The cat meowed in a voice far deeper than Misty’s, squirming in my arm’s length hold.
What’s your name?I thought to him.And where did you come from?
Didn’t you just hear? It’s Pippin,the tabby cat replied.As for where I come from? Don’t be daft. My mother’s womb, of course!
***
WHEN WE RETURNED, CROWNPrince Bennett claimed to have unfinished paperwork and disappeared to his room.
Ulysses went to the kitchens to drop off the melons, leaving me with Serena to show me back. She gave me and Pippin a sidelong glance, a tortured expression on her face. She gave no additional comment about Miss Isabelle’s aversion to animals, however, and left promptly after I entered the common room I shared with the crown prince.
I set Pippin down. He began exploring eagerly.
“This is your home for now,” I said, putting my hands on my hips. “I sincerely hope you are house trained.”
Of course, of course, Pippin said, peering underneath the couch in the center of the room. He jumped back abruptly.Say! Who are you?
Misty slunk out from beneath, groggy from her nap. But when she caught sight of Pippin, she hissed and bolted behind my legs.
You actually got a ginger tabby to replace me!she yowled.
I knelt to stroke her head. “I did nothing of the sort! This is Pippin. He’s...the crown prince’s cat.”
Pippin’s tail stood upright as he strode toward Misty.Has anyone told you what a stunning creature you are?
Misty bristled. I spread my skirts to keep her back. She didn’t have the best history with the males of her species. I was secretly glad of it. I’d rather her stay with me than go off with some tomcat.
Before Misty could throw a fit, the crown prince’s door opened with a loud creak.
Giselle walked out. Her eyes widened. “Narcissa! I didn’t know you would be in here.” She shut the door quickly, pulling her braid over her shoulder.
“I live here. Why are you here?” I asked.
“Er, right. I was just...taking His Highness’s measurements.”
“Was he not doing paperwork?”
“Of course, but I had to interrupt him. Lady Huntington is hosting a ball next week.”
That sounds like fun, Pippin said, the tip of his tail curling.Will there be music? And fish?
“Aw!” Giselle cooed when she noticed the new feline. “This must be Pippin,” she said, kneeling down to pet him.
“You know him?” I said incredulously.
“Of course. He’s His Highness’s cat.”
I looked blankly at the top of Giselle’s head. How did I miss that the crown prince had a cat?
Giselle sighed loudly. “Well, I have a load of sewing to do,” she said as she jumped up. “See you later.”
“You don’t need to take my measurements?” I asked when she was halfway through the door.
“Unless you’ve grown two feet taller in the past day, no. Besides, I already have something special in the works for you.” With a wink, the witch skipped out into the hall, whistling an off-key tune.
***
THE NEXT MORNING, Imade sure Misty was properly fed before going down to breakfast. Pippin was nowhere to be seen. He most likely wandered off to explore the abbey further. I only hoped he wouldn’t bump into Isabelle, lest she damaged my ears with another one of her screams.
