Sun Mote Copse Why don't we just relax and turn on the radio? Would you like AM or FM?

Kiwi didn't make her wait. As her daughter strode toward her, Wildfire found it easy to smile at the yearling. She reached out to touch her nose to the girl's cheek. The Sovereign knew Kiwi probably felt some kind of way about her hookup with Eljay. But she'd shown up promptly, so whatever she thought of it, it didn't prevent her from coming when her mother called. Wildfire really appreciated that. It also corroborated the decision she'd made regarding Kiwi's station.

"I wanted to ask you something. As you're probably aware, Eljay and I did 'the deed'"—she didn't even have to make actual air quotes, it was all conveyed heavily in her tone—"and we'll most likely be expecting a litter come early spring. I think you're going to make a great big sister. But I have an even more important responsibility for you, if you're willing." She paused. "I know we talked about you becoming Regent when you turned a year. Well, you're an adult now and I'd like to ask you to step up sooner, as I'll need you to help run the show when the pups are born, as I'll be out of commission temporarily."

Wildfire stopped there to let Kiwi process, though she did tack on just one more thing: "I was thinking now, so we have plenty of time to prepare. But whether and when you accept the title is entirely up to you, Kiwi."