulment of Heritage Rights," Deuteronomy said nonchalantly.

Bomba stiffened at the words. She knew all too well what a bloodline annulment would mean for her kittens—they would be robbed of their birthright, abandoned to the winds of time and chance without any secure future. She took a deep breath as she stared into Deuteronomy's dark eyes—he knew that she understood the importance of the act, and now he was testing her loyalty. She felt a slight twinge of anger at the thought that they had been together for less than a day and he already doubted her.

The fate of her future offspring lay in the balance. The act would be yet another denouncement of her own bloodline, of her sovereign right as a Kitteni princess. But within that betrayal lay peace and protection, a life unspoiled by murderous plots and courtly intrigue.

So, like her mother before her, Bombalurina chose to survive. She offered a lukewarm smile, "As you wish, my lord."

~*~

"Would you like to dance?" Munkustrap offered a silver paw to Demeter.

The black and gold queen's head snapped up; she was jolted from her thoughts by the sound of his voice. She quickly recovered with a tight smile, "I would love to."

Demeter had spent the entire ceremony with her teeth gritted and her lips pressed into a thin line, clenching and unclenching her fists to keep from screaming in protest of such injustice. It irked her very soul to see Deuteronomy lay claim to the last stronghold that Demeter had—her little sister, her innocent accomplice in this wicked intrigue, the victim of her subtle schemes.

She hadn't spoken to Bombalurina since the night of the engagement. She knew she should, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She wanted to tell Bomba everything—about Grizabella's murder, Victoria's birth, and Deuteronomy's role in this macabre play—but she knew that it would ruin everything. She would have to explain why she didn't tell Bombalurina all of this; she would have to admit to using the red queen as a decoy for Deuteronomy. Demeter wasn't sure that Bomba would forgive her for that.

As Munkustrap led her across the floor, Demeter watched her sister, who was cooing and nuzzling with Old Deuteronomy. He whispered something in her ear, and she threw back her head with a pretty laugh. Macavity's words reverberated in her mind, Nothing can stop her face from lighting up when he enters the room.

He was right. Bombalurina really was in love with the Jellicle Leader. How could Bomba have let this happen?

Better yet—how could I have let this happen? Demeter asked herself. She stared morosely at her sister's shining face, Why didn't I see it before? Why didn't I stop it? Why didn't I realize how vulnerable she is—I should never have used her in my plans! I should have known she was too young, too innocent for such things—and now she is trapped by my own schemes!

"It must be hard, letting her go," Munkustrap commented softly, bringing Demeter back into reality again.

"Yes," she admitted quietly. "It is."

"I can only imagine how heartbroken you must feel," Munku sympathized. "It is not easy, to leave your home and your tribe, and then to lose your last link with your old life."

"It was not my choice," Demeter reminded him.

"But you mustn't think that you do not have friends," Munkustrap said gently. "You have gained a tie with the royal house that cannot be undone."

Demeter instinctively knew that Munku was not referring to the tie between Bomba and Deuteronomy. She stared up at him, her jade eyes calculating once again the worth of such a tom in her endeavors. Unlike Macavity, Munkustrap could not discern the true meaning behind her gaze—he simply thought she was confused by his comment.

"You are not alone," he reassured her softly.

Demeter simply laid her head on his chest, allowing him to move her smoothly across the floor, like water in the moonlight. In Munkustrap she had found a wondrous ally indeed—his affection for her would cause him to overlook some of her darker deeds, and his general reputation for uprightness and integrity would ensure that no one would suspect him in any of her plans. Despite the loss of her sister, Demeter felt that the night was a triumph, for she had gained a valuable tool in her betrayal.

~*~

The morning sun warmed her shoulder as it seeped through a hole in the canvas ceiling. Bombalurina took a deep, contented breath and turned her face to the golden light. For the first time in a very long time, she felt happy.

She glanced over at Deuteronomy who was sleeping peacefully, a soft smile on his face. She grinned at the thought that this same face would greet her every morning for years to come. It filled her with an overwhelming sense of security, and for Bombalurina, that was the same as happiness.

She sat up, gently moving around Deuteronomy's sleeping form and exiting the den. The birds twittered in the early morning air and the whole world suddenly seemed like a new and enchanting place.

"And how was your first night in the eastern corner?"

