Of Love and Curses: A Spifelk Story (Fantasy/Medieval AU)

Cursed

Prince Zelkam was escorted by the guard to the Auditorium, a largely empty room. He saw his Father, Mega, and a woman with short black hair and an ivy-themed dress.
"Zelkam," his father greeted. "This is Ivyne. Have you heard of her?" Zelk had in fact heard of Ivyne, a witch that loved to put cruel yet effective curses on people. "I spoke with many doctors and magicians, and Ivyne was the only one willing to see you, and hopefully fix you."
"What are you talking about?" the prince asked.
"I'm sorry, old friend, but I couldn't just let it slide," Zelk saw written on a familiar scroll. It was Mega, his eyes lit with sorrow.
"You told?" Betrayal hit Zelk in the face with the news. MegaPVP, his best friend, confidant, and crush sold him out.
"Consider yourself lucky," his Father said coldly. "You could be executed for this, but I will be merciful."
"I propose a simple solution: A sickness, and only a kiss from the perfect one for him will cure him," Ivyne suggested. "But, if he doesn't receive this kiss, he will die."
"Yeah, right," Zelk spat. "Dad will never allow you to endanger my life! Right, Dad?" His father did not respond, only looking down in contemplation. "Dad?"
"Do it, Ivyne," he said at last.
"Dad!" Fear gripped Zelkam as he realized that the guard who escorted him was holding him still. He looked around the room, frantically searching for a way out of the situation. His eyes finally landed on Mega, giving him a forlorn look.
"It's for the best," the mute scribbled. Zelk felt a tear fall down his cheek. I don't want to die! He looked at Ivyne, who'd pointed her staff at him.
"Your behavior is not permitted.
You will pay for the crimes you have committed.
This curse is sick, as are you
So find someone, that with you, makes the perfect two." A blast of magic came from the staff and hit Zelk. A wave of cold came over him, and he could barely stand up.
"It's alright, son," his Father said, helping him to his feet. "It won't be long until we find a suitable woman for you to marry."
"How could you?" The prince cried weakly. "You're supposed to protect me. Not... employ witches... to curse me." Zelk had never felt so hurt in his life. His best friend and his own father got him cursed. Do neither of them realize that I could die? The guard and Mega tried to escort Zelkam back to his room,  but he refused, running up by himself. I don't want to see them right now. It was broad daylight, but in his anguish, Zelk managed to cry himself to sleep.

- -

Mega sat alone in his own quarters, reflecting. He was angry with everyone.  He was angry with Ivyne for cursing his best friend. He was angry at the King for employing her to do so. He was angry at Prince Zelkam for liking him. And he was angry at himself for a lot of things; feeling the same way, telling on Zelk, and now likely carrying the burden of killing the only person in the entire castle he liked. Zelk was an anchor to his job defending Siodt's royal building, as Mega spent most his time servicing the royals instead of actually defending it. He would have quit long ago if it weren't for Zelk. Zelk was his best friend, the only person who ever listened to what he had to say, and the first and only one he had ever shared his voice with. The tiger prince had promised to take every single one of Mega's secrets to his grave. And here he was, having spilled his confidant's biggest secret. Mega reminded himself that, in his defense, he thought Zelk would have to carry out a temporary punishment that he'd have forgotten by the end of the week. Not this. He knew he'd screwed up majorly when he heard the words "you could be executed for this" come from the King's mouth. Is liking someone of the same sex really so terrible that it's punishable by death? That hardly seems fair! Mega knew by now that he messed up royally, but he had to do something! He grabbed a jacket and headed out, knowing where to go.

- -

"Hello?"
"I need your help," the mute scrolled.
"How may I help you?" the beaver replied, choosing not to ask about the lack of vocalization.
"My best friend has been cursed. He needs to find the perfect woman for him, or he'll die. Please, please save him!"
"Of course. What's his name?"
"Prince Zelkam."