Monarchy of Meow

Dedicated to Jessica Williams (Her Cynical Majesty)

Empress Natashya Felingrovna was not the cruelest of Earth rulers. In fact, many people considered her much more benevolent than the simian regime she overthrew. Citizens of New Felis were inclined to think so, since empowering a previously domesticated species—even if it was the clever Machiavellian cats—was not an easy thing to do. But Empress Felingrovna and her clowder of feline followers and spies had done well on their part. Only historians could know for sure which species was first master, and which was pet.

Yes, no human could teach a cat tricks, lest the cat found it appealing to amuse himself by amusing the human. Now the roles were reversed, and the pre-pets were post-people. Their downfall was the trusting concept that the little furry wubbles weren’t listening. They couldn’t learn—they were just cats! How absurd to think otherwise!

Natashya found it insulting to be treated like a canine.

But being the natural politician that she was, she knew when to lay low and nibble her kibble. It was under this pretense that she acquired her hardy network of information—the foundation for a scheme that would change the balance of power of the world. Foolish simians! They did not know their own hapless flapping lips were what made their misfortune. A cat would not make such a mistake. Underestimating an opponent was always part of the cat cabal. Act cute to disillusion the enemy into thinking you weren’t a threat. Milk this hand for all it could spare, and then strike!

Pride became the downfall for the human race. A rash arrogance that they were superior to their own pets was a lesson harshly learned. Wide awakening came across the land where Empress Felingrovna’s claw fell. At last comprehending the unrealized capacity of a feline mind, mankind was humbled into submission. A new era had begun where the shift of power was no longer in hands, but paws.