Chapter 390: The Books Arrive

Chapter 389: The Books Arrive

Lyria’s POV

After I had finished bathing and changing, I dressed in something more comfortable than the gowns I was ordinarily expected to wear.

The fabric was soft against my skin, and the simple gown of pale grey allowed me considerably more freedom of movement. My hair remained slightly damp despite being carefully brushed, so I left it loose down my back, with the front strands brushed away from my face.

I settled at the small table near the window, where Pippa had arranged my breakfast.

The morning light filtered gently through the curtains, illuminating the chamber with a warm, golden glow. Beyond the glass, the palace gardens were beginning to stir. I could see gardeners moving along the paths, servants crossing between the various buildings, and, farther away, the tops of the palace carriages as they passed through the courtyard.

The palace was already awake.

Pippa had prepared a modest but inviting meal.

Scrambled eggs, golden and fluffy, sat in a small dish beside a basket of warm bread rolls. There was butter, along with a small pot of honey. A bowl of fresh berries—strawberries and blueberries—rested beside my tea, the steam curling gently upward from the porcelain cup.

I took one of the rolls and spread butter across it.

The knife moved easily through the warm bread.

Before I could take a bite, however, I felt something brush against my ankle.

I glanced beneath the table only to see the cat sitting at my feet, staring directly at me.

Its golden eyes were remarkably expressive for an animal.

I smiled.

I took a small piece of bread and placed it upon the floor.

The cat lowered its head.

It sniffed the bread once.

Then it scrunched up its nose in distaste.

Pippa, who had been standing nearby, covered a smile with the back of her hand.

"It appears it does not care for bread, Your Highness."

I chuckled.

"I d-do not think it w-would care for the f-fruit either." I said as I glanced at the berries.

Pippa smiled.

"I should hope not, Your Highness. I would be rather concerned if it began demanding fruits at the breakfast table."

I laughed softly.

The cat continued staring at me.

Apparently, it had little interest in our conversation.

I picked up a small piece of egg.

"Perhaps y-you would prefer this." I said holding it out.

The cat sniffed it cautiously.

Then it took the morsel from my fingers and ate it.

Its tail flicked once.

I smiled.

"You l-like that."

It licked its lips. I took that as a yes.

I looked at the remaining food before me.

There was no point pretending the matter was settled.

If the creature intended to remain with me, I would need to make proper arrangements for it.

"Pippa."

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Next t-time, please b-bring something I c-can use to feed the c-cat. A small p-plate, perhaps." I looked toward the floor. "I h-hate placing food d-directly upon it. It is u-unhealthy, and it will q-quite stink up the c-chamber."

Pippa inclined her head.

"Of course, Your Highness."

She hesitated for a moment.

"If I may make a suggestion, you could simply use the plate upon which the eggs are served."

I frowned.

"Are you c-certain?"

"Entirely, Your Highness."

"But s-someone else w-will use that p-plate."

Pippa smiled.

"Every dish I place before you is intended for you alone, Your Highness. You may use it as you please." She glanced toward the cat. "And, after the morning we have had, I cannot imagine anyone objecting to a single plate being sacrificed to the creature."

I chuckled.

"You k-know who w-will."

Pippa’s expression immediately became one of understanding.

"Yes, Your Highness."

We both knew precisely whom I meant.

I took the plate containing the remaining eggs and lowered it carefully to the floor.

The cat approached at once and began eating.

Pippa watched it with amusement.

"I shall study up on cat cuisine," she announced.

I looked at her.

"Cat c-cuisine?"

"Indeed, Your Highness."

She folded her hands neatly before herself.

"If this creature is to remain in your household, it would be improper for us to continue feeding it whatever happens to be convenient."

I smiled.

"I d-do not think you n-need to go to such t-trouble."

"It is no trouble." Pippa glanced down at the cat. "Besides, I confess I am curious. There cannot be many creatures in the kingdom that arrive at the palace uninvited, select a princess as their mistress, and then proceed to behave as though the entire household belongs to them."

I looked at the cat as it ate.

"That d-does sound rather accurate."

Pippa laughed quietly.

"I thought it might."

The cat finished the eggs and, with the satisfaction of a creature that had received precisely what it desired, walked beneath the table.

It settled beside my feet.

I continued my breakfast in peace.

For a few moments, there was nothing but the soft clink of porcelain and cutlery, the occasional sound of birds beyond the window, and the faint rustle of my maids moving about the chamber.

It was pleasant.

Almost peaceful.

Then the door opened.

Debbie hurried out of the chamber.

I looked after her in confusion.

She had not said a word before disappearing into the corridor.

I exchanged a glance with Pippa.

"Where is she going?" I asked.

Pippa merely smiled.

"I believe Your Highness shall soon find out."

A few minutes later, Debbie returned.

She was carrying a stack of books in both arms.

Unlike her hurried entrance, she slowed considerably as she approached the table, clearly taking care not to drop anything.

A broad smile was spread across her face.

I frowned.

"W-what is that?"

Debbie’s smile widened.

"The books I promised you, Your Highness."

I looked at the stack.

There were several volumes.

I immediately noticed that they were considerably smaller than the books I normally studied.

My books on language and courtly conduct were often large enough to require both hands. These, by contrast, were compact and modest in size.

I tilted my head.

"T-those are rather s-small." I noted.

Debbie gave a small curtsy.

"I thought it best to begin with something less formidable, Your Highness."

I looked at her.

"Less f-formidable?"

"Yes."

She turned and moved towards the reading table where she placed the books carefully.

"I assure you, Your Highness, I selected them with care." She said.

I stood up about to move to the reading table when they all straightened.

I looked at them in confusion but Elara just smiled at me.

"It seems you have a visitor, Your Highness."