Chapter 23: The Inauguration
Days have passed and in the lower area within all the hustle and bustle has remained calm, although officially the watchtowers were already finished, soon they will start using them, as soon as the platform was almost ready, but this was covered they did not want to be seen yet.
Kitty and Claire's group has kept a low profile, they just focused on continuing to fix the roads, as it was a lot of work as the old torches were being restored, as well as installing new ones, so that it would be ready when they had the ideal fuel.
Puss and Kitty continued to meet at night or every other day, or rather, whenever his work was allowed due to the new rules, his time was less... In fact, at that moment the Royal Guard had to be returned to the barracks.
And they still had to find out about the task he committed to...if anyone had that answer it was Dulcinea, but he didn't want to talk to her...Although...If he could listen without being drawn into any conversation...But what could that situation be?
He tried to remember any activity that might be there for his safety... or his sisters', they could comment on something else as well.
The classes! Of course! If it coincides with the rounds in the garden, it would be a piece of cake!
- So thoughtful are you, Puss - said Joey as he arrived at the barracks in the main room.
- I'm thinking about several things - he replied after greeting him with a gesture.
- In some girl it might be, mightn't it? - provoked his friend. Puss gave him a glare.
- Stop digging, you won't find anything, nosy - he defended himself.
- Yeah, okay - he laughed, raising his hand in peace.
- Seriously - said Puss - I thought we could have a smaller-scale Moon Festival in the tavern - he suggested - Obviously, if the manager and all of them agree, what do you think?
- I think that's a great idea! But... it has to be a surprise! - said Joey enthusiastically.
- We still have time to organize that - said Puss. - We'll rather mention it to the manager, I think they'll be able to see that.
- Yes you are right - agreed his friend - We are covered in tasks...
- I think it would be better - said the orange cat.
- I propose, I have to go there.
- I can imagine why - said Puss.
- Shut up - answered his friend -It's not my problem that you're on duty now and I'm not - he took his revenge.
- Hey easy, it's a little joke - he said laughing - By the way, any thoughts on that?
- Not yet, I haven't thought of anything. Not even how to transport it - he answered.
- For these things, it is always good to take opportunity when there is some activity in the kingdom - he proposed - They will be concerned about that.
- Yes, but what! We can't depend on the Festival of the Moon, we're not there yet.
- Mmm - said the orange cat thoughtfully - Let's take it easy, let's see how I do today with what I have planned and then we'll see where they store that oil.
- What are you planning? - his friend asked.
- Today it's my round in the gardens and if my mind doesn't fail me, there will be classes for the princesses...then I'll probably be able to hear something relevant or so I think.
- You're right - said Joey thinking about the possibilities - I hope you have luck with that.
- Thank you - answered Puss - Well, friend, I have to go, my shift is about to begin. Say hello to you-know-who.
- In your name - said the golden cat - Goodbye.
Puss said goodbye with a gesture and left on his way to the palace. That day was very pleasant even though there was still some winter left, anyway, there was sunshine and soft wind.
He went into the garden area and could see two of his partners who would be walking around on the other side, that's because the princesses would have the classes outside in the gardens as usual, confirming his suspicions. These classes always started early, but he would still have to wait a couple of hours.
The Royal Guard began to walk through all the sectors of the garden and go around the whole route, this took about fifteen to twenty minutes, it was very long and in fact you hardly ever came across any partners. Although nothing serious has happened in the surroundings or in the palace, it has always been very quiet, but they still took all the guards to protect the family by the Royal Guard, of course the Elite did not take care of that kind of simple task. For Puss, these guys don't even exist, he almost never saw them in action and was annoyed that they believed the big stuff.
He sighed, the only thing that comforted him was that soon he wouldn't be working on this.
Suddenly he heard noises coming from the palace, the instructor of the class had arrived, so he went to his position to receive the princesses.
- I don't understand why Father delays accepting my boyfriend's proposal - complained one of them, who had golden eyes and white fur just like Dulcinea. By the way, they were all from the same coat, only different in eye color, Helena had golden eyes while Sofia with green eyes, Dulcinea blue, the others were Princess Carla and Princess Camilla, grey and water green respectively.
- I don't even understand why he makes us compete like this ... it will only cause more rivalry - said Princess Camilla - I don't even like my mate and to make matters worse Dulcinea is unbearable.
- It makes me think that Father is looking for convenience with our commitments - said Carla.
- Stick to your mouth before you speak ill of our dad! - claimed the golden-eyed one.
- I'm not talking badly! It's just an opinion! - she defended herself.
- You see! This is what I meant! They only make us fight with this thing! - said Camilla.
