Tabby and the Pup Prince Read online

  With special thanks to Conrad Mason

  Title Page

  Dedication

  Chapter 1: Fetch!

  Chapter 2: Hide-and-Squeak

  Chapter 3: Those Ratty Rascals

  Chapter 4: The Pup Prince

  Chapter 5: Magic Cheese

  Chapter 6: The Fourth Wonder

  Chapter 7: A Most Brilliant Plan

  Chapter 8: Cheesecake

  Chapter 9: The Best Day Ever

  Sneak Peek at Kitten Kingdom #3

  About the Author

  Copyright

  “Kitties … Attention!”

  Princess Tabby stood up straight beside her brothers, Felix and Leo. Her tail shook with excitement as Captain Edmund walked back and forth across the playroom.

  “Today, kitties, I am going to teach you something very important indeed!” The captain of the guard twirled his whiskers. He was a big orange tomcat, and his silver armor sparkled with medals.

  He must be the bravest soldier in all Mewtopia, thought Tabby. He defeated the horrible Pigeon of Coo! And the Great Earthworm of Wiggleville! This was going to be the best lesson ever.

  “Now, watch closely …” said Captain Edmund. He had something behind his back. A second later, he held it out with both paws. “Ta da!” Tabby blinked.

  “But … it’s a ball,” said Tabby’s younger brother, Leo. He sounded just as let down as Tabby felt.

  “I thought it would be a sword,” whispered her older brother, Felix. “What a relief!”

  That’s just like Felix, thought Tabby with a smile. Her older brother had always been a bit of a scaredy-cat.

  “Well noticed, young Leo,” said Captain Edmund. “It is, indeed, a ball! A nice, shiny red one. And today, we are going to learn a wonderful game called ‘fetch.’ First, I throw the ball, like so …” Edmund tossed the ball across the floor. “Then I fetch it, like so!” He jumped up and grabbed the ball with his teeth.

  “Please, Captain Edmund,” said Tabby, “could you teach us some fencing instead?”

  “I bet you could fight anyone in all Mewtopia!” said Leo. He took one of Nanny Mittens’s brooms and swung it like a sword. She might have scolded him if she wasn’t upstairs taking a long catnap.

  Captain Edmund laughed and lifted the broom from Leo’s orange paw. “Dear me!” he said, patting Leo on the head. “Why would the royal kittens need to know about sword fighting?”

  “You must have heard about King Gorgonzola and his wicked rats,” said Felix. His black fur fluffed up with fear. “He tried to steal the magical Golden Scroll!”

  “He was going to use it to make his own laws,” said Leo.

  “Because he wants to rule Mewtopia himself!” added Tabby. “So that’s why we should learn to fight. In case he comes back!”

  Captain Edmund looked at Tabby. “Ah yes,” he said. “I also heard something about three brave young kittens who saved the day … You haven’t heard anything about that, have you?”

  Tabby stared hard at her paws so she didn’t have to look him in the eye. We know everything about that, she thought. Because we were those kittens! But they had worn costumes, so no cat in Mewtopia knew the truth.

  Every time Tabby thought about the adventure they’d had, her fur stood on end with fear … and with excitement. If Gorgonzola tries anything else, we’ll be ready for him!

  “Let’s stick to fetch,” said Captain Edmund. “Just remember, you’re royal kittens! We can’t have you going off on adventures, pretending to be the Whiskered Wonders, now, can we?”

  “Wow … the Whiskered Wonders!” said Leo, hopping from paw to paw. “Is that what the kitizens are calling us? I mean, them!”

  “It sounds like something from a fairy tale!” said Tabby. She’d read about brave kitty heroes all her life. And now I am one! A Whiskered Wonder …

  “That’s enough, now,” said Captain Edmund with a frown. “You must all be on your best behavior today. The dog king and queen of Barkshire will be arriving very soon with their son, the pup prince, and a hundred of their doggy citizens.”

  “We’re always supposed to be on our best behavior,” Leo grumbled. Nanny Mittens only told them so ten times a day.

  “This is different, Leo,” said Tabby. “Remember what Mom and Dad said? Mewtopia and Barkshire used to fight all the time, and they want to make sure it never happens again.”

