The king's Jugement

I didn’t know what the king might do to me. My legs felt weak, and my heart pounded in my chest. But worse than fear for myself, I was worried about her.

“Were you with my daughter, Sara, in her chambers?” the king asked. His tone was calm, but I couldn’t read the expression on his face.

“Your Majesty… I’ll be completely honest with you, but I beg you—please let me explain everything before you judge me,” I said, stumbling over my words.

He nodded slowly. “Very well. I’m listening.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. It all began when my friend and I chased after your dog, Tuff. We didn't know he belonged to you.”

The king raised an eyebrow. “You know my dog’s name?”

“Yes… Tuff told me himself.” I answered before realizing what I had said.

The king laughed heartily. “You’re amusing, boy. My dog doesn’t talk.”

I glanced at Tuff, who looked away as if hiding something. My heart dropped. I had said too much.

“I—uh—meant to lighten the mood, Your Majesty. I heard his name from a servant in the castle. That’s all,” I added quickly, wiping sweat from my brow.

The king chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye. “Continue your explanation, Loufas.”

I took a deep breath and began to explain everything — from the moment we met the princess, to how the guards hurt me, to how we ended up in her room. The king listened quietly, occasionally stroking Tuff’s fur.

“Your Majesty… I must be honest with you,” I said at last. “You listened to me patiently, so you deserve the truth, no matter how foolish it may sound.”

The king tilted his head slightly, inviting me to go on.

“My friend Butch and I… we weren’t looking for your lost pet to return him. We weren’t even aware he was a royal dog. We were just messing around in the woods, and I used him—Tuff—as a last resort to protect us. I didn’t deserve what your guards did, but I understand why they acted the way they did. I only ask… please don’t punish my friend. He’s completely innocent.”

Silence fell in the chamber. The weight of my words hung between us.

Then, the king spoke, his voice soft but steady, like a river hiding great depth beneath its surface.

“Your honesty is refreshing, Loufas. And though your actions were reckless, I cannot overlook what you've done for me today. You brought my dearest companion back to me.” He gently patted Tuff, who wagged his tail at his feet. “You and your friend are free to go. I offer you my thanks.”

I could hardly believe what I was hearing. Relief washed over me like a cold river, and I almost dropped to my knees. I had truly thought I was doomed.

But then his voice changed — heavier now, like a man carrying more than just royal duty.

“There is one thing you must understand, son. Whatever connection you believe you may have with my daughter… it cannot be. Royals and commoners do not mix, no matter how noble the heart.”

His words cut deeper than any blade.

“Y-Your Majesty… who said I’m trying to be with the princess?” I replied, barely holding back the tremble in my voice. “I’m not a child. I understand the difference between our worlds. I know there are those who stand above… and those who belong below.”

The king studied my face for a long moment. Perhaps he saw the pain I tried to hide — or perhaps he remembered being young once himself.

“I see…” he murmured, almost to himself.

“You may leave now, Loufas,” the king said quietly.

I bowed deeply. “Thank you… Your Majesty.”

My heart was still pounding as I stepped out of his chambers. I didn’t dare breathe until I was out in the hall. One of the guards stood by the door and gave me a nod.

“This way,” he said, and I followed.

The castle’s corridors felt longer now — quieter. My legs were weak, but I kept walking until we reached the massive front gates.

“But… my friend?” I asked.

The guard smiled lightly. “He’s outside. Quite the energetic one.”

I felt something like joy rise in my chest. I hadn’t realized how much I needed to hear that.

The sun hit my face the moment I stepped out. And there he was.

“Butch!” I called.

He stood a few feet away, waving proudly — and in his arms, the silver dog.

“Loufas, look!” he shouted. “I found Lucy! Isn’t she pretty?”

Relief, joy, confusion — it all hit me at once. I laughed for the first time in what felt like years. “Let’s go,” I said, reaching out and gently taking Lucy from him.

“Wait a sec,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “How do you know her name?”

“I told him,” said Lucy with a sigh. “He wouldn’t stop asking, i saw him running under the tree and then he noticed me up on it.”

“Annoying, isn’t he?” I muttered.

“You’re mean, Loufas!” Butch pouted. “I helped her down from that tree, you know!”

idiot she was meant to wait me up there.

I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t hide the smile. Yeah… I was really back with Butch.

But the thought of Tuff flashed back in my mind.
Why is he hiding his magic from the king?

Something wasn’t adding up.

oh i forgot what was the princess name my heart skipped a beat.

“Butch!” I suddenly called out.

“Yeah?” he blinked.

“What was the princess’s name again?”

He smirked. “Ohh, you mean Princess Sara Lay.”
He winked, kissed the air, and laughed like an idiot. Lucy giggled.

“Okay, that’s enough!” I said, looking serious. “I was just asking. Is there anything with that?"

Both of them shouted, “No!”

I sighed. “Wasn’t that hard to say.”

We kept walking out of town close to our village, laughter fading behind us, the road ahead calm.

But something was itching at the back of my mind.

I stopped for a second, reached for my small side bag… unbuckled it… and looked inside.

My heart dropped.

I dug through it again. Once. Twice. yet it wasn't there

“Where is my note?” I whispered at first.

Then louder, panic rising in my throat—
“Where is my note?!”