Bombalurina turned to see the Rum Tum Tugger, who was stretched across the branch of a nearby tree—an action that for some reason reminded Bomba of the infamous Cheshire cat.

"We missed you at the ceremony yesterday," she gave a warm smile. She would not answer his question.

"I bet you did," Tugger replied.

"It was a very lovely song," Bomba said gently, taking another step towards him.

"I wrote it for you."

"I know."

"No, you don't know," Tugger shot back, leaping from his perch and landing easily on his feet. "I wrote it for you, not for your wedding. I wrote it the night of Cetty's Ball, the night we danced together. My father insisted that it be played at the ceremony."

"Oh," Bomba said quietly. That certainly changed things.

"I'm sure you can understand why I didn't attend—the thought of seeing you dance with my father to the song I composed for you was too much for me," Tugger's voice could not hide the hurt he felt.

"I…I didn't know," Bomba replied slowly, her heart sinking at the thought of the pain she had caused.

"I know you didn't," Tugger said softly. He knew that Bomba was innocent in the matter, but Deuteronomy was not—his father had used the song as a way of punishing Tugger for messing with his intended paramour. Midnight Serenade had been the embodiment of his emotions for Bombalurina—the softness of her voice, the brilliance of her dark eyes, the beauty of her pale face, the smooth, fluid motion of her body as she moved with him across the floor. Deuteronomy had stolen this, stolen Bomba, and had thrown it in his face. It was a warning, a reminder for Tugger not to challenge his father, especially when it came to the red queen's affections.

"Well," Bomba took a deep breath, trying to dispel all the unspoken feelings that now seemed to fill the air. "Perhaps we could be friends?"

"Friends?" Tugger seemed confused by the word. The idea of having a female in his life for anything other than sex seemed preposterous.

"I am your mother, after all," Bomba reminded him. "Even if only by marriage. Shouldn't a cat be able to share anything with his mother?"

"I suppose you're right," Tugger grinned in agreement. He had never been on good terms with any of his previous stepmothers, but Bombalurina was definitely an exception worth making. He offered his paw in a pleasant fashion, "Friends it is."

~*~

The days passed with little notice. Demeter began spending more and more time with Munkustrap—walking around the yard, deep in conversation as they stole sheepish glances at each other.

"It is good to see them getting along so well," Deuteronomy commented one day. "They would make a good pair, I think."

Bombalurina did not reply. She knew her sister too well—the sparkle in Demeter's green eyes was not the look of love, but the cold glint of her steely machinations. Demeter had a use for the poor tom, and Bomba shuddered to think what it might be. She was only glad that she was no longer a part of such things.

She was the only one who knew of Demeter's liaison with Macavity, and despite her general distrust of the gingertom, it was a secret that Bomba would take to her grave. She may not approve or want in part in her sister's grand schemes, but Bomba would die before she ever betrayed Demeter. It was at once her greatest strength and her greatest weakness.

Admetus continued to keep a watchful eye on Bombalurina—in part because he was still concerned for her, and also because Deuteronomy had ordered him to do so. The Jellicle Leader was no fool; he was well aware of how beautiful (and at times naïve) his newest mate was. The jealous part of Deuteronomy wanted to keep her to himself, to hide her from the rest of world, but he knew that was impossible, so he contented himself with having her every move monitored. If she was ever unfaithful, he would know about it, and would exact revenge on the guilty parties.

Now Deuteronomy's ideas about Bomba's fidelity were not applied to his own lifestyle. And while he truly did love her, it was not enough to change the nature of the beast. He still sought out other queens, although most of them were one-night stands from outside the Tribe—he didn't want to hurt Bomba; he knew taking a mistress, especially one from within the Tribe, would destroy the red queen's last ounce of pride. She had given up so much for him, he could give up the simple pleasure of a steady mistress—so long as he was allowed the occasional cavort with complete strangers.

If Bombalurina knew about this, she was very good at hiding it. She seemed completely entranced by the old maine coon; she was never without a smile. In truth, she was well aware of her mate's dalliances, but in the end he always came back to her, and that was what mattered. His devotion to her kept her from a life of exile, gave her freedom and comfort. The sadness she felt whenever he came home smelling of another queen was a small price to pay in exchange for the lifestyle he gave her. So she simply turned a blind eye and acted as if all was right in the world.

