Forbidden Love✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 8

The next morning, Santa found himself seated at the grand dining table with his family, His mother, Queen Laila, sat gracefully beside his father, both of them exuding a calm authority. The clinking of silverware filled the room as breakfast was quietly enjoyed.

After a few minutes, Queen Laila cleared her throat, drawing the attention of both Santa and his sister, Princess Becky. "Your father and I have some matters to attend to in a neighboring kingdom," she announced, her tone both gentle and firm. "We won’t be at the castle for a few days."

Santa exchanged a quick glance with Becky, both sensing the rare opportunity such an absence presented. But before they could let their imaginations run wild, Queen Laila continued, "I expect both of you to behave yourselves. Just because we’re not here does not mean you have free rein to do as you please."

Santa and Becky both nodded solemnly, trying their best to hide the gleam of excitement in their eyes. They responded in unison, "Yes, Mother."

When breakfast was finished, Namtan, approached and offered a polite bow. "Your Highnesses," she said, addressing Santa and Becky, "your tutor has arrived and is waiting in the library."

As they rose to leave, Santa fell in step with Becky, and sensing her lingering silence, he leaned toward her with a soft smile. "Phi, how long are you going to sulk with me?" he asked quietly, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Becky huffed and crossed her arms, looking away in mock frustration. "You told me yesterday you’d just be wandering around the castle," she muttered, clearly still upset. "But then you went to Pond’s castle without even telling me. Hmph."

Santa winced slightly, guilt settling over him, and gave her an apologetic look. "I’m sorry, phi. Forgive me, please?" He tilted his head slightly, doing his best to look sincere, and it wasn’t long before Becky’s annoyed expression softened into a smile.

"Fine," she whispered, glancing around to make sure no one could overhear. "But," she leaned closer, "what if we sneak out later?" Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and she gave him a small nudge. "With Mother and Father away, we could pull it off for a few days, don’t you think?"

Santa grinned, nodding eagerly. "That sounds perfect. But for now…" he glanced toward the hallway that led to the library. "We have to get to our lessons."

Becky groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Ugh, why must we always study?" she complained, though her voice held a playful tone. Together, they stifled their laughter as they made their way down the corridor, until they reached the heavy doors of the library, slipping in quietly to greet their tutor.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, in the nearby village, Perth was finishing up breakfast at home with his mother, Ariya, and his sister, Freen. As they finished up, a sudden knock at the door broke the morning’s peacefulness.

Perth got up, opening the door to find his friend Mark standing there with a wide grin plastered across his face. "Good morning, Auntie Ariya!" Mark called cheerfully, waving at Perth’s mother.

Ariya smiled warmly, giving Mark a fond nod. "Good morning, Mark."

Perth raised an eyebrow, folding his arms. "What do you want? Why aren’t you at Mr. Decha’s house yet?"

Mark shook his head with a dramatic sigh. "No work today."

"Oh, really?" Perth replied, suspiciously. "So, no work. Then why are you here?"

Mark gave an exaggerated gasp, clutching his chest as if wounded. "I’m here because I wanted to inform you, of course. And…" he shot a grin at Ariya, "because I missed your mother."