Doubt

Birds chirped noisily overhead as Cherrywillow emerged from the warriors' den, her green eyes vibrant with life.

Honestly, she belonged to the morning time. Dawn greeted her with the gentle caress of the sun's warmth, filling her with an energy that made her feel like a kit again.
That just makes me feel old, she thought, crossly flicking her tail as she bounded toward the leader's den.

"Lilystar?" she called softly, and was met with silence.
As the deputy, she should have gone in to wake him...but her empathy settled in first. He's exhausted, of course. I can manage morning patrols without him; I'm the deputy, for StarClan's sake!

A gentle snore coming from the den made her snort quietly in amusement. Honestly...he should have been enjoying his days as a young warrior with little but his daily duties to worry about. Not stuck as the clan's leader so young, making his bones so weary in such a youthful time.

Yet, she had to let him have it; there were no misgivings about his leadership, in her mind. Even the day he'd been chosen over her, a more seasoned warrior - she couldn't honestly admit that she'd felt any distaste toward him. She saw in him what Adderstar had, regardless of the rest of the clan's thoughts; he had a willpower within him mightier than any she'd seen before. To entrust that will with the clan's future was necessary, even if it cost Lilystar his youth.

He's saved us, even if he won't think of it that way, she thought. Would I have been able to make the strides he has? Would my clan have still been standing today, with full bellies and happy spirits? She sat herself down, musing over it somewhat miserably. And to be chosen deputy...

"Cherrywillow," a voice spoke, slurred with exhaustion.
She turned her head, watching Lilystar stretch and seat himself beside her with a brief meeting of their eyes. "How long have you been waiting?"

No, she told herself, he wouldn't have chosen me if he didn't think I had potential as a leader. If that willpower sees a fire within me...I must ignite it, and bring it to fruition.

"Not long at all, Lilystar. Shall we?"

"Do you even have to ask?"

It has to blaze brighter than any ambition before it!