While Admetus may have pitied the red queen, Jellylorum secretly rejoiced at their marital woes. Like any good predator, Jellylorum sensed the weakness—she was like a shark, and she smelled blood in the water. She knew that Deuteronomy was straying from his marriage bed, and she also knew that he had not yet taken up a mistress, which meant her old spot as queen of the roost was still open.

On this particular day, Deuteronomy was sitting alone on the tire, staring wistfully across the yard. For once, Bombalurina was not at his side, and Jellylorum gave a small smile of satisfaction—this would be even easier without that little red tramp in the way.

"Hello, D," Jellylorum purred, moving around Deuteronomy, her claws gently tracing his back. "Long time, no see. I was beginning to think you were dead."

Deuteronomy chuckled at the joke. "I'll never die, Jellylorum. You know that."

The calico queen merely smirked at the comment. Apparently she disagreed, but she was too smart to say so. "Where's that pretty little mate of yours?"

"Out."

"And she left you all alone?" Jellylorum pretended to pout. "How sad."

"Well now I have you for company."

They both grinned at that. Deuteronomy suddenly remembered why Jellylorum had been his favorite for the past five years. She was a dark soul, capable of some wicked things, but she understood him like no other. Bombalurina refused to believe in Deuteronomy's dark side, but Jellylorum embraced it.

"I have missed you," he admitted in a low tone.

Jellylorum stepped in, her body dangerously close to his, "I've missed you, too."

There was an electric-filled silence between them. Deuteronomy could tell what Jellylorum was thinking, "I can't."

"Yes you can," Jellylorum replied softly. "And you will. It's only a matter of time—I know you, Deuteronomy."

"Bombalurina would be so hurt."

"Not if she doesn't know."

The last comment made Deuteronomy pause. Jellylorum grinned wickedly. She knew she had him—hook, line and sinker. It was no longer a question of if, but when.

~*~

"Deuteronomy's having an affair." Tantomile stated, her eyes glazed over as her mind traveled across space and time.

Demeter immediately sat up at the statement, "What?"

"Well, he hasn't had it yet," Tanto corrected. "But he's going to."

"With whom?"

Tantomile made an uneasy face. It was obvious that she knew the answer, but she didn't want to say. Something inside of Demeter didn't want to know.

"It doesn't matter," Demeter decided suddenly. She stood up. Something had to be done, "I'm going to see Macavity."

~*~

"We are back on course, gypsy," Jellylorum announced with a smug smile as she leapt onto the carhood beside Cassandra.

"Really?" Cass seemed shocked. "Only a few months, and he's tired of his new toy?"

"Apparently so."

"I honestly thought she'd last longer than that."

"So did I," Jellylorum admitted. "But it has worked to our advantage, has it not?"

Demeter walked across the yard. When she saw the two queens chatting amiably, she stopped and shot Jellylorum the darkest of looks. Then she stalked away without a single word.

"She knows," Cassandra said in a low tone.

"Ya think?" Jellylorum gave a sarcastic snort. "It doesn't matter—she can't do anything about it."

Cassandra simply watched the black and gold queen's retreating form. She wasn't so sure about that.

~*~

"He disgraced my mother, and now he's making a mockery of my sister!" Demeter fumed. She pounded her fist on the table, "I will not stand for this!"

Macavity merely watched her with an amused expression. He found it endearing that she could be so passionate over such a slight. After all, infidelity was not such a big thing—especially for Old Deuteronomy.

"I thought this was a way in, a way to get him, and now he's tossed her aside like yesterday's news," Demeter growled. Macavity suddenly understood the real reason for her anger—it wasn't about Bomba's disgrace, it was about Demeter losing her hold once again.

"Don't worry," he assured her. "Deuteronomy still loves her, I know it. You should see the tabs he keeps on her—he's deathly afraid of losing your sister to someone else. Trust me, when she does leave him, he will crumble."

"How do you know she'll ever leave?"

"Oh, she will," Macavity smiled. "I know this tom too well."

"Well, who is this mystery tom?" Demeter demanded. "Ages ago, you swore that you had found the perfect cat to foil Bombalurina's affections, and I have yet to see him—you won't even tell me his name! Where is he?"

"He has been abroad," Macavity replied coolly. He was unaffected by Demeter's humor. "But never fear—for it just so happens that he is returning today."

