Ashenhurst's Estate.
Percy William, one of the many knights being trained under Duke Gilbert's wings, as a newcomer he was assigned as Knight of Leonore's palace under the Knight Commander Rueben.
Having a generous and humble personality, it didn't take him long to make friends with the other guards, that adored him for being so young and diligent.
As the sky turned darker, one of the knights, who was knows as Cray, snuck a couple of wine and whispered to his peers " I brought a little something to make this patrol less unbearable"
Percy wanted to remind them of rules but Cray already opened the bottle and the knights gathered to take their share.
A few of them were hesitant.
"you know we're not supposed to drink while on duty. If the Captain finds out, we'll be in serious trouble"
Cray rolled his eyes "Relax, Edwin. A little sip won't hurt. Besides, who are we kidding? Guarding Princess Leonore is a joke. She's not worth the effort."
"Cray has a point. She hasn't even debuted yet, and her reputation is already in the gutter. People say she's more trouble than she's worth" Marcus added taking the flask.
"We can't just disregard our duty because we don't like who we're guarding" Even though Percy said that he know what they are saying was true.
Cray let out a bitter laugh " Duty, schmooty. We're wasting our time. Leonore is spoiled, arrogant, and downright cruel. Remember when she slapped Princess Sophia just because she brushed past her "
"Yep, After that Princess Sophia became severely ill" Agreed lucas "now she is in the same state, serves her right" He muttered the last part.
"And when she whipped a maid just because of disagreement with the Duke"
"She even killed all of Princess Sophia's pets out of envy and conspired to drown her too. She hardly escape death that time"
"Unlike her Princess Sophia is just like an Angel"
And that started another trail of narrations.
Percy has heard all of those rumours about Leonore and her cruel act. He can't help but agree that this job was unworthy, but was entrusted by Rueben. It was his very first assignment.
He knew how seperate his own judgement from his duty.
He looked over the mysterious and cruel princess chamber that was as quiet as cemetery. It appeared like a pit of hell.
There were also rumours that one will burn if they set foot in that room.
There was no sign of life there. Since last few weeks, Only the head maid was allowed inside her chamber.
He wondered if Princess was even there. But he shook his head from useless thought.
Percy declined the tempting offer and stayed sober for his friends who finished the drink and bitching about the worthless princess and went back to their designated stations to carry their duty for the rest of the night.
Unaware of dark shadow looming over them with a very pleased smile stretched on his face.
_____________________*_______________________
"What do you think, Denise?" inquired Gilbert as he lifted his gaze from the documents and reclined comfortably in his chair. "Was it truly an accidental fire, or was it arson?"
The elderly Denise adjusted his spectacles. "My lord, accidents do happen, but in the case of Lord Winchester, I harbor doubts."
"Winchester was providing me with information, but beyond that, he was entangled in numerous treasonous activities," the Duke added. "It is not surprising that he attracted attention."
"Arson is not the primary concern here, Your Grace," Denise replied, his eyes darkening. "The manner in which it was executed, so seamlessly, is indeed noteworthy."
Gilbert and Denise shared the same knowing look.
"The documents already had been taken care of, there is nothing you need to be worried about my Lord" Denise said " But there are few things that may demand your attention my Lord"
"And that would be? "
"The Duchess have received letter from father dominic about the ill health of Lord Henry" Denise said
"How is that any of my concern Denise? "
" Oh, right" Denise acknowledged his mistake " We need to bring him back to the estate before he gets out of his coma my Lord"
"Do so" Gilbert said expecting Denise to leave but he stays there still.
"Is there anything else to report? "
"Oh, yes. It's just, there are rumors going around"
"Don't heed them"
"The Crown Prince has adopted a Cat"
Gilbert ears perked at it. He repeated " A cat.. ? "
Denise nodded. "It might merely be speculation, my lord, but as cats are extinct in this empire—"
"But not shape-shifters," Gilbert interjected. "Their initial transformation is into a tiny kitten. I am sure that is Leonore, somehow found by the crown prince. She survived the first phase successfully because the agony of a large human body contorting into a small animal is excruciating. "
"Indeed, my lord," Denise concurred. "However, even if Princess Leonore has successfully survived that initial phase, there is a significant risk that she may suffer from post-transformation amnesia, which is highly concerning." Denise's brows furrowed as he continued, "This adds to our troubles, for she cannot transform back unless she is properly guided, my lord."
Gilbert sighed and walked to the window. The never-waning moon shone as brightly as ever.
"The real trouble is far greater, Denise. He must have already sensed her dark mana," Gilbert said, his eyes reflecting his inner turmoil. "It is going to be arduous to contend with that beast."
Denise's face stiffened at the statement. He understood the immense weight those words carried.
"He has grown to be quite troublesome, has he not, Denise?" remarked Gilbert.
Denise agreed with a nod, his eyes heavily resting on the Duke's shadowed figure. A crest of a snake was intricately embroidered on the Duke's back, and Denise couldn't shake away the bitter feeling swirling in his stomach.
He dismissed his thoughts and took his leave with a deep bow.
Gilbert let out a sigh as Denise departed. "You must guard your emotions more carefully, Denise. Such visible vulnerability is " Gilbert said ".....unbecoming."
________________*_____________
What do you think, which one?"
There were several formal attires that the servants held up, each one more extravagant than the last. Niveus, our celestial Crown Prince, was preparing for an important meeting with his ministers. Or at least, that's what I'd overheard while lounging atop the fireplace mantel, observing the whole spectacle.