At that moment came Princess Sofia who was the most serious and mature, she resembled a little in Amelia's way.
- Stop fighting - she said serenely - Father is waiting for our sister Dulcinea to find her suitor.
- You can stop talking behind my back! - claimed Dulcinea as she arrived behind her sister -You can be more courageous in telling me to my face!
- Don't exaggerate Dulcinea! We weren't talking badly about you! - shouted Helena.
- Do you take me for a fool? - she accused her defiantly.
- She didn't say that either! - She defended her - You'd better find someone soon because you'll need it badly! - shouted Camilla.
- For your information, I do have someone in sight, but I have some little problems - she defended herself reluctantly, almost losing her temper - And don't ever speak to me like that again!
- As a tip... at the inauguration they invited several kingdoms, maybe you'll find a suitor," said Camilla as if she didn't want the thing. - It will be the day after tomorrow and it's a party! Take this opportunity!
- Shut up! - cried Dulcinea.
Good! There will be a celebration for it!
- Quiet, both of you! - shouted Sofia - What a way to behave! Our class of etiquette is about to begin and you are not even able to behave according to what you have "learned"! - she scolded, leaving her sisters in silence.
Dulcinea walked away from the group in anger, towards the instructor, and started the class once they were together.
Puss was extremely happy, he didn't think get that information so quickly. Joey would be very excited, the best thing is that they will be able to organize the other tasks. With this ceremony he could borrow that long lasting oil, they just had to find where they stored it...
Surely, they would have to be with the Royal Family at all times so that another squad would take over the role of guardian for the rest of the kingdom. If the two of them found out all that, they could ease the way for Kitty's group.
Puss decided to walk and make the rounds elsewhere taking the opportunity of a comrade's arrival, since Dulcinea was sending many hints and comments that were making him uncomfortable. Even so, he pretended he hadn't heard anything or wasn't paying attention.
That same night, Puss went to the private tavern to talk to Joey; to give him all that information, his friend was very excited about the news, so much so that as soon as Claire arrived they immediately left for their barracks along the road to the caves.
- I see - said Kitty once they met on the usual balcony of the tavern - This is excellent news!
- We still have to find out about the oil, we have to find out where they store it - said her boyfriend thoughtfully.
- But the most important thing is that you have a starting point - said the female cat.
- You are right - said Puss, smiling.
- And do you have any idea where they can store it? - she asked - Usually these things are stored in cellars, I imagine there are some in the palace, aren't there?
- No, the only thing they keep there is food - he answered. - The utensils, weapons and things like that are outside the palace, something like the medicine room...
- Ah, how could I forget - said Kitty amusingly, her boyfriend laughed.
- It turns out that there are about four warehouses - he continued -To know which of those is the right one... I have no idea...
- Mmmm - said Kitty thoughtfully - It is good to rule out that they are not in the palace, nor in the noble zone...middle zone is our specialty.
- Don't even think I' m going to let you go there - warned Puss.
The cat looked at him grimly. - Will you calm down? Let me think, I haven't said I will - she reassured him rolling her eyes, though she couldn't promise that anyway, surely she'll have to cooperate. The orange cat let down his guard - We cannot enter freely, not like before... we would have to act discreetly, much less draw attention to ourselves.
- That's why I'm worried about this matter... - said Puss.
- I know! - exclaimed Kitty, jumping up from the floor, as she was embraced with Puss, as usual - Noah and Carlos can pass freely into the kingdom and its rings. They are merchants, once when we find the right warehouse, we can transport the merchandise in their wagon - proposed the female cat - And several of our people who are hiding in it would go unnoticed!
- Great idea! - celebrated her boyfriend - even better if they will be busy with the celebration... We take care that the zone is free and that nobody who is a guard enters there! - he said just as enthusiastically, standing up, taking his girlfriend by the waist and lifting her up by turning her over. Kitty held his cheeks with both hands smiling - you are the best!
- It's because I'm next to you and I think better - said the female cat giving him a little kiss.
- Yes... is also one of the effects I cause - he joked and Kitty shook her head.
- Big- headed - she said, causing him to laugh.
- It's not much further! - He said - We have to wait for this last job and we can make the escape.
- Yes! Exactly! - she agreed - What about the inauguration?
- The itinerary will be like this: The day after tomorrow the Royal Guard must be early, and at 10 a.m. some families who are friends of the kingdom will arrive - he said.
- I imagine that those families will arrive tomorrow to stay here - concluded Kitty.
- That's right - confirmed her boyfriend - That at noon will be the inauguration ceremony of the blessed platform - added Puss - I warn you, you will be forced to witness the event and it will be cordoned off ...
