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

The Guide

Thud!
Zelkam awoke to a noise coming from his window. At whatever hour it was, he'd normally be asleep. But he'd cried himself to sleep that afternoon, so he'd awoken to the sound. He tried to ignore it, but he could hear a faint sound, going from high to low steadily. It sounded like breathing. He looked over to see his window open, but nobody there. He nervously walked over to the window to shut it, and as he walked, he heard a shuffling sound, as well as the floors creaking.
It's a burglar, and they are entering through my room. If I pretend I didn't hear them, I'll be fine. They'll run out of here and to the riches. And I'll let them- I don't care what happens to Dad's riches. But, as he got to the window, he stepped on unfamiliar cloth. He looked down to his left, and the light of the moon allowed him to see a shape huddled next to him, a hood over their head. Zelk screamed and scrabbled backwards as the figure stood up.
"Please," Zelk begged. "Don't hurt me!" Tears rolled down his cheeks, and he started sobbing uncontrollably. The figure placed a hand over his mouth.
"Shut it," a male voice spat. "You'll get me caught. Your friend Mega told me about your situation. I've come to help you." The hooded man was tying a rope to the window, concentrating.
"Why? What made you decide to help me?"
"Quiet! I won't help you if I'm imprisoned," he yelled, having secured the rope to the top of the tower. "Climb down," he ordered, and Zelk obeyed. His rescuer followed suit, hopping down.
"Thanks," Zelk said, still afraid.
"I had to," the hooded figure said. "I knew you'd die if you stayed up there."
"What's your name?"
"Spifey," the figure said, lowering his hood. The tiger prince was greeted to see a beaver with deep green eyes, brown fur, and a certain charm to his face. He quickly took note of the fact that Zelk was staring. "What are you looking at?"
"I just hadn't realized I was getting rescued by a cutie," the prince flirted.
"Would you not?" Spifey glared. "If you hadn't realized yet, you're cursed and going to die if you don't get a kiss from the perfect woman for you." Zelk didn't respond, just looked down in embarrassment. "Let's just go," Spifey sighed, grabbing the prince's arm and pulling him down the dirt trail into the town. Suddenly, Spifey stopped and turned around. "How come you've been so quiet?"
"I just- I'm sorry," the prince couldn't even look his guide in the eye. "It's because- well, I-" he stammered before sighing. "I can't find the words."
"Forget I asked," Spifey said, continuing his walk down the street and to a small house. Opening the door, he let Zelk in first, before coming in himself and shutting the door behind him.
"What now?"
"Now, we go to sleep, and get a head start in the morning." Zelk observed the room, and the adjacent room. The room he was in had a couch, a closet, and a few paintings, and the smaller room nearby was mainly the same, only the couch was replaced by a bed.
"I- I was kidding earlier," Zelk jumped, flicking his eyes toward the bedroom.
"What are you talking about?"
"W-Well, you've only one bed, and-"
"You're sleeping on the couch."
"Oh," he realized, feeling dumb. "I-I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too, for snapping at you," Spifey's face softened. "A lot has happened. I shouldn't expect you not to be a little confused." Zelk gave his rescuer a look of gratitude, not able to say anything. He lay down on the couch, and noticed Spifey place a blanket over him before going to bed himself. Zelk turned to thank him when he noticed something he hadn't before. Pictures of different couples, in different settings. That was when Zelk realized where he was- who Spifey was.
Spifey is the town Matchmaker. He suddenly knew why he needed Spifey, but why would the matchmaker go out of his way to save him? I don't know why, but he rescued me. I trust this guy with my life. After all, what choice do I have?