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Belfort and Lupin trotted through the grand halls of the Palace of Versailles, their paws lightly tapping against the polished marble floor. Belfort, King Louis XIV's royal spaniel, carried himself with the elegance befitting his noble status. His rich golden fur gleamed under the candlelit chandeliers as he walked with dignity.
Beside him, Lupin, a swift and clever wolf from the palace gardens, moved silently. His sharp yellow eyes darted around, watchful for any signs of trouble. Though vastly different in background, the two canines had formed an unlikely but unbreakable bond, their connection deepening beyond friendship into a love neither had expected.
"Are you sure your mother will be fine with you spending the night outside with me?" Lupin asked, walking closer to Belfort and nudging their heads together for comfort.
Belfort boops Lupin's head with his snout. "It is not a problem, my dear Lupin; Mother is with the Queen, and they will spend the night in Paris."
Upon hearing this, Lupin's eyes glowed with joy. He quickened his pace, leading Belfort toward the towering trees of the forest. When they arrived at the great oak where Lupin often slept, the wolf hopped onto the tree trunk and guided Belfort upward.
When they reached the top, Belfort nestled beside Lupin. The wolf used his paw to pull Belfort closer, and they snuggled beneath the starlit sky. Lupin pressed a gentle kiss to Belfort's maw. "Aren't you going to teach me more about the stars?"
"Of course, my dear Lupin, if you wish." Belfort basked in the wolf's affection and began recounting the stories and fun facts he had read about the stars in human books.
Lupin's ears perked up as he watched Belfort's golden eyes shine with excitement. "Tell me about that one," Lupin said, pointing his snout toward a particularly bright cluster of stars. "It looks like a wolf running."
Belfort giggled softly. "That's Orion, the great hunter," he explained. "Humans say he was placed in the sky after many adventures, always chasing after a rabbit or deer. There are many stories about him, but one of the most famous is how he boasted that no beast could ever defeat him. The gods did not like his arrogance, so they sent a great scorpion to strike him down."
Lupin wrinkled his nose. "So the mighty hunter was defeated? Serves him right for thinking he was above all other creatures."
Belfort chuckled. "Perhaps. But look closely—Orion was not entirely alone in the sky. Do you see that bright star just below him?" He pointed his paw toward a brilliant light. "That is Sirius, the Dog Star. It belongs to Canis Major, the great hunting hound."
Lupin tilted his head. "A loyal hound following his master?"
"Indeed," Belfort said. "Some say he was Orion's faithful companion, placed in the sky to chase after him for eternity."
Lupin huffed and pulled Belfort closer. "Then I would rather be your Canis Major," he declared. "But instead of following you forever, I would run beside you."
Belfort blushed, pressing into Lupin's warmth. "Then you shall be my brightest star," he murmured. "Guiding me no matter where we go."
Lupin nuzzled Belfort's ear. "I'd rather make my own constellation," he mused. "One of a noble spaniel and his devoted wolf."
Belfort giggled. "And what would we call it?"
Lupin hummed, thinking. "How about Lupfort?"
Belfort burst into laughter. "That is not a proper name for a constellation."
"It is if I say so," Lupin declared proudly. He draped his tail over Belfort's back, sighing happily. "From now on, I will always see you when I look at the stars."
Belfort smiled softly, his heart swelling with warmth. "Then I shall always be by your side so you won't have to search the skies for me."
As the cool night breeze rustled the leaves around them, the two canines lay curled together, their love written in the heavens above.
Lupin rested his chin on Belfort's head, his breathing slowing as he felt the comforting warmth of his beloved beside him. He listened to Belfort's soft inhales and exhales, waiting for the spaniel to fall asleep first. But Belfort, nestled against Lupin's chest, had the same thought—he wanted to wait for Lupin to drift off, to make sure his dear wolf was at peace.
Minutes passed in quiet stubbornness, each pretending to be asleep but sneaking small glances at the other. Belfort let out a soft giggle. "You are still awake, aren't you?"
Lupin huffed a laugh. "I could say the same for you."
Belfort nuzzled closer, pressing his nose against Lupin's fur. "Sleep, my dear Lupin. The stars will still be here when we wake."
Lupin sighed, finally surrendering to the pull of sleep. "Only if you sleep first," he murmured, closing his eyes.
Belfort smiled, letting the warmth of Lupin's embrace lull him into slumber. And as the stars watched over them, the two lovers finally drifted into dreams, safe in each other's arms.