Apologize for not studying

“I’m sorry, MacTavish. I just can’t seem to get in the studying mode. This really isn’t how I envisioned spending my birthday, after all.”

MacTavish’s eyes narrow as he regards the young prince. “Are you sure that’s all, Your Highness? You haven’t been distracting yourself by getting into other things, have you? I noticed you had a certain interest in a spell book earlier.” His eyes dart over to the shelf containing the book in question. Finding it undisturbed, he relaxes somewhat and returns his attention to Duncan.

“I understand this can be overwhelming at first, young master, but you will find your stride soon enough. I am told you have always had more of a flair for academics than your brother, so I’ve no doubt you will soon be looking forward to this time in the Library.”

“I suppose so,” Duncan says, trying very hard not to look in the direction of the hidden Felechon. “I will read this MacTavish. I promise. Please don’t let me detain you any longer.”

MacTavish’s face again grows suspicious. “Why the urgency in getting me to leave, Your Highness? It almost feels as if you are hiding something.”

“Not at all,” says Duncan, perhaps a bit too quickly. “I just feel bad that you wasted a trip up here to check on me, and I have not read anything.”

“And that’s your sole concern?” he asks, as his eyes steadily scan the room.

As his eyes come to the corner where Felixia’s cage rests, the aged man says, “I neglected to warn you about the contents of that cage, Your Highness. At all costs, you must keep your distance. It holds a devilish creature that would unleash untold evil throughout this land if it is loosed. It must never be released, and it will no doubt plead with you and promise you anything to set it free, but you must not listen to it.The creature cannot he trusted under any circumstances!”

“I understand, MacTavish. I’ll keep my distance. I don’t really care for cats, anyway.”

MacTavish’s eyes narrowed. “Who said anything about cats?”

Duncan thinks quickly. “Well, you must be talking about a Felechon, right? My mom always accused me of acting like a Felechon when I got in trouble; I just assumed that’s what you were talking about.”

MacTavish regards the prince carefully. “Prince Duncan, this is very important. That is no mere Felechon; it is the most diabolical one I have ever encountered. I am the only one who can master it. If it escapes, here in the heart of the capital, I cannot overstate how disastrous it would be for the kingdom. Tell me now, Your Highness, is there anything I should know?”

Duncan casts a nervous look in the direction of Felixia and then looks at MacTavish. He makes a decision and says....