29
Iwoke the next morningto Misty pawing at my face.
“What is it?” I grumbled.
Oh, she speaks!Misty sat on my chest, looking grumpier than usual.Would you like to explain why you’ve been ignoring me for the past day and a half?
I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. My vision focused, though I couldn’t see beyond Misty’s furry form.
“I have not been ignoring you.” I picked her off my chest and sat up.
Don’t try to deny it, Misty meowed, licking her paw.I know you’ve been busy kissing your betrothed, but I highly doubt he’ll be half the companion I am.
Thoughts of kissing Bennett flooded into my mind despite myself. I pinched my arm, hard. Misty gave an unimpressed meow.
“Now, now,” I said, petting Misty in her favorite spots to ease her. “So you’ve been in this room for too long. Let’s go for a walk.”
Misty evaded my hand.I’d prefer feline company today, if you please. Take me to Pippin.
I was going to agree, but realized that the tabby was with Bennett. Knocking on his door first thing in the morning certainly wasn’t keeping him at arm’s length. “Maybe later. Pippin is probably still sleeping.”
Misty meowed in displeasure, but I pulled her into my arms, burying my face into her fur. “Alright! I haven’t been attentive, but I’ll make it up to you today. Promise!”
I won’t forgive you so easily, she said, but made no move to wriggle out of the hug.
After making sure Misty had something to eat, I broke my own fast in a small sitting room down the hall. Misty joined me shortly after and we descended the myriad of stairs to take a stroll around the opera house. The staff were running about, busy preparing for Celeste’s second performance tonight.
So this Celeste woman is a rebel?Misty asked, walking along the banister.
I had recounted everything that had happened to her, from the king’s arrival to the hidden messages.
“The messages were on the fliers she signed,” I said quietly so my words wouldn’t echo. “Whether she was the one who wrote them is unclear.”
Misty flicked her tail and stopped to sniff a potted plant. She nibbled on a leaf, then spat it out.I hope to be there when whoever is behind it gets arrested. I’m in dire need of some excitement.
Ulysses had yet to come with news about another event scheduled and Bennett was busy with King Maximus, which meant I had the entire day to myself. I had forgotten how carefree it was with just Misty and me. We hadn’t been alone for this long since the tour began.
After a morning of exploring the halls and an afternoon of playing with quills and lazing about in every available patch of sunlight, I took Misty outside for one last evening stroll. The air was refreshingly crisp. A gaggle of citizens had already gathered before the steps of the opera house with their tickets, waiting to be admitted.
I made sure to stay out of sight behind the hedges and pillars, as I didn’t have any guards. I wasn’t sure what the Alevine crowd would do if they saw me.
