"That's what he wants you to think," Salem assured the lady, giving an imperious, tight turn where he stood to settle back onto his haunches. Magic talking cats did tend to be a deceitful bunch. He didn't entirely know what to think about being dressed, though if it were up to him, he would have put a scarf on, too, so he supposed he could tolerate this humiliation by sitting patiently for it. The colour did bring out his eyes.

"I get to choose?" he answered, looking quite thrilled about it, and didn't have to think long before he suggested, "'Your highness' has a nice ring to it. 'Beloved and bewitching emperor' would be ideal. If you give me some milk, I'll let you call me Salem."