Blackie purred loudly, his tail flicking with smug satisfaction as he burrowed deeper into Mia's jacket. "Ahhh, finally. Proper royal treatment. You may continue existing."
Mia rolled her eyes, trudging back to the couch with him nestled in her arms. "Thanks, Your Majesty. I was so worried you'd revoke my existence privileges."
"Good. You should be," Blackie sniffed, curling into a tighter ball. "Servants who do not properly care for their king are usually banished to the dungeon."
Mia raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly is the dungeon in this case?"
"The kitchen. Specifically the part where the scary blender lives."
Mia stifled a laugh. "Oh no, not the blender."
Blackie gave her a serious look. "Do not mock me. That thing sounds like a helicopter crash every time it's turned on. I will not set paw near it."
Emma poked her head in from the hallway, holding Chico in her arms. "What's all the yelling about? Did the King demand something again?"
"Yes," Mia sighed, lifting her jacket slightly to reveal the bundle of fur inside. "Apparently, he's cold."
Emma smirked. "Again?"
Blackie poked his head out and gave Emma a flat stare. "I am a delicate creature, thank you very much. Unlike your cat, who thinks curtains are a climbing wall."
Chico sneezed and meowed defensively.
"Don't sass him," Emma said, stroking Chico's head.
"I sass everyone," Blackie replied with a dramatic yawn. "It is my royal duty."
Mia shook her head and tucked him back into her jacket. "You're impossible."
Blackie smirked. "And yet, you adore me."
"...Unfortunately, that's true," Mia muttered.
Emma grinned. "Well, at least one of us admits it."
Chico meowed again. Blackie flicked his tail. "Silence, peasant."
Mia sighed into her jacket. "Why is my life like this."
