14
It was not. Rarelyshould a cat consume anything derived from milk. Still, a dollop of cream and a mildly upset stomach did not deter Pippin from joining us on the grand tour. Misty, after hearing that he would be present, declined to go.
Pippin pranced around the courtyard as Lady Huntington droned on about the bear fountain. Crown Prince Bennett stood in rapt attention, though my focus was not so unwavering.
“This fountain was carved fifty years ago by a distant relative who was a well-known artist in his time. Completely by hand, not with magic like some...newer artists are doing these recent months.”
Pippin hissed playfully at the marble bear. Lady Huntington coughed.
“I don’t know if you have heard of him, Your Highness, but his name was Hugo Valiant Huntington the Third, and he was known for his life-like sculptures of bears, especially black bears...”
I frowned at Crown Prince Bennett’s broad back. He never mentioned having a cat before yesterday and I had never seen Pippin during all my time at the palace.
Pippin.
The cat paid no attention, pawing at the weeds underneath the lip of the fountain.
Pippin!I thought harder.
He rolled onto his back.Yes, yes. I hear you. What is it?
Are you really the crown prince’s cat?
Of course I am!He looked affronted.Why do you ask?
He tried to feed you bread.
So?Pippin said.He spoils me with variety.
I narrowed my eyes.How long has he had you?
Pippin made a little noise that sounded like a huff.Long enough. I don’t believe that’s any of your business.
What do you know about him?
He’s the crown prince. He’s big and warm and gives the best kisses. Don’t you already know that?
The crown prince kissing anything, much less a cat, was a difficult image to conjure. I held back a sigh. Pippin was clearly a loyal pet. I’d have to find another way to weasel out what His Highness was hiding.
“Lady Narcissa?”
I jerked my attention back to Lady Huntington and Isabelle, who were both staring at me haughtily. “Pardon?”
“Mama was asking if you were familiar with Pierre Mullgren,” Isabelle said. She seemed convinced I didn’t. Little did she know, Mother drilled me endlessly on volumes of “ladylike” knowledge, art included.
“I believe Mr. Mullgren was the first to experiment with bold pigments in his paintings after they were made available in Olderea,” I recited. I felt the crown prince’s eyes turn to me. “Instead of the rustic color palette typical of Olderean portraits, he used vibrant teals and oranges, inspiring an artistic movement that lasted for decades.”
“Very impressive, Lady Narcissa,” Lady Huntington said, raising her thinly penciled brows. “I hope you’re just as knowledgeable in matters of the kingdom.”
I dipped my head. “When I am committed, milady, I do my best inalldisciplines.”
She gave me a calculating look, but gave a sudden gasp. “Heavens! The grass has just been watered and trimmed!”
