SWAT KATS CHRISTMAS TALES

Chapter 3: A Royal Christmas

(The Princess and the Commander)

Chief Enforcer Ulysses Feral also known as Duke Ulysses was trying to pretend he was enjoying the huge Christmas Ball that was being held in their home on Christmas Eve.

God how he hated all the frippery associated with being royalty. He smiled politely at the Ambassador of Tanloren and his wife as they glided past his location. It was a glittery affair, attended by all the rich and powerful of Megakat City as well as those dignitaries who were serving a rotation for their countries at the United Nations centered in Megakat City.

After doing his duties as host and consort, he had managed to find himself a secluded corner for a moment's peace. His wife, Princess Zulara was surrounded by several dignitaries. Her smile was serene and she positively glowed.

A tender smile crossed his face as he remembered the news his wife had given him earlier today. She was once more pregnant. Their son, Prince Brendan was a pawful as only a two year could be. His smile broaden a moment as he remembered, only yesterday, pulling his son from under the huge Christmas Tree that was sitting in one corner of the ball room.

Brendan was excited and his little eyes glowed at the sight of so much glitter, lights and the many decorations plus the colorful wrapped packages under the tree. It was just too tempting for a toddler to ignore.

At the moment, their little one was snug in his bed in the royal wing of the mansion. He sighed again and took a sip of his wine. He wished, not for the first time, that he was snug in his bed with his wife in his arms right now too. He couldn't wait for this night to be over. It was already well past midnight and tomorrow was Christmas Day.

His wife turned her face toward him and gave him a significant look. Knowing what that meant, he left his sanctuary and made for her side. An hour later, they were sharing a last dance of the evening then finally saying farewell to their guests around two in the morning.

Yawning hugely, he escorted his wife up to their quarters. She knew how much he hated these things and was pleased at how well he handled his annoyance. He had learned quickly how to comport himself and only she knew just how much he loathed it all.

She sighed in relief as her maids helped her remove her heavy gown and jewels. Her husband was staring at the far wall fixedly as his own clothes were changed. She couldn't help a tiny smile of amusement. He soo hated being dressed by others.

Soon they were finally alone. He kissed her gently and escorted her to their bed. Cuddling together they were very quickly asleep.

The sun had been up barely four hours when they were rudely awakened by a small body bouncing on them.

Feral groaned and cracked an eye open.

"Daddy......daddy! It's Christmas!" Brendan was shouting.

"Brendan, it's too early!" He grumbled. His wife moaned a complaint beside him.

Brendan's face fell! "But I can't sleep anymore!" He wailed.

Both parents groaned this time. They looked at each other and smiled tirededly. Feral turned back to his son as he pushed himself to a sitting position.

He grabbed the exuberant kitten and hugged him. "Alright! We'll get up but you must get dressed, alright?" He said, nuzzling his son before releasing him.

Beaming with joy, the kitten leaped off the bed and ran to his own room without another word.

"Guess we're getting up." Zulara said in amusement as she pushed the bedding off.

"Yep!" Feral said, yawning and stretching.

It was just as well, Feral thought. Only these hours in the morning did they have to themselves. Later today was a banquet with the mansion's denizens so if they wanted any privacy they would have to grab it now.

He and his wife opted for casual clothes and went to their private living room where a smaller tree was set up with presents under it.

The Christmas lights twinkled on it and a fire was already going in the fireplace nearby. A tray of finger foods were already waiting with glasses of milk.

One thing Feral appreciated about his new position was the service royalty got. It took a bit of time to get used to but now he expected it and was never disappointed.

Their son was already handling the packages trying to determine which was his. A shout a moment later as his parents were sitting down and grabbing some food, announced he'd found one with his name. He had only just learned to recognize it from his lessons.

Though only two, Brendon received lessons on basic language and how to behave in public but he still was a kitten and allowed kitten things to do as well.

His mother insisted that he not be forced to be too serious at this point in his life. Allowing him to be himself and enjoy being young were more important to her and Feral had to agree. His son was a bright thing and such a joy. He'd hate to see it crushed under the heels of responsibility too soon.

They smiled at their son indulgently as he ripped the package apart to reach the robot his father had gotten him. Professor Hackle had made it for him as a gift to thank Feral for the funds he'd managed to direct to the many projects Hackle was involved with that would help Katkind.

They kissed as their son played with his new toy. Feral felt a sense of peace that he rarely was able to enjoy with their hectic life. Zulara grinned at him.

"You look happy, my love. A penny for your thoughts." She asked warmly.

"Oh, I was just thinking how peaceful it is right now and how different my life is compared to the lonely one I'd had before you came into my life. This is what I missed. The warmth of a family." He murmured softly.

Her smile was tender as she nuzzled his face and purred. "I feel truly blessed that I found you again, Ulysses. You are my bright star next to the beautiful tom you gave me two years ago. Merry Christmas, my beloved."

"Mmm, Merry Christmas, my beautiful one." He purred back.