[Lyra Greenleaf]

"Roow"
Morwen clasped a hand to her heart, beating rapidly as she jumped to escape a ball of fur shooting past her ankles.
After a mouse, most likely. I’m only upset because it made me fall over my feet she reassured herself but in vain. The suspicions that the horrible beasts knew exactly how she felt about them and liked to scare her would not pass. With a groan Morwen pressed her back against the wall of the dark corridor.
Next thing I'll be as crazy as the queen, she told herself sardonically. Only I won't have cats. Dogs, mayhap. Huge, fierce dogs with big teeth...
With a private smile, Morwen continued on her way.

It was now what was hilariously called her "free time". Free to do what? Morwen wondered. Free to write to her beloved son, perhaps. Free to share wine and wisdom with the other old crones in the city?

The realisation that, despite the cats and the queen, Morwen's time of service was the most pleasurable time of the day had not been a pleasant one. It showed exactly how empty her life had become. And yet it could all have been so different! Morwen allowed herself to think of life as Tarannon's bride- but only for a short time. It did not do to dwell, she thought with an inner laugh.
No, for that leads to bitterness and we know how unattractive that is!

Not for the first time, Morwen considered that perhaps her strategy had not been the most advisable, but it was now a part of her as much as her hands, her face.
Too late for regrets, she told herself firmly. Besides she could always try to find Janna, an acquaintance among the maids. It did not do to be too familiar with the servants, of course, but how suitable they were for spreading rumours!

With a stiff, unnatural smile Morwen began to walk again, keeping a sharp watch for the dratted animals.
Something new was needed. Something different. Use of the cats for sabotage perhaps? Or to attack children? The whole city knew the queen's bitterness regarding her lack of heirs. That might do very well indeed...