  “That’s right, Tabby,” said Captain Edmund, nodding. “This visit from the royal hounds could make peace between our kingdoms forever. We must make sure we are polite and kind to all the dogs.”

  “I’ve never met a dog before,” said Felix, chewing his claws. “They’re not scary, are they?”

  “Not to me,” said Captain Edmund. “But then again, I’m not scared of much. Dogs are just different from cats. For example, they don’t purr. Instead, they wag their tails.”

  “No way!” said Leo, swishing his own tail back and forth. Tabby and Felix giggled. “Like this? Are you sure?”

  “Very sure,” said Captain Edmund. “And instead of mewing, they bark!”

  “What’s barking?” asked Tabby.

  “You’ll find out soon, young kitty,” said Captain Edmund. “Because you three are going to look after the pup prince. That’s why your parents asked me to teach you fetch. It’s his favorite game.”

  “Boring!” whispered Leo to Tabby. “Anyway, I can hardly move in these silly, fancy clothes, let alone pounce on a ball!”

  Tabby sighed and looked down at her dress. It was made of green silk with gold bows. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever worn. But I’d much rather be wearing our secret costumes! She and her brothers had made them after their fight with King Gorgonzola, using things from the dress-up box. Tabby’s costume was black and loose to make it easier to fight. She had even cut a mask out of red silk so that she could sneak out of the palace without being seen. Just in case Gorgonzola comes back …

  “Look at our smart little kittens!” purred a familiar voice.

  Tabby grinned as Queen Elizapet stepped into the playroom, followed by King Pouncalot. Captain Edmund bowed low.

  Tabby’s parents were both dressed in their finest red capes and golden crowns. But she could tell from their flicking tails that they were nervous.

  “Are you ready, my sweet kittens?” said Queen Elizapet. “They’ll be here any minute! Oh, I do hope they’re nice. Come with us now—we have something to show you.”

  “Where are we going?” asked Leo as the three royal kittens followed their parents.

  “To the kitchens!” said King Pouncalot. He led the way down a stone staircase. “Today is so important that we are going to be using the Orb of Plenty.”

  Tabby gasped. “You mean the magical one?”

  “That’s right,” said Queen Elizapet. “We’ve invited everyone in Mewtopia to meet the royal hounds and their dog citizens. When it’s time for the feast, the Orb of Plenty will magically make more of the food our chefs have cooked. Then we can feed everyone!”

  “But first,” said King Pouncalot, “we want to try it out and make sure it’s working.”

  They stepped through a great arch into the royal kitchens.

  A blast of heat hit them at once, along with a thousand wonderful smells. Tabby’s belly growled. It was like walking into a huge cave, with copper pots and pans hanging above. Cats in white aprons rushed here and there. They added spices to frying pans, chopped up vegetables, and stirred bubbling pots.

  A long wooden table ran down the middle of the kitchen. Tabby saw cat lords and ladies standing around it, purring in delight at something. Tabby’s fur stood on end when she saw what it was.

  “Look!” whispered Leo, his big yellow eyes wide. “The Orb
of Plenty!”

  The orb sat on a blue velvet pillow, with soldiers standing behind it. It was no bigger than the ball Captain Edmund had used to play fetch. But it was made of silver as shiny and bright as a mirror. The kitchen fires were reflected on its curved surface.

  “We had it brought up from the royal treasure chamber,” said King Pouncalot. “Now for the test run. Where did those dog biscuits get to?”

  Everyone turned to look around the kitchen. Felix pointed to a little box of biscuits that had fallen under the table. He was about to speak when Leo clapped a paw over his mouth.

  What’s he up to? Tabby wondered.

  The little orange cat snuck over to the box. Quickly, Leo put the bone-shaped biscuits into his left pocket. Then he dug in his right pocket and dropped something else into the box.

  Tabby grinned.

  “You’ll get us in trouble!” hissed Felix.

  But just then, Queen Elizapet spotted the box. “Leo has found it! Well done, Leo! The dogs will love these treats.”

  The queen carried the box to the middle of the table. She laid one paw on the orb, still holding the box in her other paw.

  “Quiet, everyone!” called King Pouncalot.

