Forbidden Love✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 24

The grand dining hall of King Adun and Queen Laila’s castle was quiet and dimly lit, the thick stone walls creating an atmosphere of formality and gravity. A round table was set up at the center, draped in a deep crimson cloth, with ornate chairs that bore the royal family’s crest. King Adun and Queen Laila sat on one side, their faces set in firm expressions, though there was an unmistakable tension in the air. Across from them sat King Tin and Queen Rina, whose eyes held a sense of calm yet concern, their posture dignified but earnest.

After a long, contemplative silence, King Adun finally broke the quiet, his voice low and cautious. "So… why did you come here, Tin?”

King Tin glanced over at Queen Rina, sharing a look that was filled with unspoken understanding. He sighed softly, clasping his hands on the table, and then he spoke in a measured tone, his words carrying a weight of both empathy and quiet conviction. "Pond told us everything last night," he began, watching the shift in King Adun’s expression. "About how Becky and Santa were caught sneaking out to meet villagers. And… about how you’ve locked them in their rooms as punishment."

King Adun remained silent, his jaw tightening slightly as he looked away, a flicker of defensiveness crossing his face. Queen Rina took this moment to add her perspective, her voice calm but with a touch of motherly warmth. "Adun… Laila…" she began gently, looking between the two. "We’re not here to intrude or be nosy. But we feel for Santa and Becky. Ever since they were children, you’ve been so strict with them. We understand that as royals, there are expectations, that status must be upheld."

She paused, her eyes softening as she continued, "But they’re still young, and they have the right to experience life a little. It’s not wrong for them to want a bit of freedom. They’re not just heirs to the throne; they’re human beings, with desires and curiosities, like anyone else." Queen Rina’s voice grew a touch firmer. "Think about it… why do you think they felt the need to sneak out in the first place?"

Queen Laila’s gaze lowered, her face softening in realization as the question sank in. After a moment of contemplation, she murmured quietly, almost to herself, "Because… they wanted freedom." Her words hung in the air, a quiet admission that seemed to weigh heavily on both her and King Adun.

Before King Adun could respond, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hall. They all looked up as Prince Pond appeared, his expression alarmed, his voice filled with concern. "Your Highness," he addressed them urgently, "Becky… she has a fever."

Queen Laila’s face immediately fell, her eyes widening with worry, and without a second thought, she rose from her seat, glancing at King Adun. He stood as well, his face a mixture of concern and guilt. King Tin and Queen Rina quickly joined them, and together they made their way up the grand staircase, following Pond’s lead.

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In the hallway, Pond paused by Santa’s door, deciding to inform him before continuing on to Becky’s room. He stepping inside, and found Santa sitting on the bed, looking lost in thought.

Santa looked up in surprise, his expression shifting to worry as he saw the urgency on Pond’s face. "Pond… what’s happening?"

Pond approached, his tone gentle but serious. "Ta… it’s Becky. She has a fever."

Santa’s eyes widened in shock, and he quickly stood up, his heart racing. "Becky… she’s sick?"

Pond nodded, motioning for Santa to follow him, and together they hurried down toward Becky’s room. Inside, Queen Laila, King Adun, King Tin, and Queen Rina were already gathered, their faces etched with concern as they looked at Becky lying motionless on her bed, her face flushed and her breathing shallow.