Princess/Two

"And this is Ophelia Catavie, our princess's maid's pet cat", the duke announced. The guests looked down at Ophelia with disgust. "I am not buying it! I never asked for a cat!", the woman guest huffed.

"Lady Ingrid, this cat is not for sale; it is the Servant Essie's pet."

"Whatever! You give much importance to this 'Essie' that it is even more to what is given to Princess!

Everyone was silent. "Send her and the cat to the dungeon! I shall not tolerate someone who gets better treatment than Anamaria especially as a servant!", the guards started doing their work.

"Ouch! What did I do - I'm sorry!", Essie cried as the guards grabbed her. Ophelia growled, but kept her claws sheathed as she knew what she desired would end Essie in far worse condition.

"What in heavens is happening her?!", Prince Alexander III demanded angrily. "What are you doing to Essie?"

"Putting her in the dungeon, sir. Duke's orders!", a guard said innocently.

Alexander turned to the Duke. "Is this right Charles? Are you arresting Anamaria's maid?"

"I-er...Do you not think she is getting more attention than Ana?"

Alexander thought a bit. "Maybe so. But doing this is not necessary. The king shall know of this by the midnight", with that, he walked away and Essie was let go. Ophelia padded over and curled her tail defensively over her owner.

The Duke looked grim. "There is a cat eating at our supply. See to it", he ordered the waiting guards as he turned and walked away, but not without a glare at Ophelia. The tortoiseshell bared her fangs. Whoever who would think of hurting Essie would always pay.

~-~

Princess Anamaria turned around. "For heavens sake, you're late again! Agh, nobody ever cares for my welfare!", she picked up a shoe and threw it at Essie. Ophelia leaped in the way and took the pain.