A little shiver of delight passed through Demeter's body when she remembered the events of last night. It had started the same, but Munkustrap had been more and more eager as the night went on. They has touched where Demeter had never let anyone touch before and made love.

She knew it was wrong. It was totally wrong. It was illegal.

And yet, she had enjoyed it. At the time, she had thought of nothing else. His comforting voice had reassured her that it would be okay, and that no one would ever know. Munkustrap could be so ignorant sometimes! He didn't realise that there might be a kitten. She but did.

What would the manor say if she became pregnant? She would be in disgrace, maybe even exiled. Demeter shuddered as she thought of what had become on many exiled cats. They had commited serious crimes, or let themselves be killed. She didn't even want to think of such a life.

It didn't make sense. Why did something that felt so good, actually be so bad? She wanted just to forget it, so that she could be happy in knowing that Munkustrap actually loved her that much. But that would be impossible. Especially now.

Maybe she could run away. Then she could start afresh in a new life and forget about Munkustrap. But it wouldn't be fair on him. She could tell that he actually loved her, and it would break his heart to leave without even telling him.

Demeter jumped as the sound of the church bells lilted into her quarters. It was time to go to Mass.

"For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever more. Amen."

Asparagus, the young priest, completed the Lord's prayer with pride, thus ending the service. Demeter stood up and walked over to where the commoners were talking. She went to Rumpleteazer:

"Good morning, Rumpleteazer. And how are you, my little man?" She bent down to talk to Rumpleteazer's small son, Tumblebrutus, who stuck his thumb in his mouth and buried his head in his mother's skirt. "Hello, Demeter," Rumpleteazer smiled. They had been best friends before Demeter went to work for the royal family, and were still very close. "How's it going?"

Demeter sighed. "I'm having difficulties. Can I talk to you in private?"

Rumpleteazer looked concerned. "The Prince giving you problems is he? Follow me, we'll go back to my house. Mungojerrie's out working at the moment, so we should have the house to ourselves."

She picked up Tumblebrutus and he stopped sucking his thumb long enough to give a little purr, before starting again. Demeter smiled weakly. "Unless you count Mr. Shy here." Rumpleteazer put her free hand into Demeter's and the two walked along the road together. There was an awkward silence between them that had never happened before, but would happen so much more in the near future. After what seemed like ages to Demeter, they arrived at the small house.

Demeter wrinkled up her nose as she went in; long ago, she hadn't even noticed it but compared to the palace it was a very strong smell. Rumpleteazer didn't notice, or was too kind to point it out. She lit a small fire and sat down, pulling Tumblebrutus onto her lap, and motioning for Demeter to join her.

"So, tell me everything." Demeter didn't even hesitate. "I think the Prince is in love with me." Rumpleteazer's mouth dropped open and, if possible, got lower and Demeter continued. "We've been seeing each other secretly for ages now. At night, when no one can find out. He really, really seems to like me and, last night, I slept with him." Rumpleteazer stared hard at Demeter, and when she spoke it wasn't in her normal voice. "You dunce! What a stupid thing to do! What if someone finds out? You'd be in disgrace! I could never be seen with you again!"

Demeter looked at the ground. "I don't know what I was doing. But I love him back, Rumpleteazer. I can't just leave him or anything. I don't know what to do!"

Rumpleteazer's voice returned to normal. "Well, the first thing would be not to tell anyone." She lowered her voice. "That is the most important thing of all. If anyone finds out about this who's got something against you, soon the whole manor would know.

"Also, talk to the Prince. Let him know your feelings about this. Tell him that there will probably be a kitten, and he should stop being a buffoon and realise that."

Demeter managed a weak smile. "It sounds so easy when you say it like that. I wish it were."

Rumpleteazer put her arm around her. "Tell you what: why don't you stay here for lunch? It'll relax you a bit. Tell the Prince that you're having the afternoon off. If he really loves you, he'll do that."

Demeter stood up, looking more confident that she felt. "Okay. See you later..."

Unknown to the cats inside the house, another cat was listening outside, hidden in the shadow thrown by the house, careful not to let any sunlight fall on itself. As the door opened, it slipped out of sight around the back and paused.

"'Keep it a secret'!" it smirked. "Hah! Not if I have anything to do with it. Don't worry, Demeter, your secret is safe with me. For the time being, anyway..."

After spending the day at Rumpleteazer's, Demeter went back to the castle. Darkness had nearly fallen, and Demeter went back to her chamber without being questioned as to why she was out so late. Munkustrap had promised to make sure that no one found out she was having the day off.

She fell upon her bed and just lay there for a few minutes. Today had calmed her a lot. Rumpleteazer - and Mungojerrie - had been very sympathetic towards her and encouraged her. She felt less sure now that she would become pregnant.

The door connected her room to Munkustrap's quietly opened after the servants went out after blowing out the candles. She sat up on the bed and watched him beckon her in. She hesitated a moment; she had a wierd feeling in her stomach warning her against this, but she went after him.

It was a much nicer place than Demeter's room. Elaborate tapestries hung on the walls and his bed was bigger. Big enough for two.

Munkustrap was standing near the bed. She went over to him and kissed his cheek. He smiled.

"How was your day off?" he asked her, between more kisses. Demeter didn't reply for a while: her heart had taken over her brain and she allowed him to cover her in kisses. He stopped and Demeter tuned back to reality.

"I visited an old friend!" she laughed softly and Munkustrap looked adoringly at her. Demeter smiled almost coyly back and he cupped her chin in his hand. He brought it closer to his lips and they kissed again. Demeter put her arms around his neck and they collapsed onto the bed.

"What did you do?" she asked him, after they could sit up again. He grinned, almost mischievously.

"I told them I was feeling a little unwell and that you were treating me." His grin widened. "Then, I went out for a walk and I met a really nice maiden. I couldn't help but notice she looked a lot like you. Different colours of course, but a very pretty maid. She said that she wanted to become my Lady-in-Waiting after we talked for a bit. I'll admit that I almost accepted, but then I remembered you!"

Demeter nearly scowled, but smiled as if she was interested. She knew that he was trying to say it as a joke, but she also knew that Munkustrap never lied to those he cared for. And he definately cared for her.

Demeter suddenly felt a surge of unexpected anger. Munkustrap had called the maid 'pretty'. He had never once said that about her. Attractive, yes, but not pretty, or even beautiful. And he had forgotten about her when she had asked him to 'take her on', as it were. She could invision this maid in her mind: a tall, striking girl who could twist anyone around her little finger.

Munkustrap leant forwards to kiss her again, but Demeter conspicuously turned her face away. She got out of his bed and pretended to yawn. She didn't notice Munkustrap's concerned face or the door silently shut completely. She simply walked out of his room without saying a word and went to her own bed.

Just before Munkustrap fell asleep, he heard a sound coming from her room. Although he didn't realise it, could it be the sobbing of a girl who's heart had been broken?