The favour

"Calm down, kid. Yes, we talk. We're not your typical dogs — we're magical."

I froze. I couldn’t believe my ears. But when I really looked at him, it started to make sense. Of course a royal dog wouldn't be ordinary. And honestly, we knew nothing about the outside world. We’d been locked away behind the kingdom’s walls all our lives. Only high-ranking people were allowed in and out — not folks like me.

"Okay… you said you’d help me under one condition. What could a magical dog possibly want from a boy like me?" I asked, still unsure if I was dreaming.

"Yes, I’ll help you. I’ve been running from the king for a while, and if you return me, you'll be a hero in his eyes. He’s quite fond of me," the dog said, then glanced over at the silver dog beside him.

"But I have one request: I want her to live in the royal castle with me."

I blinked. “Yeah… sure, but how would I even get her into the castle? I don’t live there.”

"I know, human. It’s hard. But that’s my only wish. Please. She’s the love of my life," he said, almost pleading.

I looked away for a moment and muttered, "Why don’t you just run away with her? That’d be easier, right? You’re just a pet to that greedy king."

"You don’t know what that man did for me. I'm alive because of him. I can't just run away and make him worry even more. King Lay is kind-hearted — you just don’t see it."

I sighed. "Yeah… I rushed to conclusions. I’m sorry. I’ll help. What's your name, i didn't get it yet? I’m Loufas."

"I know your name, human. I’m magical, remember? My master calls me Tuff."

"Nice to meet you, Tuff," I said as I stood up and brushed the grass from my pants.

As we began to walk, the silver dog leaned toward me and whispered, “Thanks, Loufas. We appreciate your help. Im lucy ”

“No problem!” I said with a grin.

“Oh — and by the way, Tuff didn’t know your name because he’s magical. He only heard it when your friend called out to you earlier,” she whispered with a smile.

…Wow. What a dog. The only magic he’s got is flexing and lying with confidence.

We snuck into the castle quietly, careful not to be seen by any guards. I held Tuff and the dusty Lucy close . Every hallway felt like a trap. I kept ducking into rooms, waiting for guards to pass.

Just as I thought I was safe, I turned a corner and—bam. The yellow-haired guard from earlier.

I froze.

His eyes locked onto me like daggers. “You! You tried to kiss the princess and you’re the one who kidnapped the royal pet! How dare you!”

I couldn’t believe how stupid he was. If I kidnapped the dog, why would I bring him back into the castle?

And still… still he believed I tried to kiss the princess. What a selfish man.

Before I could even finish my thoughts, he charged at me with his sword.

Tuff jumped from my arms, grabbed the edge of the green carpet beneath the guard, and yanked hard. The man stumbled, slipping. I grabbed Tuff, jumped, and tackled the guard to the ground. He hit the floor hard — unconscious.

I ran.

At last, I reached the entrance to the central chamber — the throne room. I gently set Lucy down.

“I’ll come back for you. Just wait, okay?” I whispered, pointing to a window.

She looked at me, then darted off toward the tree outside the window, exactly where I’d pointed. Smart girl.

Just before I pushed open the big doors, Tuff turned to me and said, “Loufas… I believe in you. I know you’ll get her to me. No matter what.”

“Don’t worry. I owe you one, Tuff,” I said, trying to sound confident. Truth is, I had no idea how I’d get Lucy in. But that was a problem for later.

I stepped into the throne room.

And there he was: Butch.

One of the guards had him slung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

I almost laughed out loud right there — Butch’s stunned face was too much — but before I lost it completely, Tuff bit my shoulder lightly. It snapped me back to focus.

“Your Majesty!” I called out. “I’ve found your royal pet. I present him to you!”

The king turned slightly, raising a curious brow. Then he leapt up from his throne.

“Tuff!” he cried.

I gently let Tuff down, and he sprinted to the king’s arms. They embraced. Tuff whimpered. The king dropped a single tear.

They were so happy to see each other… it felt wrong to interrupt.

But of course, someone did.

“Father!” a voice snapped. “That’s him! That’s the boy who was with my sister! In her room!”

It was the same girl from earlier.

And just like that, all the warmth in the room vanished.

The king didn’t seem to care much about what his daughter said. He walked slowly toward me. I stood there like a statue, not knowing what to do. I looked up at his face, trying to read him — but nothing. His expression gave nothing away. He just stood there, rubbing Tuff’s chest.

“May I know your name, boy?” he asked calmly.

I almost collapsed from the wave of relief. A question like that meant he wasn’t angry… not yet.

“Lo… Loufas, Your Majesty!” I answered, voice shaky.

“Quite an interesting name, don’t you think, Tuff?” he said, glancing at the dog.

Tuff barked happily.

The king turned back to me, more serious now. “You’ve done something very kind. Tell me — how should I thank you? Speak freely. Ask for anything.”

I froze.

All I wanted was to get out of there — or to get her out safely. My shirt was soaked in sweat, and I found myself waving it to cool down, mumbling, “Aa… a…”

“He’s the fool who got close to your daughter!” the lady shouted again, raising the princess’s hand.

“Oh?” The king raised a brow. “Is that true, Loufas?”

His tone wasn’t angry… just disappointed. And that somehow felt worse.

“No, sir! I would never… it was a misunderstanding, Your Highness,” I said quickly, nearly tripping over my words.

He studied me quietly for a moment. “I see,” he finally said. Then he turned. “Come with me, boy.”

“But Father! Have the guards take him away!” the lady protested.

“He didn’t do anything,” the princess spoke at last. “I promise.”

The king looked at her gently. “Sara… but he was in your room, wasn’t he?”

She fell silent, eyes flicking to me.

I gave her an awkward smile, trying to seem calm even though I was dying inside.

“Follow me,” the king repeated.

I nodded and followed.

We walked through a grand hallway into what must have been his private chamber. The guards stayed outside. The king stepped in, closed the door slowly behind him, and turned to me.

“Loufas, son,” he said.

“Yes, sir!” I stood stiff like a soldier.