Forbidden Love✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 22

A few hours earlier…

Perth awoke from a restless sleep, his heart weighed down by worry. He couldn’t shake the image of Santa’s face from his mind—how pale and fearful he looked yesterday as the royal guards escorted him and Princess Becky back to the castle. Only the gods knew what had happened to them since then. Sighing, he sat up, rubbing his temples before making his way to the bathroom. The cold water refreshed him, but his thoughts remained tangled with concern.

After getting dressed, he join his mother, Ariya, and Freen for breakfast. The table was set with simple dishes, but neither he nor Freen seemed to have much appetite. Freen pushed her food around on her plate, her brows knit with worry.

Ariya tried to comfort them with a warm smile. "Kids, don’t worry too much, alright? I know they’ll be okay. Princess Becky and Prince Santa, they’re stronger than they seem."

Perth put down his fork, unable to hold back his frustration. "Mae, you don’t understand. We’re really worried about them… Yesterday, when the guards led them away, they both looked so scared." He shook his head, still haunted by the memory. "And I can’t help but wonder… how did the royal family even know they sneaked out?"

Freen leaned forward, her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "The only way they could have found out is if someone inside the castle saw them and reported it to the king and queen."

Perth let out a heavy sigh. "So, what do we do now, Freen?"

Freen bit her lip, then looked at him with a determined expression. "Maybe we could try going to the castle. We can ask the guards if they’ll let us speak with Santa and Becky."

Ariya immediately frowned, shaking her head. "I don’t think that’s a great idea, Freen. You two don’t know what the royal family might do if you show up uninvited. What if the guards chase you away… or worse, harm you for trespassing?"

Perth clenched his fists, feeling torn. "Mae, please understand. Santa and Becky… they’re all alone in there. And from what we saw yesterday, they were terrified."

Ariya sighed, looking between them, seeing the determination etched in their faces. She knew there's nothing she could do to stop them. "Fine, but promise me this—if the guards won’t let you in, come back home. Don’t do anything reckless."

Freen broke into a relieved smile, nodding gratefully. "Thank you, Mae. We promise." She turned to Perth, whose tense expression softened as he heard his mother’s approval. He offered a small smile. "Thank you, Mae. We’ll be careful."

Ariya returned his smile, though worry lingered in her gaze. "Be safe, both of you."

With that, Perth and Freen left the house and began the walk to the castle. They trudged along the dusty path in silence, the weight of their mission hanging heavily in the air. After a few minutes, Perth spoke, his voice tight with anticipation. "I just hope they’ll let us see them."

Freen nodded, glancing sideways at him. "Let’s hope, nong. I just can’t stand the thought of Becky and Santa being in there alone, not knowing what’s happening to them."

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

As they approached the castle gates, the towering walls and imposing gates loomed above them, and Perth felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his chest. Before they could get close, several guards stepped forward, blocking their path.

One guard, his face stern and unyielding, spoke up, "I’m sorry, but you can’t enter. Return to the village."

Freen took a step forward, her voice firm but pleading. "Please, we just want to see Princess Becky and Prince Santa. We’re… we’re worried about them."