Snippet #2182880

“KITTY!” Puss had barely made it through the door and into the hall with Rachelle before little Isabella was upon him, and the aging cat could do little more than laugh good naturedly and pat the little girl affectionately on the back.

“Yez yez, I saw zis. Where is zis lady?” Puss asked before Jude and Carlos came walking up with the woman in question. Now that she was up close, Puss recognized those features. The height, the face, the color of her eyes, Puss knew exactly who it was who stood before him. The princess of Spindlewas may not have recalled seeing him, but puss was always lurking in the shadows, keeping a watchful eye whenever they had visited Spindlewas, or when Ruffdor and his family visited Mewhaven.

Puss listened in silence as Princess Mornalee made her plea to him for his aid, and barely suppressed his lip from upturning in disgust when she made to offer him money like a common mercenary. The girl had much to learn. Once she had finished speaking, Puss gently disentangled himself from Isabelle and cleared his throat as he took a step out.

“Ze ozer kingdoms did no stand by and watch so much as weighed zier options Mademoiselle. Wars bring ruin and disease, and costs a fortune, and no ruler in zier right mind would choose to fight such a war against ze Empire unless ze country itself was threatened. Ze Emperor 'ates Ogres. It is easier to rationalize zat 'is 'atred and opportunity motivated him to kill Ruffdor, and zat 'e will not attack ozers, zan get involved with a potentially unnecessary war. If you wish to sway ozer kingdom to your cause, you will need to give specific reasons why zey should get involved. Ask yourself how zis will benefit zem before you speak. Zat advice I give you free.” Puss lectured as he adjusted his hat and began circling Mornalee.

“I am a very rich cat mademoiselle, and I have no need of your silver. If you wish to bargain such a price for aid, there are always mercenaries and wizards for hire on Dancleir. Go zere if you wish to peddle such a price.” His spine was stiff and his gaze haughty as he spoke, and he stopped his pacing once he was in front of her once more.

“To ‘ave a princess owe a debt to Mew’aven ‘owever, zat is a price I would work for.” Puss finished, his gaze softening with an arched brow.

“So it’s her then? She’s finally come?” Rachelle asked with a soft smile gracing her lips. Puss made a soft humming sound in agreement before turning his head to one of the guards.

“Philip, go retrieved our ozer guests, I believe zey will be very pleased to meet our newest arrival.” Puss commanded, and the guard dashed off to do the cat’s bidding.