Forbidden Love✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 6

As Perth and Freen approached the lake, a thrill of excitement and nervousness washed over them. "Let’s just check, Perth," Freen insisted, her curiosity getting the better of her. "No one’s ever found this lake before—not other villagers, at least."

Perth sighed but nodded. "Fine. Let’s take a look."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the lake, Santa and Becky were deep in conversation with William. They laughed freely, basking in the rare moment of freedom. But suddenly, a soft rustling and the sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention. William’s expression shifted instantly; he straightened and moved in front of Santa and Becky protectively.

Two figures emerged from the trees, and as they stepped into the sunlight, William’s voice rang out. "Who are you?" he demanded, eyeing the newcomers warily.

Freen’s eyes widened as she took in William’s attire, particularly the emblem on his uniform. "Wait… you’re a royal guard, aren’t you?"

Both she and Perth shifted their gaze, and their attention fell on Santa and Becky. Recognition dawned on Perth’s face, and a realization hit him like a bolt. "It’s him…" he thought, his heart beating a little faster. Then, remembering his manners, he quickly dropped to one knee, bowing low. "Your Highness."

Freen, caught off guard but quick to follow, knelt beside him. Santa and Becky exchanged a surprised look before waving their hands in protest.

"Oh, no, no! Please, don’t kneel," Santa urged, his cheeks turning pink with embarrassment. "You really don’t have to."

"Are you sure?" Freen asked, glancing up at them uncertainly.

Becky grinned and nodded. "Yes, really. Just stand up, please."

Santa echoed her with a warm smile. "My sister’s right; there’s no need for formalities."

Freen and Perth exchanged an unsure glance but slowly rose to their feet. Freen took a step closer, studying Santa and Becky’s faces with a newfound sense of wonder. "So… it’s true. You really are the prince and princess."

Becky’s eyes sparkled with amusement. "Yes, and you two must be from the village, right? I remember seeing you yesterday."

Santa, who had been quietly watching Perth, felt his heart skip a beat. "It’s him…" he thought, feeling a strange, almost inexplicable connection.

William’s calm but urgent voice interrupted the moment. "Santa, Becky, we should go back. You’ve been out here for a while now, and if anyone notices your absence…"

Santa sighed but nodded, glancing at Becky, who seemed equally disappointed. "Yeah… I guess you’re right."

Perth’s face fell slightly as he watched them prepare to leave. "Wait! Are you leaving already?"

William nodded firmly. "They’ve been gone for long enough. They need to return before someone gets suspicious."

Freen looked at Santa and Becky, her voice tinged with hope. "Will you… come back again?"

Santa and Becky exchanged a glance, their smiles soft but a bit wistful. "We hope so," Santa replied.

With one last, longing look, they turned and followed William back into the trees, leaving Perth and Freen behind by the lake. As the two villagers stood in silence, Freen shook her head, a look of pure amazement crossing her face. "Can you believe that? We actually talked to the prince and princess!"

Perth’s gaze was still fixed on the spot where Santa had stood. "Yeah… but why did they sneak out? Why would royalty go through all that trouble?"

Freen crossed her arms, thoughtful. "Good question. I wonder what they’re looking for."