Bomba turned her face away as Alonzo reached towards her.

"Listen, Alonzo. I know it's hard but I don't love you. I never have" She brushed his hand away as he tried to stroke her cheek.

The domino coloured tom sighed.

"I know I will never be able to make you completely happy Bomba but, until next year, at least try to accept me."

Bomba kept her eyes focused on the floor as Alonzo place his hand hesitantly on her shoulder. He shook his head sadly and left the den he and Bomba had moved into.

As soon as he left, Bomba buried her head in her hands. This year was going to be a long and hard one; she knew what she had to do. She had been working it out in her mind for the past month. A way to get back at Demeter and a way she could maybe still be with Tugger. It could hurt her reputation and maybe hurt Tugger but she was desperate and was willing to give anything a try.

"Macavity!"

The ginger tom glanced up as Demeter entered his den. He looked round but saw he was alone, no-one to hide behind. She tickled him under the chin, smiling and sitting down beside him. Her smile turned to a frown when she saw how little effect it had on Macavity.

"Come on, Macavity! You used to love that!" She began to trace the patterns of his fur on his body but he pulled her hand away, walking over to the other side of the room.

"I'm not a kitten anymore, Dem and you need to grow up too."

She rushed up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Come on Macavity! You used to be so fun!"

He prised himself free of her determined grip and, gripping her wrists, he looked at her sternly. She looked so innocent; who knew such a scheming mind lay beneath such a beautiful exterior. Macavity could not deny that she was attractive but the strong feelings he had felt for her as a kitten were gone.

"Remember what you used to do for me?" She smiled smugly, pushing him up against the wall. He pushed her away, turning his back to her as he thought about how to reply.

In the month leading up to the ball, Macavity and Demeter had struck a deal. Macavity had seen how much Tugger hated not being able to see Bomba and he had thought of an idea. If Demeter would distract his father enough for Bomba to see Tugger, Macavity would do whatever she asked him.

At first the tasks hadn't been too difficult and Macavity's quiet nature lead him to complete them unnoticed. However Demeter had soon realised what power she held over Macavity and used it to her advantage. Soon the things he had to steal became worth more, the risk of being caught higher.

Macavity was broken from his thoughts by Demeter's soft voice in his ear.

"You do like me don't you Macavity?"

Macavity smiled in disbelief. as he realised what she was trying to do.

"You won't find my weakness Dem. I don't like any queen in that way, least of all you. I suggest you do your own dirty work for once and leave me be. You can't control me any more."

He thought he'd caught her out. There was nothing she could use to blackmail him since they were now allowed out of the den. However, the smile she gave him told him he was wrong.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, looking up at him with her golden eyes. Her expression tormented him as she forced him back against the wall.

"Shall I tell you a secret?"

Without waiting for a reply, she moved close to Macavity's ear.

"I'm pregnant."

She leaned away, searching his face for his reaction but finding none, continued.

"And, after all, I'm just a poor defenceless queen, powerless against such a strong tom." She threw some crocodile tears into her act before carrying on. "He threatened me, said he would hurt me if I told anyone."

Macavity stared at her. "You wouldn't!" She wouldn't sink that low, would she?

In reply she simply grinned.

"Now then, you will get me that necklace I saw won't you?"

The ginger tom nodded in defeat and Demeter smiled, satisfied before releasing him.

"You know, it would be much easier if you just did what I wanted you to. I don't like blackmailing you."

Macavity found himself hissing.

"Oh come off it Demeter! You know you love every second of it. All you want is control and I won't let you control me forever. One day you will be found out!"

Demeter shook her head, still smiling.

"Well then", she managed to plant a kiss firmly on his lips before Macavity pushed her away.

"I'll have to make the most of it, won't I?"

As she left she smiled back at Macavity.

"I've enjoyed this little chat, Macavity and I expect that necklace by tomorrow."

Tugger nodded in reply to Bomba's idea.

"It might work and, if it does, we might be able to meet out in the open."

The couple had met in a corner of the junkyard where cats rarely went, on top of an old sports car that had seen better days.

"Tugger, I'm desperate. I can't stand being with Alonzo and he's already getting quite friendly with that new queen."

"Cassandra?" Tugger didn't even attempt to hide the surprise in his voice.

Bomba rolled her eyes and Tugger, laughing, leaned in to kiss her.

As much as it upset her, Bomba turned her face so he only got her cheek. Tugger sat back, a hurt expression on his face. Bomba smiled wearily as she stroked his cheek.

"If we're going to do this, Tugger, we're going to do it properly."

Tugger returned the half hearted smile as they rose to leave. Bomba looked up in surprise as he gripped her hands tightly. She was even more surprised at what he said.

"Never forget that I love you Bomba."

The young queen didn't have time to think about what he meant before she found herself locked in his embrace.

"I'll never forget"