- The usual, I'm not even surprised that they force us to do things we don't want to do - said Kitty.
- I'm sorry, I wish there was something I could do - said her boyfriend, but she smiled at him.
- It's out of your hands Puss... don't worry about that, besides we're used to it already! - she said with humor, making him laugh.
- You are very cute - he said tenderly putting a hand on her cheek and the female cat leaned on his hand, enjoying his caress and closed her eyes.
- Thank you - she said, opening her eyes again -I love you.
- So do I - said Puss, smiling at him.
- And ... What else do they have scheduled? - she asked again.
- There will be a recess in the palace, a lunch and a party in the evening - answered the Royal Guard.
- So I see - said Kitty - That night will be our chance... the only thing I regret is I won't see you that day.
- What do you mean? - he asked - I'll be at the inauguration.
- But it's not the same, it won't be like this moment, just you and me looking at each other... it's not enough - said the female cat.
- Kitty... - said Puss.
- Ah! It's just that if I see her in something weird... - warned the female cat.
- I know you'd put her in her place - she said, taking her by the shoulders and sitting her on the box there, and then holding her chin with one hand forcing her to look him in the eye. - Don't worry about someone unimportant because unlike her, you have me.
She smiled again - I know, it's just... Look, I don't want you to think I'm possessive and stuff, but when someone bothers me or gives me a bad feeling... I can't help it, I'm suspicious of her, like a threat.
- I didn't think about it, señorina - said the orange cat - That's called intuition... but don't think about it - he said before kissing her tenderly.
The next day at night Puss and Joey were checking out the warehouses on their own. Luck was on their side, because it was not their turn to make the rounds in the palace area, it was outside, going from the noble area to the middle area, because the new routes and measurements had already started. Besides, every time they passed through a warehouse, first he checked that nobody was near, Joey entered and Puss took care of his back. It wasn't until the fourth attempt to find the oil that their job was finally done, and now it would pass into the hands of Kitty's group.
Joey went early, almost at dawn, to the lower sector to report as soon as possible, so they could organize the next steps and have everything ready for that day.
Until inauguration day arrived, that morning was very busy, both in the palace and in the Royal Guard barracks.
They woke up at dawn and divided into several groups with different tasks for them. Puss and Joey were separated, his friend had to go to the lower sector, precisely in the watchtowers, there would be three per group, while Puss, his group plus the Captain had to escort the Royal Family and those close to them of high importance at all times, so unfortunately he would have to be near the princesses… It should be noted that the Elite would still be with them, it will be twice as uncomfortable.
They used carriages for transport and the Guard were on horseback, there was really a large operation and many people, as there were the citizens and the other royal families with their respective guards and employees. With luck it was possible to transit, Puss didn't want to imagine how the night would be with the party, although they could only attend the high zone in the palace leaving out the middle zone and obviously the low zone because that would be more "exclusive", there were reactions of all kinds from discontent to indifference.
- You are too serious with being near me - said Dulcinea leaning out the window.
Great, bad luck followed him ... of all the carriages in the caravan just the one next to him had to be her.
- Good morning Princess Dulcinea - greeted the guard, and the princess rolled her eyes.
- I told you about the formalities with me - said the white female cat.
- Strange that you should say so... if a couple of days ago you treated me like a slave - Puss spoke softly but ironically.
- I was in a bad mood - she defended herself.
- And you couldn't find anything better than taking it out on me - he said, neutrally.
- Ah, don't get me wrong, can't you see I want to make peace? - said the princess, ignoring the last part.
- I still don't understand what you are trying to do - said the orange cat.
- I miss our bond of friendship, the old times when we shared happiness - said Dulcinea.
- When you used me you mean - said the Guard.
- Puss, I explained it to you - she said annoyed - I couldn't just, I already told you that I love you very much.
- We have reached our destiny - he said, changing the topic quickly.
Puss got off his horse and went to open the door of the carriage helping the servants and close to the Princess, besides her of course, who looked at him intensely looking for some kind of contact. Again, he ignored her, she was making him uncomfortable.
The platform was "nice" and medium big, this one had a base with three floors, but the first two were only the support and the third one was a kind of circular balcony, it had a view to the whole kingdom and to go up it had access through two marble stairs.
The Royal Guard with his group went behind the Elite up the stairs. Once they got to the top, he noticed that there were some awnings to cover the sun or rain, besides it was decorated all over the balcony's railing. Puss noted that it was a good view of the whole kingdom.
While the ceremony was going on, with speeches and all that stuff. Puss went to the side with a view of the lower area to see if he could visualize his girlfriend, but it seemed difficult because there were a lot of people piled up, which was contained by some chains and some guards from other squads...but if he saw his friend Joey, his face said everything. He didn't want to be there, having to "supervise" the visitors who were forced to see the scene.