  At once, everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to watch. The only noise came from the fires and the bubbling pots. Tabby held her breath. We’re going to see some real magic!

  Queen Elizapet closed her eyes. Then she spoke softly.

  “Orb of Plenty, hear my call.

  Show your magic, feed us all!”

  The orb began to glow with a blue light. Then gasps came from the lords and ladies. Tabby couldn’t believe her eyes! Biscuits were rising up from the box and falling onto the stone floor. Wait, those aren’t biscuits … They were little pink candies with gray swirls. Tuna treats!

  Tabby caught Leo’s eye. He was grinning from ear to ear. So that’s what Leo put in the box …

  Queen Elizapet looked in surprise at the pile of candy around her paws. “Do you think something’s wrong with the orb?” she asked.

  “No,” said King Pouncalot. He gave Leo a serious look. “I think something’s wrong with this little rascal!” He shook his head. “We’ve told you how important this day is, Leo. This is exactly the sort of trick that might upset the royal hounds. We are counting on you to behave. Understand?”

  Leo nodded, his whiskers drooping.

  “I told him so!” said Felix.

  Tabby was just reaching for a tuna treat, when a trumpet blast sounded through the palace. Her heart began to thump.

  “Oh my whiskers, they’re here!” cried Queen Elizapet, almost dropping the orb. “Guards, take the orb back to the treasure chamber at once … Captain Edmund will guard it there until it’s time for the feast. Come, kittens, we must greet our guests!”

  Creeeeak! The drawbridge began to swing open.

  Tabby stood whisker to whisker with her brothers. On the other side of that drawbridge are the dog royals! she thought. Any moment now, the royal kittens would see them for the first time. Tabby smoothed down her dress.

  Queen Elizapet was making sure King Pouncalot’s crown was straight. “Hurry, dear!” whispered King Pouncalot nervously.

  Then—THUMP!—the drawbridge fell into place. Sun shone into the gatehouse.

  “Welcome to Mewtopia!” said King Pouncalot. He stepped forward with his paws wide. Then he stopped.

  Four figures were climbing out of a fancy blue carriage with golden wheels and a golden bone painted on the side. But the dogs weren’t at all like Tabby thought they would be.

  “They look funny,” giggled Leo.

  “Shh!” hissed Felix.

  But Leo was right. The dogs had big eyes, hairy faces, and long noses, just like Tabby had seen in pictures. But the dog king’s cloak dragged behind him in the dust. His crown was much too big for him. In fact, all his clothes were!

  The three princes with him looked even stranger. Their capes were all ripped. It looked as though they had taken one big cape and torn it into three pieces.

  “I thought there was only one pup prince,” said Tabby. “And where’s the dog queen?”

  “And what about all their dog citizens?” Felix added.

  “Hush now,” said Queen Elizapet. “We must not be rude to our guests!” But she looked confused, too.

  The dog king walked across the drawbridge. “Keep up, you fools!” he growled as the pups ran after him.

  “He sounds mean,” whispered Leo.

  “I heard that!” snapped the dog king. Leo froze. Tabby noticed that his voice squeaked a little. Maybe he’s nervous, too?

  “My son is very sorry,” said King Pouncalot, giving Leo a warning look. Then he bowed low. “Welcome to Mewtopia, Your Dogginess! I am King Pouncalot, and this is Queen Elizapet. Felix, Tabby, and Leo are our royal kittens.”

  Tabby curtsied while her brothers bowed. But the dog king just nodded quickly. “Yes, yes, hello. This is, er … Prince Hairy, Prince Smelly, and Prince Fleabag.”

  What weird names, thought Tabby.

  “May we take your cloaks?” asked Queen Elizapet.

  “No!” said the dog king, shaking his head so hard that it wiggled in a funny way.

  Tabby frowned. The dog royals seemed very weird indeed. But she remembered what Captain Edmund had said. Dogs are just different from cats.

  “Not to worry,” said Queen Elizapet. “Will your dog citizens be coming soon?”

  “No,” snapped the dog king. “They aren’t coming anymore.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad,” said King Pouncalot. “But I’m sure we will still have a wonderful day. If you will just come this way …” He led the dog royals through a door into a long hall with a red carpet. Huge paintings of catkings and catqueens hung on the walls. Soldiers stood at every door.

