“Not at all! Come visit every day if you’d like!” 

Thinking about trekking through the forest every day did not sound ideal. Especially when there were cougars around. 

“Let’s try once a week for now.” 

“Sounds good to me! Get back safe, my boy!” 

As I tried to leave, I forgot that the cougar was in the doorway. I stopped short and stared down at it while it stared up at me. Then it stood up and I couldn’t help flinching backwards. Thankfully it only turned and left through the door. The crow flew after it and I felt safe to leave as well. I waved and smiled at Callum before setting off on the path home. 

While I walked, I couldn’t help glancing back occasionally to see the cougar still following me from a distance. Since it hadn’t attacked me after saving it, and while being in a small room with it at Callum’s place, I felt like maybe it wasn’t actually stalking me to kill me eventually. But I wasn’t sure if I should let my guard down just yet. 

The crow flew above me as usual but would sometimes swoop down to tease the cougar who swatted at him angrily. It never managed to hit the crow though. The rabbit in my arm seemed content and he was even falling asleep. I picked up the pace so I could hurry to my room and take a nap myself. 

The cougar didn’t follow me out of the forest. It stood at the edge of the treeline and watched me until I moved out of its sight. Since it seemed to be so interested in me, I couldn’t help my interest in it growing as well. But I couldn’t think about it too much more and only barely managed to change out of my clothes before falling into bed and falling asleep. 

The next day, I called for the butler. When he knocked on my door, I let him in. 

“How may I help?” he asked. 

“Do you remember that man who treated the rabbit? He said he had colleagues. I was wondering if I could get in touch with him about that?” 

“Of course, I can contact him for you. May I ask what this is all about?” 

“I was wondering if he had any colleagues who were experts on big cats, like say…cougars.” 

The butler blinked. “Cougars? Did you perhaps encounter one in the forest? You weren’t harmed, were you?!” 

He suddenly stepped forward to grab my arm and look me over for any injuries. 

“I’m just fine!” I exclaimed, pulling my arm away from him. “I know to be careful in the forest and not approach any dangerous animals. I’m not a kid anymore, I can take care of myself.” 

“Yes, of course… We all just get a bit worried when you spend so much time out there. Especially when you come back covered in dirt.” 

My face suddenly felt hot. I didn’t know he was watching me so closely, although I guess that is kinda his job. I’m still embarrassed to admit that I’m usually out there visiting my father’s grave. It’s still too personal. But I guess it’s all too obvious to those paying attention. 

“A-Anyway…” I stutter. “Can you get in contact with that animal doctor or not?” 

The butler bowed with a hand on his chest. “Of course, your highness. I will get into contact with him as you wish.” 

“Thank you. You’re dismissed.” 

As he left, I couldn't help thinking. He’s like the mom I never had, always fretting over me and my well-being. Although, I guess it’s not the worst thing in the world… 

A few days later, an expert on cougars arrived at the palace. I met her in the sitting room and her eyes were so bright and shiny, they were practically popping out of her face.