It's a Baseless Instinct, But...

Yancy blinks. She’d just returned from her lunch break only to be greeted by the little Princess kitty crying out in distress with a maid she didn’t recognize. Sure, she was new, so she didn’t know everyone. But the way that maid acted when Princess cried out… isn’t how you should treat a beloved pet like Princess.

Dazed, Yancy continues into the palace, returning to her position. When her supervisor came by to give her further instructions, she couldn’t help but ask.

“Um… Ms. Heather. Who is the maid that wears her hair in a long ponytail? She had rusty brown hair.”

“Hmm?” Ms. Heather rubbed her chin. “How long was her hair?”

“Too long.” Yancy answered. Ms. Heather laughed.

“Sounds like Layla.”

“Layla?”

“Yes, she is one of the maids tasked with caring for the Prince’s cat. The one that visits you often.”

“Oh! Really?” Yancy let out a sigh of relief.

“Indeed. Why?”

“I saw her taking Princess somewhere. Princess seemed like she was in distress, so I was worried.”

Ms. Heather pauses. “She took Princess somewhere?”

“Um… Yes?” Yancy blinked, now thoroughly confused. “Did she have an appointment with the vet or something? Most animals don’t like visiting the vet. It could explain her discomfort, but…”

“I… haven’t heard of it.” Ms. Heather frowns. “Usually, Layla and June are good with reporting to me when those things happen. I haven’t been notified of any appointments for the cat.” She turns around, heading for the door. “You said only Layla left, correct? I’ll confirm with June if there is an appointment scheduled today. Carry on as you were!”

And with that, Ms. Heather left the study. Unease continued to settle in Yancy’s heart. Something didn’t feel right. She’d cleaned the study from head to toe that morning, and being restless, Yancy decided to leave the study to see if she could figure something out herself!

She scurried down the hall, unsure of where to go, when she heard some voices carry down a hallway. Looking down, she saw a couple of maids standing by a window gossiping. Quickly disappearing back behind a corner, Yancy decided to listen in on a whim.

“...said she’s decided to get a cat!” the blonde says. “It’s quite admirable, don’t you think?”

“I do agree! Her commitment to understanding the heart of his Highness is so romantic.” The brunette swoons.

The “her” they’re referring to must be Lady Janice, Yancy thinks. All of the maids have been talking about her lately. She’s apparently been asking the staff, particularly the women, if they have any information on his Highness’s interests. Especially when it’s about cats. It’s impossible not to have heard about it at this point, the maids were enchanted by the fact someone so important and beautiful began talking so casually with them.

“Layla has been going on and on about it. She apparently writes to her the most!” The blonde sighs. “I wish that was me, what I would give to be besties with a noble lady like that!”

“I’d hardly call them besties.” The brunette snickers. “I think she’s just starstruck.”

“Still! She’s been giving Lady Janice all sorts of advice on caring for cats. Maybe she’ll decide to work for her as her cat’s nanny whenever she does get a cat.”

“That’ll be the day!”

That’s enough. Yancy’s hands tremble, color draining from her face. If what she’s heard is true…

No, no reason to jump to assumptions, right?

Just because Lady Janice has decided to get a cat, asks Layla for help, and Layla disappears without notice with Princess doesn’t mean…

…

Her feet began moving without her permission.

Where was she going? She wasn’t sure. But before she knows it, she’s jogging down the hallway towards the exit.

Out of the corner of her eye, she sees June, looking frantic. The moment they lock eyes and June runs up to her.

“You’re Yancy, right?”

Yancy stops. “Yes, that’s right.”

“You saw Layla leave with Princess?”

“I did.”

“Oh my gosh.” June looked like she might pass out. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her or where she would have gone! Oh my gosh. Hahhh…”

Ms. Heather appears at her side, acknowledging Yancy with a nod.

“Thank you for alerting us. We’re going to have the palace security team immediately search for Layla and the cat.”

“Um…”

“For now, continue with your duties. We’ll let you know when we’ve found them.” Ms. Heather smiles before ushering June away before she can faint.

Yancy frowns, unable to voice her suspicions before they leave. She stares down the hallway before turning to leave the palace.

None of this matters, a poor kitty was kidnapped! If she gets scolded for this, so be it, she needs to confirm if her hunch is correct or not! She dashes out of the palace, destination set in her mind.