  “The palace seems well guarded,” said the dog king. He stared at the guards’ silver swords.

  “Oh yes,” said King Pouncalot. “Perhaps you’ve heard of the wicked rat, King Gorgonzola? He tried to steal our Golden Scroll!”

  “And almost got away with it,” said the dog king. “He must be very smart.”

  “Not as smart as the Whiskered Wonders!” said Leo.

  The dog king narrowed his eyes. “You must be worried about your other treasures now,” he said. “Like the Orb of Plenty … where are you keeping it?”

  Tabby heard a giggle. Was that the pup princes? Tabby wondered. She frowned at them, and they all got quiet and looked away.

  “Don’t worry,” said Queen Elizapet. “The Orb of Plenty is safe in our treasure chamber. Captain Edmund is guarding it. He’s the best soldier in Mewtopia!”

  “Now,” said King Pouncalot, stopping outside the throne room. “Why don’t we show His Dogginess around the palace, while you kitties and pups play together?”

  Do we have to? thought Tabby. But she smiled and flicked her ears. “Yes, Dad.” If we don’t behave, Mom and Dad might not be able to make peace with Barkshire!

  The royal kittens ran off, followed by the pups.

  “You’ll love it here,” said Felix. “We’ve got extra treats today. Normally we have sour lemon sardines and trout twisters, but the chefs have made some special dog biscuits for you!”

  “Yuck,” said Prince Hairy. “Dog biscuits make me sick!”

  “Give me a nice smelly lump of cheese any day!” said Prince Fleabag.

  The pups all nodded. Once again, Tabby was sure their heads wiggled. She frowned, but said nothing. I can’t be rude. That’s what Mom said! But she also said that dogs love these biscuits …

  They climbed up a twisting staircase and came out in the playroom. There were boxes everywhere, piled high with squeaky toys made just for the puppies, but they didn’t seem at all interested. Instead they just sat in a row, looking bored.

  “Let’s play fencing!” said Leo. He picked up the broom again.

  “Or we could pretend to be explorers,” said Felix. “That might be safer. Look, I’ll m
ake a ship!” He dragged some pillows across the floor and began to stack them.

  “Or we could try on suits of armor,” said Tabby.

  “Don’t you have anything fun to do?” asked Prince Smelly.

  They’re just as mean as their dad! thought Tabby. But she ignored it and picked up the red ball Captain Edmund had given them. “I know—let’s play fetch!” She threw it up with one paw and caught it again.

  The puppies just stared at her. “What’s fetch?” said Prince Hairy.

  Tabby, Leo, and Felix looked at one another with wide eyes. This doesn’t make any sense, thought Tabby. Captain Edmund said the pup prince loved fetch! He must have been wrong.

  “What should we do, then?” asked Felix.

  The puppies whispered to one another. At last they looked up. “We’ve got an idea,” said Prince Fleabag. “Let’s play hide-and-squeak.”

  Leo stroked his whiskers. “Do you mean hide-and-seek?”

  “That’s what I said!” snapped Prince Fleabag. “You kitties hide first. Then we’ll come and find you.”

  Tabby thought the puppies looked meaner than ever. But at least we found something they want to do! She sighed. “Okay. Close your eyes and count to a hundred …”

  The puppies all turned to the wall, and the royal kittens raced out of the playroom.

  Tabby ran down the stairs. Where can I hide … ? She could sneak behind the royal milk freezer. Or go behind the curtains in the library. She could even curl up under her dad’s desk … Then she stopped. The puppies didn’t know the palace, and she was supposed to be looking after them. I should choose somewhere they can find us easily, she thought. She ran down the hall and hid behind a suit of armor. She squeezed up against the wall, panting.

  It was dark and quiet in the hall, and there were spiderwebs in every corner. Tabby waited and waited. But no one came. Where have those puppies gone?

  After a while, she noticed a weird noise from close by. A low growl. Then another one. And another. Maybe it’s barking! Captain Edmund never told us what it sounded like. Tabby froze, her whiskers shaking, trying not to make even the smallest sound.

  Then she heard something else. Paws coming down the hall.