He glanced up at me, those royal blue eyes locking onto mine. Oh no, he was talking to me!?
"Why are you asking a cat for fashion advice? Think about your reputation, falling from celestial prince to cat-talker lunatic. Even though you already look like one, have some self-respect," That was a rant for being taken straight to see his face so early in the morning.
Despite my silent sass, I couldn't resist hopping down and weaving my way through the lineup of servants holding an array of magnificent attires. Golden embroidery, silks, and velvets—it was all so excessively lavish. Adjusting to this royal lifestyle was still a bit of a stretch for a kitten like me.
I pawed at one particularly grand suit, and Niveus, rolling his perfect eyes, remarked, "You want me to look like you. Is it that you are my pet or the other way around?"
"The way you follow me around, nobody doubts the later" I retorted silently, blowing on my nails with a smug flick of my tail.
It was almost as if he understood me. His princely demeanor faltered, eyes narrowing in mild offense. Truth hurts, buddy. Especially when it's delivered with feline flair.
Ignoring the drama, I decided it was a perfect day for a little frolic in the garden. I made a beeline for the window, the idea of rolling around in the grass without the burden of royal expectations was just too tempting. Niveus could fuss over his wardrobe all he wanted.
Yea, at least that's what I planned before I found myself plopped into a carriage, the lush palace grounds disappearing from view.
"Miss Kitten seems quite excited to be traveling," Ashton, sitting across from me, commented in a pathetic attempt to break the tension.
"Are you blind?" I growled, fixing him with a glare that made a bead of sweat roll down his forehead.
"See," he chuckled awkwardly, trying to cover his obvious discomfort.
I let out an exaggerated sigh before melting on my seat. I already felt exhausted from the heat and the collar around my neck was fueling it. I fumbled trying to get rid of, it was made of silky silver ribbon with a blue gem attached on the front.
I gave him a side glare but he didn't even bothered. Annoyingly he wore the same black suit with golden embroidery that I chose for him.
Geez, he already behaving like a devoted pet own.
'So annoying, You just wait till I run away. ' I grumbled settling beside him.
Niveus had decided I needed to be introduced to his people, some nonsense about avoiding rumors.
This is what Niveus heard when Ashton requested him to send me back to the western forests.
I really felt it was just an excuse to carry me around like mad rich lady showing off her newly brought branded purse.
Niveus had that tendency and I am sure about it because he is not the type to care about rumors, he never did. He is too lazy to even bat an eye at people who he considered lowlives.
The wagon rattled harshly on the pebbled road. No wonder the female lead hated this; it was like being bounced around inside a drum.
"Come here," Niveus patted his lap, looking down at me with his head resting on his hand, the sunlight casting a celestial glow on his features.
I jumped into Sir Ashton's lap instead, purring contentedly.
"Ahahaha, I think she likes me better, Your Highness," Ashton beamed, clearly pleased with himself. Men are so simple. Just a little bit of attention and they melt like Marshmellow. Just few minutes ago this guy was bitching about me.
I rolled my eyes and licked my paws, ignoring the princely glare directed our way.
"She is just pissed at me," Niveus muttered, snapping his fingers to summon a piece of roasted chicken from who-knows-where. He dangled it in front of me, pretending to eat it. How childish.
I turned away, causing an internal crisis for the Crown Prince. Ashton's amusement doubled.
"Oh, she seems to be interested in me," Ashton cooed, as I batted his hand with a cute look. He rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a small piece of cookie. I eyed it skeptically—hygiene wasn't exactly Ashton's strong suit—but seeing Niveus's annoyed face, I decided I could digest anything, even plastics at this point.
I nibbled on the treat, which wasn't half bad, and purred out a thank you, earning a delighted squee from Ashton.
Niveus huffed in the corner, and I couldn't help but think: Mission accomplished.
Feeling myself lifted from Ashton's lap, I was deposited onto Niveus's, Before I could protest, his fingers deftly pried open my mouth, disgorging the remnants of Ashton's cookies
"You just surpassed the limit of pettiness" I growled
He didn't even bother to hide the fact and carried on to threatening a mere kitten "Should you attempt to move, rest assured, I myself will throw both you and that idiot beneath the hooves of those horses,"
Before I could retaliate, a succulent piece of roasted chicken was thrust into my mouth, effectively silencing any further protest. With a patronizing pat on the head, Niveus settled back into his customary pose, an air of nonchalance masking the turmoil beneath.
Ashton, having wisely distanced himself from the unfolding absurdity, if he scooted anymore further he will be out of the wagon. Decided feigning innocence as if he was just a mere spectator of the drama.
----------------------- ...
In a dusty, barren landscape, under the scorching sun, Pudgi, the plump blue pigeon, and Dumbdum, the rat with eyes gleaming with newly found determination, stood on the side of the road.
Dumbdum clutched a makeshift bag woven from grass, while Pudgi sported a tiny purse around his neck, filled with precious seeds for their journey.
As they waited, a rumbling wagon thundered past, its wheels kicking up clouds of dust that engulfed them, leaving them coughing and wheezing in its wake.
After the dust settled down and their face finally emerged through it,
Pidgi smacked Dumbdum head scolding him for coming up with such a stupid plan before cursing himself for following it.
The rat watched his feathery friend flap his wings as he rubbed his empty head.
Pudgi took off into the sky. Dumbdum, dazed, watched his friend circle before swooping down to grab him firmly, and they flew off together on their adventure.
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