{Continent of Alaz, Roman Empire, Province of Light, Capital City — Lutetia, Starlight Family Estate.}{In the chambers of the Governor's third wife.}
A young girl, no older than sixteen, glided through the empty corridors of the grand estate.Her soft yet swift footsteps echoed against marble walls adorned with ancient frescoes.The air carried the scent of lavender and the fresh tang of the sea breeze drifting through open windows.
She wore a Victorian-style maid's dress — a strange anachronism amidst the columns and statues of Roman architecture.Even more surprising were the sharp cat ears, tipped with white fur, peeking out from beneath her thick black hair.Yet the maid moved without the slightest self-consciousness, as if the ears were nothing unusual.
Clearly, she was in a hurry.Her breathing grew faster; her cheeks flushed with the effort.Still, she moved with a feline grace, as though afraid to disturb the solemn peace of the ancient walls.
At last, she reached a massive door — the entrance to her mistress's chambers.She paused, smoothing her dress and steadying her breath.Summoning her courage, she knocked — so softly the sound barely reached even her own ears.
"Enter," came a gentle voice from within — as light and clear as the chime of silver bells.
The maid silently opened the heavy door and slipped inside, into a sun-drenched room.Her gaze immediately found the beautiful blonde woman seated by the window.The woman looked to be about thirty, yet in her sky-blue eyes shone the wisdom of ages.Her full, pink lips curved into a tender smile as she looked down at the two tiny infants cradled in her arms.
"Cassia, I'm glad you're here," the lady said, breaking the maid's trance.
Though Cassia had served her mistress since childhood, she still found it hard to believe such pure beauty could exist in the mortal world.
She dipped into a deep curtsy, her heart fluttering with anticipation."I am here to serve you, Lady Katerina," she said reverently.
Without lifting her gaze from the babies, the silver-haired woman gently chided:
"How many times have I told you not to be so formal? You are like a sister to me. There's no need for such stiff politeness. I called you because I wanted you to be the first to meet my beautiful children."
Cassia's narrow pupils widened with a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and gratitude.Her fluffy black tail wagged uncontrollably, and her cat ears twitched with emotion.
At last, gazing down at the two tiny beings, Cassia felt an indescribable surge of joy.She already envisioned herself doting endlessly on her new little masters.Unable to resist, she gave Katerina a pleading look.
Fidgeting, she asked in a trembling voice:"May... may I hold them?"
Seeing Cassia's wide, starry eyes, Katerina laughed softly.
"Fufufu~ I know you're eager, dear, but wait just a few more days. They're still so fragile. They can't even hold up their heads yet. I promise you'll be able to play with them as much as you like very soon."
"Of course, Lady Katerina... I consider it an honor," Cassia said, blushing deeply.
"Fufufu~ You're so adorable when you pout, Cassia. Don't be sad. Help me choose their names instead," Katerina teased warmly.
"Look at this little angel," she said, nodding toward the baby girl with silvery hair just like her own."What name comes to mind?"
The infant laughed joyfully, grabbing handfuls of her mother's hair as if playing in a spring rain.Her chubby cheeks puffed adorably as Cassia bent closer.
"She's so precious, like a little version of you!" Cassia exclaimed, her golden eyes shining."She's so bright and lively. Is there a name that means something like that?"
"Fufufu, I thought the same," Katerina said, stroking the girl's silver curls."I've decided to name her Grace. It means shining, elegant, blessed by the gods."
Warmth flooded through Cassia.
"Grace... It's perfect for her, Lady Katerina. Just perfect."
"Now, it's this little rascal's turn," Katerina said, shifting her attention."What do you think, Cassia? I have an idea, but I'm not sure."
Cassia turned her gaze to the baby boy — dark hair, skin as pale as moonlight, and deep blue eyes as endless as the sea.He stared at his mother with such intensity, as if trying to uncover the secrets of the universe.
He was strikingly beautiful.Cassia could already imagine the hearts he would break in the future — the countless young maidens who would drown in those soulful eyes.
