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

You What?

The sun had just begun to rise, and Spifey had everything he needed. The kind woman who sheltered him and his friend gave him a satchel to keep all his belongings in, insisting that he take it. He was just now leaving, carrying the satchel and Zelkam, who was still asleep.
"You need to leave now," the woman said, seeming frantic. Spifey didn't understand, and willing as he was to get moving, she treated this very urgently.
"What's going on? Why are you-"
"Vanessa!" A chill ran down the matchmaker's spine as he heard Ivyne's voice. He pulled up the woman's sleeve to reveal the tattoo of Ivyne's cult.
"Not you too!"
"Leave," she whisper-yelled, motioning away. "And don't be seen. I can take care of Ivyne." The beaver nodded and quickly bid her goodbye as he walked through the town, keeping up the pace. As he walked, he began contemplating everything that had happened. He was finally ready to admit to himself that he liked the prince. Zelkam had been kind to him since the very beginning. Once Spifey had lowered his hood, Zelk had complimented him. He'd thought to bring supplies with them that Spifey had overlooked completely, and so far, one proved to be useful. Zelk had offered his kindness to two strangers, even if they betrayed him. The prince had even made Spifey a place to sleep and breakfast the next morning. When he was offered anything he wanted at a cake shop, Zelkam had chosen what his friend had been eyeing, sharing it instead of getting his own. And to think, he'd been nothing but a jerk to his companion before they reached Manunt. But the thing that Spifey seemed to be touched by the most was when Zelk would be open. At the fairground, he told Spifey how he was betrayed by his father and his crush. Zelkam was resourceful, thinking ahead, yet also funny, considerate, and would occasionally let himself be carefree. But he could never like me. I don't know how he puts up with me, because I haven't done enough for him. And even if he did, he will die if he doesn't get married to someone else. It would be a happy ending: Zelk marries Johanna and unites Siodt and Jeriques, Spifey is given honorary royalty, Johanna is happy, Zelkam is happy, Spifey is happy, The King is happy, everyone is happy. But what if we don't make it? What if Johanna rejects him? There won't be time to find another suitor! As Spifey left the city and stepped onto the forest ground, Zelkam stirred.
"Do you think you can walk now?"
"Mhm," the prince nodded as he was set down and stood up. As he walked, Spifey could see the sadness that glazed his friend's eyes. He sat his friend down on a nearby log.
"What's troubling you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Zelk, I can see it in your eyes. Something is wrong, now please, tell me."
"It's all so unfair," Zelkam confessed. "When I was eight, my parents divorced. Both of them wanted me. Even at eight, I could tell. But my mother gave me up. She wanted me to grow up royal, where she thought I'd be happier. I know I seem spoiled, but I don't feel spoiled. Dad has never been invested in anything I do. He barely even talks to me, unless I've done something wrong. I'm not his son. I've never been his son. Only ever his successor. He doesn't treat me like a person, he treats me like his insurance policy that his bloodline can live forever. Mom was always the one who was there for me. She'd comfort me when I was sad. She'd play with me when I was happy. And she'd reassure me when I was afraid. She'd love and support me unconditionally. She'd never curse me!"
"It's not your mother's fault," Spifey placed a hand on Zelk's shoulder. "She wanted what was best for you in the long run. If she had known about this difficulty, she would have kept you. Forgive her, for she wanted you to have a life of luxury. Even if she made a severe misjudgement."
"Can I tell you something?" Zelk asked. "Even if it's crazy?"
"Of course."
"When I was cursed, I felt hopeless. Like I was going to die, there was no getting around it. But then, you came. You rescued me, and now you're taking me to break it. Even if you put up a tough exterior, I see the real you. And... I like you."
"I like you too Zelk," Spifey said, somehow not having caught on. "But we have to-"
"No, you don't understand," Zelk protested, standing up and facing his guide. "I like like you!"
"You what?"Both boys looked at each other in silence and shock. I can't believe I just told him that. What if he hates me now?
"I really, really like you," Zelk calmed down and sat again.
"Zelk," Spifey looked at his friend. "You can't. I'm taking you to marry Johanna. If you don't, you'll die."
"Ivyne never said I had to marry Johanna. Only that I had to get a kiss from her. I'm sure she'd understand."
"It's not worth the risk," the beaver said, getting up to leave. Zelk had no choice but to follow, but stopped after a few seconds of thinking.
"You never denied sharing these same feelings. Once we get Johanna to kiss me, we could run away together! We'd never have to worry about anything again!"
"You want to run away from your problems?"
"If that's what it takes. Now stop avoiding the question. Do you like me too, or do you not?"
"No, Zelk," Spifey lied. "I don't." Immediately, he regretted saying it. He felt his heart breaking. He saw the same heartbreak in the prince's eyes. It's for the best, he thought. It was unlikely Johanna would kiss a stranger, even to save his life. The only way to get it would be to woo her. But it would be hard to leave her once she wanted Zelkam's hand in marriage. It was all too much of a risk. There would be no putting Zelk's life on nothing but faith if he didn't know that Spifey liked him back..