The road back to the capital was quieter than Sabel expected. The boy, now awake and alert, kept stealing curious glances at his rescuer. Sabel, half carrying him, half trying to dodge questions, was already planning the celebratory coffee and breakfast he'd earned.
"Okay," Sabel said, voice light but careful. "Who are you really? Commander's son? Or secret coffee connoisseur?"
The boy smiled shyly. "Just... Milo."
Milo. Somehow, the name fit. A kid thrust into chaos, caught between worlds, much like Sabel himself.
Back at the capital gates, Sabel's arrival caused a stir. Soldiers hurried to surround them, but Sabel held up a hand.
"Relax, I'm not the enemy today."
The King appeared almost immediately, flustered and bruised from his recent misadventures—rocks, sewage, and fate had not been kind. His eyes, however, lit up with relief seeing Milo safe.
"Milo! You're..." the King struggled for words.
"Safe and a bit sleepy," Milo said with a weak grin.
The King turned to Sabel. "You did this? Saved him?"
Sabel shrugged, trying to look casual despite the adrenaline still fizzing in his veins. "Well, you sent me, didn't you? Couldn't let the kingdom's 'fussy' heir get kidnapped twice."
The King laughed, a sound of genuine gratitude mixed with exhaustion. "I owe you more than coffee."
Later, in the warmth of the castle's kitchen, Sabel finally sat down with a steaming cup of his favorite brew—this time made specially by Rosemary.
Milo perched beside him, eyes wide.
"Can I try?"
Sabel handed over the cup. "Careful, this one's got a bit of magic in it."
Milo took a sip and grinned. "Tastes like... victory."
Sabel smirked. "Victory tastes best with a little bit of chaos and a lot of caffeine."
As the sun climbed high, the castle bustled with life again. Sabel felt the weight of the mission lift but knew the real work was just beginning.
Because protecting a kingdom wasn't just about fighting thieves or breaking curses. It was about the messy, unexpected moments—like sharing coffee with a boy who was more than he seemed.
And maybe, just maybe, a little magic could make all the difference.