That night, everybody in the duchy heard that the Baron of Greystone had died in his sleep. The corpse were no signs of violence, but it seemed terrified going by its expression.
Zil woke up the next day not knowing about what occurred during the night. Snowball was already sitting there on his bed, purring happily like before.
"Good morning, Snowball," said Zil gently to her as he scratched behind the cat's ear. "You're always with me."
The purring grew louder now and those cold violet eyes narrowed slightly.
He did not mention anything if indeed he noticed that faint smell of ozone hanging about in the air.
The morning sun filtered through the ornate windows of Zil's bedroom, gliding the edges of the chaotic mess he called "organized living." Clothes were draped haphazardly over the back of a chair, books stacked perilously high on his desk, and a half-empty teacup sat on the windowstill, forgotten and quietly judging him.
Standing in front of his mirror, Zil frowned at his reflection. His dark hair was it's usual rebellious mess, sticking out in every direction like he'd just been struck by lightning. His violet-blue eyes were striking, sure, but the dark circles underneath screamed, This duke hasn't slept properly in weeks. His robe, an elegant blend of lavender and deep blue, hung loosely on his slim frame. It made him look like he was about to attend a poetry recital, not rule over a duchy.
"Wow," (Zil said, staring at himself). "If looks could kill, I'd still be alive. Barely."
A soft meow interrupted his self-loathing. He turned to see Snowball perched on his dresser, her pristine white fur practically glowing in the sunlight. She stretched lazily, her violet eyes narrowing in judgment.
"Good morning to you too, Your majesty," (Zil muttered, bowing dramatically). "I trust your royal breakfast was to you liking?"
Snowball blinked slowly, the universal cat signal for, ( *You're beneath me, mortal).
Before Zil could launch into his usual one-sided banter with his feline overlord, there was a knock at the door. A servant peeked in, his expression somewhere between nervous and terrified.
"Your Grace," (the servant began, bowing so low his nose nearly touched the floor).
"I...I regret to inform you that the Baron of Greystone... has passed."
Zil froze. "Passed? As in... dead?"
(The servant nodded grimly)
"Oh no." (Zil groaned, rubbing his temples). "Let me guess: no wounds, no signs of struggle, just a look on his face like he saw something absolutely horrifying?"
(The servant's eyes widened). "Y-Yes, Your Grace. How did you know?"
Zil sighed, throwing a pointed look at Snowball, who was now grooming her paw with an air of complete indifference. "Just a lucky guess."
(The servant hesitated). "Should I summon the council to discuss this... unusual pattern?"
"No, let's not," (Zil said quickly, holding up a hand). "The last thing I need is a room full of nobles accusing me of using forbidden magic. Again." He glanced at Snowball, who had hopped down from the dresser and was now curling up on Zil's bed like she owned the place. Which, to be fair, she probably did.
"Besides, I have a feeling this one was an internal matter."
The servant looked confused but wisely decided not to ask questions. He bowed and left, leaving Zil alone with his silent fluffy assasin.
"Alright, Snowball," (Zil said, flopping onto the bed beside her). "Spill. What happened this time? Did he insult me? Try to overthrow me? Refuse to acknowledge your divine beauty?"
Snowball yawned, flashing her sharp little teeth, then gave him a look that clearly said, (*You don't need to know).
"Of course." (Zil threw an arm over his face, groaning). "You're the terrifying shadow ruler of this duchy, and I'm just the guy who signs the paperwork."
Snowball purred, the sound and soothing, but there was an undeniable smugness in it.
"You're going to get me killed," (Zil muttered, turning his head to look at her).
"One of these days, someone's going to figure out it's not me taking out my enemies, and then what? You'll just waltz off to the next clueless noble and leave me to deal with the fallout?"
Snowball flicked her tail, as if to say, (*Obviously).
(Zil sighed). "I don't know why I keep you around."
Snowball meowed softly, nuzzling her head against his arm.
"Yeah, yeah, I love you too, (Zil said, rolling his eyes), "But for the record, if I end up on trial for sorcery because of you, I'm not sharing my snacks in prison."
Snowball's purring grew louder, and for a moment, Zil thought he saw a glimmer of something almost mischievous in her violet eyes.
Zil dramatically fell on his bed with a loud noise and spread his arms like this /.\ at the top and left side of a stage character. His majesty, now seated on the pillow, saw everything but pretended otherwise – hence his cold gaze, full of pet's discontentment.
"Look at these scratches Snowball", (Zil covered his eyes with an arm). "Did you even try to make it appear like it was unintentional this time?"
Snowball moved her tail sideways - meaning she did not knoywhat to do / this was beyond her!.
"I am serious," said Zil looking through / out of the opening near his elbow.
"Wasn't the Earl of Redhaven harmless? He had nothing about orchids more than about me."
In response, Snowball inclined her head slightly with a spark in those violet spheres.
"...He offended me, right?" (Zil arose pointing at her with an extended index finger).
Snowball yawned lazily and stretched itself - just as comfortable not proving either way hehehe.
"You are incredible," (muttered Zil hiding face in palms). "Soon people will start telling scary stories about me. The Shadow Duke is what they call me, Snowball! The Shadow Duke! Don't you understand how much pressure I face considering that I cannot light up anything using magic?"