Puss in Boots (Timeless Fairy Tales Book 6) by K. M. Shea Page B

plastered into a handsome, pleasing expression.
    “It turned out great, didn’t it? And that’s all that matters,” Gabrielle said, watching drenched villagers haul away a few of the bandits. (This time the cowshed would be guarded.)
    “Alright, I shall, for once in my life, admit defeat. Lady Gabrielle, I acted poorly when I met you. I regret my conduct now, having fought with you and having witnessed your charming personality transformation,” Steffen said, bowing.
    “I reacted with quite a bit of spite,” Gabrielle acknowledged. “So, let’s call it a draw and forget about it—although you should never ask a lady about her sleeping arrangements.”
    “Consider that information noted,” Steffen said. “I suppose I should go check on my father, but later tonight or perhaps tomorrow I expect I shall see—”
    “There you are, Gabrielle, looking as filthy as a dormouse. Lena will have to draw another bath for you,” Puss said, trotting up to them. He traveled flush against the homes and buildings—leaving him dry in spite of the heavy rains.
    “Puss, where have you been? I screamed all across town for you—the bandits attacked again,” Gabrielle said.
    “So I noticed,” Puss said, pawing the head of a knocked-out bandit before retreating to the shelter of an alley.
    “—cat,” Steffen said, his blue eyes enlarging as he stared at Puss. “Talking cat.”
    “I told you he was magic,” Gabrielle said, unable to keep smugness out of her voice. “That will teach you not to believe me, you arrogant boaster.”
    “Ahh, Crown Prince Steffen, how good it is to make your acquaintance. I just had the most charming conversation with your father.”
    “ Prince ?” Gabrielle said, fastening her gaze on Steffen.
    “Talking cat,” Steffen dumbly repeated.
    Gabrielle gaped at the handsome prince in horror. She had just spent a good portion of the evening verbally abusing the future monarch of Arcainia! She could be tossed in a dungeon—not that Steffen was likely to be so bitter after the conversation they had just shared, but still!
    Gabrielle scooped up Puss, who yowled in protest. “Ew—you are soaked worse than a frog. How disgusting!”
    “A cat that talks. You own it,” Steffen repeated, as if trying to get himself used to the idea.
    Gabrielle gave the prince a half-curtsey-half-bow and hurried off to the Green Ivy Inn. “You couldn’t have found me sooner to inform me that the man I was having a shouting match with will one day be my king ?” she hissed to her cat.
    “You let those girls dress me up, Gabrielle. I wore boots for the better part of an hour.”
    “Serves you right.”
    “Aren’t you hateful? Anyway, you may forget about Steffen. His father is the one with whom we must concern ourselves. If we can worm into his good graces, the crown prince will not matter at all,” Puss said.
    “What are you talking about?”
    “I’m just handling your public image. Anyway, keeping your…interactions with Prince Steffen in mind, perhaps we should leave early tomorrow morning before the royal party rises.”
    “You think ?” Gabrielle snarled.
    “Temper, temper, Mistress. Lest no one will believe you to be a lady of good breeding,” Puss said. “Also, I think it will be necessary to train you to speak with charisma and charm. You cannot treat King Henrik as you have his son.”
    “An hour wasn’t enough. The next time we stay at a village, I’m going to let little girls play with you for an entire afternoon,” Gabrielle vowed as they stopped outside the door of the Green Ivy Inn.
    “Empty threats,” Puss sniffed.
    “Don’t tempt me,” Gabrielle growled as she pushed her way inside. “Good evening.”
    “Good evening, Lady Gabrielle,” Jakob, enfolded in a wool blanket, called from a bench. “It is good to see you again after such a messy episode!” He had been one of the villagers to take on the bandits, wielding a sturdy shovel—which was now a little dented.
    “Jakob