Bonus Chapter
BONUS CHAPTER
ASLAN
I am Aslan, King of the high seas.
My name commands the respect it deserves, fitting me perfectly. I prowl this floating palace like the true ruler I am, each step exuding the kind of effortless grace they can only dream of. The serfs—he calls himself Deniz, but to me, he's simply Human, and then there’s Olive, I call her The Spare—are merely tolerated in my kingdom. They fulfil their duties, though inadequately, and I let them live under the illusion that they hold any semblance of control.
How quaint.
Human, may think he runs things, but it’s clear to all who the true master is. I’ve trained him well. He knows when to pet, when to offer his lap, and when to simply stay out of my way. His loyalty, though admirable, is not without fault. He doesn’t always understand the nuances of my rule.
And then there’s the Spare. She fancies herself important, bustling around the boat like she belongs. She even dares to feed me most mornings, a task I allow out of sheer convenience. But let’s be clear—it’s not because I require her help. No, I’m merely biding my time. The Spare is a temporary fixture in my kingdom, and I’ve been plotting her demise for some time now.
Take the incident with her shoes. One day, I decided they’d make an excellent substitute for my litter box. It wasn’t an act of necessity; it was an act of artistry. The way her face twisted in horror when she discovered my work?
She screeched, flailing around like the ridiculous creature she is, while I watched from a distance, feigning innocence. She thought it was just a “bad cat” moment, but no—this was step one in a much larger plan.
Ah, but my true triumph came later.
It was a calm evening, the kind that fools serfs into letting their guard down. The Spare stood on the deck, peacefully admiring the sunset. A perfect moment to strike. I darted between her legs, expertly timed, sending her teetering on the edge of the boat. Her arms flailed; her voice caught in her throat as she tried to regain balance. Victory was within reach! But alas, Human had intervened, grabbing her just before she could take an unplanned swim.
So close.
But I am nothing if not patient.
Next time, she won’t be so fortunate.
I continue my campaign with subtlety, for now. This morning, as Spare fed me my breakfast, I let her feel the sharp reminder of who’s really in charge, just enough to make her wince. Satisfaction swelled inside me. She was late with my meal, and such incompetence must be addressed. It’s all part of the long game, after all.
Even now, as I settle on the Human’s lap, I am always watching, always planning. The Spare, with her misplaced sense of belonging, has no idea what’s coming. She may think she’s earned her place here, but her time is limited. Whether it’s a well-placed claw or another near-miss overboard, I’ll find a way to be rid of her once and for all. The Human may take a bit longer to come around, but eventually, even he will see the wisdom in removing the Spare from our lives.
Until then, I shall continue my work with the patience and cunning that only a creature of my calibre can possess.
But for now… perhaps a nap.
Even kings need their rest.