Princess lounged regally, relaxed. The sun shone through the display window of the bookstore, warming her, and the cushion she was curled up on was very soft. It had been a year since she was first turned into a female cat. At first, she had tried desperately, vainly, to find Anya. But she’d had no luck, and being on the streets was not easy for the former prince. She’d struggled to find food and shelter, became filthy and flea-ridden, faced far too many mean dogs, and been forcefully bred by every single tomcat she came across.
When a little girl picked her up off the ground and begged to take her home, it had been a relief. Particularly given that by then, she was visibly and heavily pregnant, thanks to the many tomcat encounters. The girl’s parents looked at her collar and determined that she was a former palace cat, likely belonging to the previous royal family. Since that royal family was now deposed, no one would be looking for her, so with much fanfare, Jasper was adopted and renamed Princess.
Being a pet was much better than the alternative, and Princess’s owners were kind and loving. There was one downside, however. Between her needy kittens and her owners’ sex-crazed tomcat Maurice, Princess rarely had a moment to herself at home. As such, she relished the days her owners brought her to their bookstore. It gave her a chance to relax.
Princess’s role at the bookstore was two-fold: to catch bugs and mice, and to attract customers with her beauty and charm. Speaking of, it was time for her pest patrol. Princess didn’t want to get caught slacking. If she was, her owners would have her stay home and bring Maurice to the bookstore instead. They were already nervous about bringing her out and about, as she was pregnant again, courtesy of Maurice.
At least Maurice was good with the kittens, Princess mused as she got up, stretched, and elegantly leapt down from her perch in the display window. She was optimistic that he would step up for this litter; her second, but Maurice’s first.
Princess began her patrol of the bookstore. So focused on her task of looking for mice and bugs, she didn’t hear the person coming up behind her until she was picked up.
“My prince!” whispered a voice. A familiar voice. Princess craned her neck back. It was Anya! She immediately began to rub her face against Anya’s chest, purring loudly. “I’m so glad I found you! When you didn’t find me, I feared the worst. But thankfully, you’ve found such a lovely family to live with.” Anya carried Princess over to a chair and sat down. “It is especially good they are so loving and kind to you, as it will take some time for you to return to normal.”
Princess meowed curiously.
“You are wondering why?” Anya asked. Princess nodded. “Well, my prince, normally I would be able to return you to your normal shape quickly, but there is a significant wrinkle slowing things down.”