Her paw shook as she knocked hesitantly on her sister's door. She was afraid of what Bomba might think of her after all the lies Munkustrap had told her. The door swept open and Alcestis saw her sister for the first time in weeks. Bomba took one look at her and burst into tears.

'By the everlasting cat. Alcestis!' She flung her arms around the trembling queen, motioning her inside the safety of her den.

'Bomba… I… erm… oh.'

Bomba caught her sister just in time as her legs bucked under her.

'Can you help me?'

Alcestis thought she must be dying and going to heaven as the one voice she thought she would never hear again answered.

'Of course.'

'And She's going to be ok?'

Bomba Hissed. 'Macavity, I know you love her. But ask me that one more time and I swear I'll go out there and reveal you to the whole tribe!'

'Calm down! I'm just worried!... She is going to be fine though? And the kitten?'

'Mac…'

'Yes?'

'SHUT IT!' Bomba almost walked straight into Tugger as he entered her den. He gripped her shoulders firmly and pointed to her bed.

'Rest. Now!' Bomba tried to protest but Tugger scooped her up and placed her gently on her bed.

'You need to sleep. I'll look after Alcestis… And Macavity.' Bomba tried sitting up again but Tugger pushed her down firmly, looking at her determinedly. At last Bomba relaxed and Tugger left her to find his friend.

He found him crouched by the sleeping Alcestis, stroking her face gently. He saw two huge tears roll down his friend's face. Placing his paw carefully on Macavity's shoulder he stared down at the queens' expressionless face.

'She'll be fine Mac, just keep talking to her.'

'But then what?'

Tugger looked at the ginger tom puzzled.

'Pardon?'

'What happens when she wakes up? Munkustrap's already on the hunt for her and he's not going to believe the stories for long. Sooner or later he's going to find her and this whole thing will start all over again.'

Tugger was about to reply when Macavity jumped. He watched as Alcestis eyes fluttered open then grew wide as she saw Macavity. She opened her mouth to say something but he was kissing her before she had chance. The tears flowed then. All the feelings she had kept inside were released in that kiss.

Tugger cleared his throat awkwardly and the two cats separated.

'Well, now that we've all said… hello, I think we need to get Bomba and sort a few things out. Don't you?'

'I agree!' Bomba appeared from her bedroom rubbing her eyes before running to give her sister a massive hug.

'Let's get you to safety.'