Demands Of State

Her Imperial Highness, Princess Antonia Sofia Fluffiella Espinoza di Calico y Tabby, was not a very happy little kitten. She was a princess and being a princess should be much less pomp and ceremony and duty and far more fun and dollies and tea parties. That was simply how things should be, she sniffled with disapproval.

For instance, while she wished for nothing more than to play with her basket of wooden human-parts making fanciful little creations, some ill-tempered personage kept rapping on her chamber doors. This was unaccountably rude and must cease.

She was a princess and, as such, should have the authority to deal with such rudeness most promptly and brutally. Would Daddy let her have a beheading or merely chuckle at the notion? She must track down the Justiciar later that morning and clarify her royal punishing powers. It could be important, after all.

With a contented purr of satisfaction, she realized the potential intruder had ceased their insipid knocking. Her happiness was short-lived as, with a jangle of keys, the door to her playroom was unlocked and flung open. The stunned princess was opening her mouth to object, when The Evil One shuffled slowly into the room, accompanied by two Guardsmen.

The Evil One was, in point of fact, the Royal Governess, Madame Sealpoint. Dressed in voluminous black robes, she inclined her grizzled, triangular head in a pose of mock respect.

“Apologies, beloved Highness, for unseemly entrance. Lessons we have scheduled, as surely you knows. When no response was I getting, I fear worst and fetch help. As all seems well, will dismiss them and begin we can. Today we practicing of curtsies and bows…again.” Her voice dripped solicitous sarcasm.

The Princess scowled at the old woman with undisguised fury. Yes, a beheading it must be.