The master spy or Puss in the boot adventures

Double agent, Part 5

Double agent, Part 5

1.

Mer-mer's mind drifted back to that fateful encounter with the Cardinal's Captain. It had started like any other day - Mer-mer was in the palace kitchens, preparing the Queen's favorite dish of milk-braised pheasant with catnip sauce. As he carefully stirred the fragrant stew, the kitchen door suddenly slammed open.

In strode a sleek black tom, his fur immaculately groomed and eyes glinting with cunning. Mer-mer recognized him immediately as the Cardinal's right-hand cat, a ruthless enforcer known only as Razor  Claw. The other kitchen servants scattered like mice, leaving Mer-mer alone to face the infamous agent. He moved with the grace of a predator, his claws clicking faintly against the stone floor.

"Well, well," Razor Claw purred, circling Mer-mer with a predatory gleam. "If it isn't the Queen's favorite plaything. The famous Mer-mer, terror of the palace rodents."

Mer-mer bristled at the insult but held his tongue, focusing on the bubbling pot. "I have work to do," he said curtly. "State your business and leave."

Razor Claw chuckled, a cold and mirthless sound. "Oh, I think you'll want to hear what I have to say." With a dramatic flourish, he upended a pouch at his side. Gleaming gold coins spilled across the kitchen table, more wealth than Mer-mer had ever seen in his nine lives.

"The Cardinal is prepared to make you a very rich cat," Razor Claw said silkily. "All you have to do is agree to be our eyes and ears in the palace. Report on the comings and goings of the King, the Queen, the Duke... anyone of interest."

Mer-mer stared at the glittering coins, his heart racing. With that kind of money, he could leave this life of servitude behind. He could buy his own estate, fill it with the finest cream and softest cushions...

But then he thought of the Queen - her gentle touch, her radiant smile, the way she made him feel like more than just a lowly kitchen mouser. Serving her, protecting her, loving her from afar... that was his true calling. No amount of gold could replace the joy of being by her side.

"I'm not interested," Mer-mer said firmly, turning back to his stew. "I serve the Queen, and the Queen alone."

The captain's eyes narrowed, his pleasant demeanor evaporating like mist. "Loyalty," he spat, as if the word left a foul taste on his tongue. "A fine sentiment, but ultimately foolish. You think your precious Queen cares for you? You're nothing to her, just a pawn in her games."

Mer-mer bristled, a low growl building in his throat. "You know nothing of her," he snarled, unsheathing his claws.

But the captain only laughed, a cold, cruel sound. "Oh, but I do. I know, for instance, that she shares her bed with the Duke of Buckingham. That she whispers sweet nothings in his ear while you risk your life to protect her. Tell me, Mer-mer...does she even know of your pathetic devotion?"

The words struck like physical blows, each one a dagger to Mer-mer's heart. Аs much as he wanted to deny it he could because it was true.

"It doesn't matter," he said coldly. "I am still loyal to her!"

The captain's grin turned predatory. "Ah, but it's not just your allegiance we seek," he hissed. "It's your cooperation. You see, the Cardinal has ways of making life very unpleasant for those who defy him."

Mer-mer's heart raced, but he kept his voice steady. "I will not be intimidated by empty threats."

"Empty?" the captain laughed, a chilling sound. "Oh, I assure you, they are quite full. Full of poison, to be precise."

A cold dread settled in Mer-mer's gut as the captain leaned in close, his fetid breath hot against Mer-mer's whiskers.

"It would be a shame if something were to happen to the Queen's food," he whispered, his words dripping with venom. "A tragic accident, a careless mistake in the kitchens...and who would take the blame? The lowly servant who prepares her meals, of course."