A glass back cat

It was still early even though the sun was up. It was the season when the sun rose early and set late. The lights in the hallways were on but those in the rooms with windows were off. A maid carried a covered tray with steady hands and quiet feet down the east hallway to the last room. She paused outside the door. "I'm coming in young master," she announced and walked in. The bedroom was bright as the outside of the open window. The bed was empty, the canopy was pulled open and Asham was sitting on the chair by the window. He was, of course, reading. He greeted the older maid with a warm smile.

"Maria, good morning."

"Good morning," Maria beamed. "What are you reading today?"

"The same. Not done yet."

"The glass back cat? Is it so long?" she teased.

"You can just say I'm slow," he answered, not minding the teasing. "The story itself isn't very long. I wouldn't even call it a story. A legend. And though this is an interesting story based on the legend, I find the legend itself much more intriguing. Even more so since it reveals so much about the third era of the Fyne Kingdom."

Maria nodded as she set the tray on the table and poured the tea. Asham liked lemon tea in the morning. She poured from the small flask into the white porcelain cup with a narrow mouth and a small ear. She mixed in two spoons of sugar and passed it to Asham.

"Did you wash your mouth?"

He avoided her gaze reaching for the cup, only looking up as his hand grasped at air. He wanted to nod but ended up shaking his head lightly. He never could lie meeting her eyes.

"Wash up please, master," she said returning the cup to the table. "I'll be sure to keep it hot."

"Lot's of people enjoy coffee and tea in bed," he said as he closed the book and headed for the bathroom.

"Not you master," Maria answered without missing a beat.

"Why not?"

"Because you aren't so uncultured."

"Those words, father wouldn't like them very much."

"Yes. Which is why I would never speak those to him. Just to you. You can aspire to be better."

As he brushed, she buttered the slices of fresh bread. The only time he accepted toasted bread was as grilled sandwiches with lots of cheese and vegetables, and that was a dish much too heavy for the morning. Two slices of bread lathered with butter and sprinkled with salt were just right. Breakfast was served as he walked back out. He made sure to show his mouth wide open, and she inspected with care and deliberation. And then, as he sat at the table and began eating, he continued.

"Remember Lytem's essays?"

"Sorry master, I don't."

"Ugh, seriously! You're not old and are already forgetful. I worry for you." He had more to say, but sealed his lips as he met her scary calm gaze. "Anyway. Lytem was an academician in the third court of the Fyne kingdom. He wrote about the prevalent practices and their origins. In one of his essays he wrote about an ancient kingdom that was forgotten in time and was a lot more advanced in every way. He doesn't say it outright but alludes to the idea that the legends of the glass backed came from that time. Although with some variations. The Fyne believed that encountering a glass back cat was a terrible omen foretelling of great fortune, be it good or bad. That got me thinking. Remember Aisen's seminal work of fiction, The other side of the glass walls? In it, he too refers to this ancient kingdom. He even lists evidence that describes this ancient kingdom as far more advanced than even today. Ridiculous, sure. But intriguing. He calls it the Fairy kingdom. I think that should be the next goal."

"I'm sure you'll find what you seek master," she said, sounding as confident as the words she spoke.

"Of course. I am quite the best," he boasted.

And the two shared a good laugh. She cleared up the table and proceeded to leave with the empty tray. He returned to the chair and continued reading.