Snippet #2771916

Kosovo had long mastered the act of playing the casual civilian. Nellie was envious of his projected coolness, as she sought to do the same. Not a moment passed that she did not want to look backwards over her shoulder, or to speed up and get out of the public view. The young cheetah had to force herself to slow down, walk measured steps, and wear a mask of ease. It wasn't likely that she would be recognized, of course. The only beasts who had seen her helping His Highness the Prince were those sentries on the bridge, and the odds that they would encounter them again were remote. So she brushed down her skirt, adjusted her hat, and pushed on with a forced jauntiness.

As with other times of turmoil in the city, beasts of all classes that could afford to do so were making their way for the train station. It didn't matter whether it was the threat of plague or the threat of invasion, the collective reasoning was that the countryside was safer than remaining in the capitol. When it came to passing the checkpoint set up in front of the terminus, Kosovo and company would easily be able to squeeze through in the press. Luckily, they still had their two return tickets for the 4:10; it would be impossible to purchase new ones with the station in such a tumult.

In the crowd of the platform, Kosovo took the small risk of addressing his companions openly once they caught up. "Alright, your Highness. Take this ticket, it will get you to Draxton. Nellie will accompany you," Kosovo explained as he handed over his pass, using his other paw to stifle Nellie's inevitable objection. "Nellie, take the Prince to my home. Stay with Alice until I come."

He turned at last to Jana. "Thank you for your help, miss. I'm sure you will be able to return through the checkpoint without any trouble," the leopard said, giving a small tip of his cap.