"How inane has this kingdom become since my departure? Cats cannot speak nor can they rule a kingdom!" Henry scoffed kicking the flanks of his white stallion ordering the creature into a steady trot. His advisor jogged to keep up "Sire! Sire please you must understand how much has changed in your absence!" The arrogant prince rolled his eyes "Must I repeat myself? A cat cannot and shall not take my rightful place on the throne!"
His advisor, a stout shorter man with thinning grey hair and small eyes, paused his struggled jog to think "would your highness agree if he met the cat who has replaced him in his absence?" Henry pulled on the reins easing his horse to a stop "what do you think I'm going to do, you fat old man?"
With no further words to be said he dug his elegant heel into the steeds flak once more, this time forcing the graceful horse into a gallop towards to regel castle resting on the top of a cliff. The land surrounding it a blanket of green speckled with wildflowers, beneath the sheer drop a vast new world of turquoise and blues, rippling with the wind and crashing greedily against worn down rock.
The rhythmic sound of hoofbeats echoed against the courtyard walls as the heir slowed his horse to a halt, practically jumping off the stallion as he stomped into the direction of the two heavy front doors. The guards opened them simultaneously for their prince, allowing him passage straight to the throne room. With each heated step Henry's temper flourished to a flower of despise and anger.
Throwing the golden double doors open he snarled at the sight of a lean brown tabby resting peacefully on his throne. "You disgraceful animal!" He spat stepping onto the lavish red carpet leading to the golden throne, clear warm sunlight burst through each window in a way his father would never allow, to let the public see their ruler at such a vulnerable position would make any subject vomit. (Although Henry strangely didn't notice any on his journey to the palace there was no way he was going to admit that.)
The cat calmly held the princes furious gaze "greeting Prince Henry, your advisor has shared many stories of your quests with me, it is truly an honor to meet such a noble hero." Henry paused a moment, forgetting his anger for only a moment to say "you think I'm noble?"
The cat's eyes flickered with amusement. "Oh yes, quite noble indeed!"
Henry grinned "I am a very brave hero aren't I?" The cat licked his already clean paw, "I never said you were brave, nor did I mention how selfish you are for a hero." Henry's temper fumed again "you little soulless object! How dare you insult such an amazing prince such as myself!?" The cat purred "if you're such an amazing hero, why don't we have a duel? Winner earns the throne while the loser must take their things and return to sea in search for a new home." Pleased with the odds in his favor, the foolish boy nodded in agreement.
Dusk had come over the beautiful country and many of the city's residents had come together to watch the great duel of Prince Henry and King Cat. Henry stood on the opposite side of the arena from his enemy, eyeing the small creature who waited patiently. He had made extra sure his sword was sharpened dangerously, fantasizing about the pained howls of his enemy and the sight of the furred rodent chasing animal shish kabobed on the end of his sword. He was dressed in the strongest of armor from head to toe.
His advisor stated the regular rules then stepped back signalling the beginning of the fight. Henry lowered his sword to slice the cat in half only to look around frantically, finding it impossible to spot the cat through the visor of his helmet. Dropping his sword his hands flew up to pull off the heavy hat. With the moment of vulnerability, Cat leapt up onto his head digging his claws into the prince's face, scratching non stop at the sensitive cheeks and eyes.
Less than an hour later Prince Henry was led back onto his ship, waving his arms around blindly to find his way. King Cat watched solemnly from the dock turning to his newly made advisor "do you like catnip?"