As she leaned closer, the boy suddenly shifted his gaze — and locked eyes with her.
Startled, Cassia froze — just as the baby reached out and grabbed one of her black cat ears.
The small, warm hand brushed against her sensitive ear — a touch so soft it sent a shiver down her spine.Against her will, a soft, melodic purr escaped her throat:
"Mrrr..."
The boy's face lit up with delight, a mischievous sparkle dancing in his eyes.He laughed, continuing to explore his new "toy."
"Fufufu~ Looks like my little devil is already charming the ladies," Katerina teased."Seems you've become his first admirer, Cassia."
The baby boy had no idea that among the catfolk, ears were highly sensitive — a deeply private place, considered almost sacred.Touching them was taboo.
Blushing furiously, Cassia endured the gentle assault, telling herself:
'He's just a baby. I can forgive him. It's not because I actually like it...'Yet the purring continued despite her best efforts to stay composed.
On a sudden inspiration, she blurted out:
"Mmm... His hair is dark, but his skin is white. He's beautiful, yet somehow solemn. Grey — Grey would be the perfect name for the young master!"It was as if the heavens themselves had whispered it to her.
Katerina stiffened slightly, her normally serene voice trembling:
"H-How...? Grey. That's the very name I wanted for him. Confess — you were eavesdropping, weren't you? Fufufu~"
"N-no, Lady Katerina! I swear... It just... It felt right. As if the gods themselves had chosen it for him," Cassia stammered, her ears twitching with nervous energy.
Katerina looked from her children to Cassia, a flicker of wonder in her eyes.Then, she smiled.
"Grey and Grace. Perfect names for my precious twins. Fufufu~ I can't wait to see them grow up."
Pride swelled in Cassia's chest — she had guessed her mistress's heart.
"They will be magnificent, Lady Katerina. I'm sure Lord Adam will soon come to see them—"
Realizing what she had said, Cassia fell silent, her face stricken.
At the mention of her husband, the playful light vanished from Katerina's face.Her beauty remained, but it was shaded now with sadness.
Adam — the man who had disappeared after their first night together, leaving her cold and alone in the palace.He hadn't checked on her during her pregnancy, sending only occasional servants.He hadn't attended the birth.Even now, three days later, he had not come.
Katerina's voice, tight with restrained emotion, broke the silence:
"What did he say?"
"F-Forgive me, milady," Cassia stammered."His Majesty Adam Starlight is delayed at a meeting with the clergy. There are... concerns about the omens that appeared during the twins' birth. He will come as soon as the matter is resolved. He asked me to check on your health — and inquire if you require a wet nurse."
At those words, Katerina hugged her children tighter, her skin flashing between pale and flushed with anger.
Feeling their mother's distress, the twins stopped laughing, their eyes beginning to well with tears.
"Cassia, I'm tired. And the babies need sleep," Katerina said, mastering her emotions."Tell him I am well. There is no need for anyone to bother. Please come see us again tomorrow morning. I'm sure Grey and Grace will be happy to see you."Her voice was calm — too calm.
Cassia's heart ached. She wanted to speak — to offer comfort — but knew it was better to leave.
When the catgirl finally slipped out and closed the door behind her, Katerina's gentle mask fell away.Cradling her twins close, she spoke with a voice brimming with a fierce, primal love:
"You must be hungry, my little ones. Don't worry. Mommy is here. Mommy will always love and protect her precious treasures."
There was a hint of madness there — a quiet, burning obsession.
She loosened her white dress to nurse them, letting them feed until they grew drowsy and heavy with sleep.
Grey nestled against her chest, one tiny hand possessively resting on his sister's still belly.
It was a scene of perfect, heartbreaking beauty.
Katerina gazed out the window.
The sliver of moon, hidden behind drifting clouds, bathed the sleeping city in a soft, silver glow.
Carefully adjusting herself, Katerina closed her eyes — and, cradling the warm weight of Grey and Grace, drifted into dreams.