-Chaol?- Dorian motioned to his friend to approach him -Can you tell me where all the cats have gone?
-Cats?
-Yes, the cats.
-Your father hates cats.
-Indeed. So I wonder where they have all hone- insisted the prince, indicating with a broad gesture the courtyard of the castle, empty except for the guards and some nobles who enjoyed a calm walk in the afternoon sun.
-Dorian, of all the ways you could annoy your father this is by far the most childish- the captain of the Royal Guards rubbed his eyes.
-What? What does my father have to do with this? I think only of the cats.
-Why?
-Because they are agile, noble, charming, independent, they sleep most of the day and take up little space.
-We have dogs that already meet each of those prerequisites.
- But I can keep a cat in the room.
-You literally already keep a dog in your room. And by the waym how is the cat supposed to get there, considering that your room is already occupied?
-On his own, like all cats.
-That's why your curtains are all thorn.
- Where did you hear these rumors?- replied the prince, feigning ignorance.
-Dorian.
-Come on Chaol stop being captain for a few seconds. Besides, you don't have to babysit me.
-Because you listen when everyone else warns you about something, am I right? - Chaol crossed his arms on his chest, giving his friend a sarcastic look.
-It depends.
-Stop saying that.
-I'm joking.
-You're a prince. Joking is something children do.
-Oh by the gods, how can she bear you...
-DON'T YOU... let's not talk about her.
-I'm not offended if ...
-Between me and her is a private matter, do not interfere.
-Sorry, sorry- Dorian surrendered, raising his arms -But seriously, we have to find those cats.
-If your father has already caught wind of them, by now he should have already had them all massacred.
-Probably. But let's ignore the worst case scenario. Maybe someone got them somewhere safe?
-Someone? But who would… oh- Chaol said, suddenly realizing just might have taken the cats and why. Dorian raised an eyebrow before realizing the same thing.
-Oh!
-Damn.
-Ooooohhhh!
-Stop that.
-I know where to find those cats now.


Princess Nehemia peered out of the room for a few moments, before opening the doors enough to show herself to her guests.
-Prince Dorian. Captain Chaol.
-Princess- the prince replied cordially, while Chaol made a polite but stiff bow.
-To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?
-We come to ask you for information.
-I will do my best to abide to such request.
-Do you have any cats in your room?
-Cats? I thought your father hated cats.
-Indeed, but a cat goes wherever it wants and no one can stop it
Nehemiah did not answer, showing herself inscrutable as the two men waited patiently for her answer.
-I'm sorry gentlemen, but I've never seen cats in the castle until now ...
-Meow!- a cat in red and white stripes poke out from behind the princess's skirt, rubbing against her legs.
-Celanea!- Chaol exclaimed, showing a hint of annoiance.
-Fine, come in!- replied the woman in question, while Nehemiah bent to pick up the animal from the ground and step aside. Curled up on the bed, around Celanea's supine figure, were half a dozen cats. The purring noise could be heard almost to the threshold.
-Wow, I must compliment myself- said Dorian, looking around.
-You're welcome- replied the assassin, without even glancing in his direction.
-Celanea, what is this?- asked Chaol, giving her an unpleasant glare.
-My... my personal initiative to safeguard all the cats in the castle?
-Dogs weren't enough for you?
-Anything to please my king. Which includes freeing him from the cat scourge.
Chaol rolled his eyes.
-Sorry if I interrupt this tender meeting, but since you two gentlemen are here would you mind helping us to keep them away from the curtains? - Nehemia asked.
-Of course. We do not want the servants to be suspicious- replied Dorian promptly, winking.
Outnumbered, Chaol had to yield. And because he was the only one in armor, he had to endure most of the assaults of the more reticent felines.