~*~

Alonzo moved forward, "Announcing, after a long sojourn abroad, his royal majesty, Pouncival Pawtilius of the House of the Jellicle!"

The crowd erupted into feverish cheers. As the youngest legitimate son of Deuteronomy, Pouncival was as beloved as his older brothers. He was smart, handsome, good-natured, and kind to those in need. If he ever contested Munkustrap's claim to the throne, it would have been a hard decision. But Pouncival, for all his charms, held no illusions of grandeur.

The young tom smiled warmly at the crowd, waving and giving a slight nod of acknowledgement. This caused them to cry even louder.

He bounded up to the tire in three easy steps, bowing graciously before Deuteronomy, "Father, I have returned."

"So I see," Deuteronomy beamed with pride. He could see how the cats loved his youngest son—Pouncival would be a great asset to the Council of Elders, whenever he was old enough.

At that moment, Pouncival looked up and saw Bombalurina. Their eyes met and lightning flashed. He gave a small, crooked, breathless smile. She felt the blood rush to her cheeks.

"And who is this beautiful feline?" Pounce asked softly, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Bombalurina." She answered, her voice little more than a whisper as her heart pounded in her chest.

"A beautiful name, to match a beautiful face," Pounce surmised with another smile.

"She is your new mother," Deuteronomy said. There was a warning, a hint of steel in his tone that no one but Bomba and Pouncival noticed.

"Ah," Pounce stepped back, slightly disheartened by the news. "I see."

"It is our hope that you will come to see us as a friend, rather than just another stepmother," Bombalurina offered a kind smile. Pouncival's face immediately brightened in response.

From her position beside Munkustrap, Demeter watched the entire exchange with fascinated eyes. She did not look across the yard for Macavity's face—she knew he was not there. Macavity was not an exile, but he was not a welcome guest of the Jellicle Tribe, either. It seemed that some dark deeds committed in his past had kept the rest of the Tribe from welcoming him with anything less than fear and suspicion. Demeter didn't know what he had done, and Macavity refused to talk about it. Since the origin of his ostracization was not crucial to Demeter's plans, she had simply let the matter go.

But the accuracy of his prediction amazed her—Pouncival was indeed the perfect tom to steal Bobmalurina's affections, for even now the two cats were casting glances at each other from the corner of their eyes. Demeter's chest swelled with pride. Macavity had done well. Very well.

~*~

Demeter wasn't the only cat who noticed the heightened interest between Bombalurina and Pouncival—Jellylorum was all too aware of this as well. She was filled with a wicked sense of glee at the thought of how easy it would be to win back Deuteronomy—once Bomba's youthful affections strayed from her mate, the Jellicle Leader would come running back into Jellylorum's arms.

Cassandra had noticed as well, for she quietly commented, "Our youngest Prince seems to be quite taken with his new mother."

"Yes, he does," Jellylorum smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. She was too busy scheming now. "I just hope it doesn't take too long for him to act on it."

"He is his father's son," Cass reminded her. "It shouldn't be too long."

The two queens glanced back at Pouncival, who was still staring at Bombalurina. The red queen looked up, noticed his gaze, blushed profusely and dropped her dark eyes again. A soft smile played at the corners of her mouth.

Jellylorum gave a curt nod of agreement, "It shouldn't be too long at all."

~*~

"How did you know?" Demeter asked in a low tone. "How did you know that my sister would fall so passionately for your half-brother?"

She and Macavity were curled up in the rafters of an abandoned factory—the Hidden Paw's headquarters. The full moon shone strongly through the dirty window panes, bathing the walls in an odd white hue. It was the coldest, quietest place in London. Somehow, it suited the two lovers perfectly.

Macavity gave a wicked grin. "Because I worked a spell over both of them. The best way to be certain of such things is to do it yourself. I couldn't use Tugger, because Bombalurina had already met him. The spell only works on two strangers. I knew Pouncival would be returning soon, and he is already much like his father—it was all too easy to ensure they found mutual attraction."

Demeter simply stared at the gingertom. She did not understand his dark arts, nor how he had the power to make two souls fall in love, but she certainly appreciated his gifts. She smiled, "You are brilliant, you know that?"

"So I've been told," Macavity replied nonchalantly.

"What do we do next?"

"Nothing. We let the spell run its course—it's all up to them now."