Cat Queen

This regal feline rules with a velvet paw

Storytime

Once upon a time, with her crimson velvet cape flowing with grace along the back of a grand black horse, the lady bared to the crowd her naked face. Amid gasps of joy and wonderment, the handsome head of a white cat appeared and she blinked her emerald eyes, purring with contentment.

The crowd in unison applauded her, their most beloved Queen. Adorned in feline fur, the five tall hares who served her Royal Highness, gently escorted the Cat Queen through the silver doors of the Amethyst Palace, where the assembled Royal Court awaited her presence. She sat before her court upon the cushioned throne, stunning in her magnificence.

Queen Purrr was gracing the city with her presence, because she was summoned to cast judgement and sentence upon the culprit, a slender pink Canada goose. He was accused of writing a naughty and insulting song about the Queen’s huge, white behind. The poor creature quivered with nervousness, his spindly legs wobbled as the bird tried to stand.

Queen Purrr, being kind hearted, demanded that the goose be forgiven for this silly offence and immediately turned loose.

The Queen dismissed the court and the assembled cats, dogs and mice. The wise owls and tigers lingered behind, to ask the queen for advice, whilst lapping rich cream from gold tea dishes.

The owls and tigers bravely spoke their wishes; they demanded power over all the kingdom’s birds and fishes. The Cat Queen giggled and denounced such a notion; “The sky is not yours to rule” she scolded! “Nor is the Sapphire Ocean.” Queen Purrr made a majestic departure, a large crowd of animals following after her. She threw ruby coins as she trotted proudly down La Grande Rue, over hill and over dale until her regal figure disappeared from view. The Cat Queen was in a hurry to keep a rendezvous, a pre-arranged encounter with General Blue—an elegant black panther, who had captured her heart with his soulful deep singing and his knowledge of art. Both were feline and seemed to be a fine pair, Blue gave Purrr an emerald ring, she gave him her queendom to share. The wedding was a stupendously grand affair. All the animals of the land, water and air, were invited. With the feasting, dancing and music playing, the party just went on and on. The guests ended up staying at the Amethyst Palace for 20 hours too long; it was a fabulous wedding celebration. The cats ruled the small empire with calm through many happy days. This is above all a happy story; after you read it, I hope the feeling stays. ■