He understood completely.
- Is it true that if you throw food at those guys over there they'll come and fight for it? - asked Dulcinea who stood beside her sisters, princesses and princes from other kingdoms.
- We could try - said one of the princes supporting the idea and was silenced with a push by one of his brothers.
- Dulcinea, shut up, don't say those things - said Princess Sofia. Puss was happy about this, he could not believe that she had said such an outrage, at least someone was stopping her.
- Ah, please, don't play the good girl now - she said naturally - There is no need to pretend.
- Shut up, if you keep this up you won't catch even a cold - answered her sister calmly, leaving Dulcinea in silence.
In her face, Puss had never seen her in that situation, he was enjoying that payment of instant karma and then he turned again to look out the balcony searching for his beloved Kitty.
He had been hanging around so long that he didn't realize that the ceremony and speech had ended, they were all greeting the King and also congratulating him on his "achievement". So there was traffic on that balcony, people moving around and having a snack that he didn't notice that Dulcinea had come over to hug him from behind coming dangerously close.
- Come on Puss, let's make peace - said the princess - I can't stand such indifference - she pretended.
The Royal Guard took a deep breath to calm himself, turned to face her, took her by the shoulders and pulled her away a little.
- Miss Dulcinea, I don't treat you with indifference, I only respect the protocols - said Puss.
- We know that it was not like that before – she said - Don't you remember that kiss?
The gesture colder than a penguin's ass.
- It's details - he said, it was the first thing that came to his mind.
- It can't be details, Puss - she said, insinuating.
- Seriously, the only thing I can offer is my friendship, I already told you - he added.
Dulcinea approached him again, turning a deaf ear to what Puss had said, she would not give up so easily.
When Kitty saw that scene on that balcony... she was pouring fire out of her eyes, she was very angry.
How she wanted to push her away and slap her, the kind of slap that makes a good sound, but unfortunately she couldn't, just seeing that her boyfriend was fighting against her insistently. Luckily, they called her, since they had to leave.
- Kitty, shall we go home? - asked Claire next to her, waking her up from her trance where she imagined the different ways to get that stupid thing away.
- Ah, I can't, I have to go to the barracks to refine the last details - answered the dark female cat. - Do you want to come with me?
- All right - answered her friend, and they left quickly. When the two arrived, there were already several of her partners waiting for the meeting to start, which took only a few minutes.
- We go over the following - said the leader - Carlos and Noah will be parked at 6:00 p.m., the wagon will be hidden in an alley - he added pausing - there will be two groups: The first will be hidden in the cave near the tavern waiting for the supplies, we will keep that there.
The first group nodded as the leader continued - Group two will be hiding in the wagon, remember there will be cloth to hide under. When you get to the warehouse, you must be quick to open and take the fuel, also load it into the wagon as soon as possible. We won't have much time, nor do we know how much there is, but get what you can.
- What group will you be in, Kitty? - she asked quietly.
- In the second one - she answered.
- Kitty, please - said her friend.
- I'll be careful, I know - followed the female cat knowing what Claire was going to ask - Don't worry, it will be a piece of cake, the guard will be focused on the party right now, plus it's the reason why I stayed in this group. I can get in without them noticing, that way we can get out as much as we can.
- Okay, I'll calm down - said Claire - Please come back home when you're done, I'll be waiting for you with delicious food and a cake.
- That's because you're not going to get together with Joey and use me, right? - The dark female cat joked.
- Kitty! - She complained - You're evil! Can't I consent to my sister?
She laughed slightly - Of course you can, I promise you, when I'm done I'll go straight home.
- Now, boys! We're leaving! - ordered the leader.
- Goodbye Claire, see you soon - whispered the dark female cat to her friend.
- Goodbye - she answered.
The two groups, six each plus the leader, went straight to the old house and entered the cave. Kitty could see that the way was clearer and more ordered, she also saw those torches repaired on the sides of the cave, of course they had their own torches in their hands. It took them very little time to reach the oasis, and at the side of the path they had placed some white stones as a guide to the division of the three cave-like paths with their respective warning signs and direction. They had done a great job.
They took the path to the tavern, and found several who came from it wishing him luck in that task.
- It's time, boys - said the leader - We're on the clock, Group Two go up, Group One you know what to do.
Both groups mobilized, group two went up in silence, found the wagon and hid under those cloths and some boxes.
Kitty waited for everything to go well, this will be the last effort to leave the kingdom. And most importantly, to be free with her Royal Guard.