Forbidden Love✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 26

The next morning dawned clear and bright, casting a warm glow over the castle as everyone woke up feeling refreshed. Becky, also looked much better. Her fever had vanished, leaving only a trace of tiredness, but her face was bright with gratitude and happiness. They gathered in the grand dining hall for breakfast, the long table filled with platters of fruit, fresh bread, and steaming cups of tea.

For Perth and Freen, though, it was a bit surreal. The grandeur of the castle, the presence of King Adun and Queen Laila, and the formality of the royal dining hall were worlds apart from their simple village life. They exchanged a small, nervous smile as they took their seats, still feeling slightly out of place. But Becky and Santa gave them reassuring glances, offering silent encouragement, and soon the meal filled with gentle conversation and laughter, dissolving some of the initial tension.

After breakfast, it was time for goodbyes. They all made their way to the castle gate, where two strong, well-trained horses awaited, saddled and ready. King Adun had ordered the loyal knights, Nay and Hong, to escort Perth and Freen back to their village as a gesture of respect and gratitude.

As they reached the gate, there was a moment of silence as everyone looked at each other, sensing this was more than just a simple goobye. The king, his face softened with a rare gentleness, broke the silence, addressing Perth and Freen directly.

"You have my blessings to date my son and my daughter," he said with a sincerity that took everyone by surprise.

Santa and Becky looked up, their eyes widening. "Do you really mean that, Father?" Santa asked, his voice filled with wonder.

King Adun smiled, a warmth in his gaze that hadn’t been there before. He nodded, looking at each of them. "Yes, I do. I think it’s time for your mother and me to give you the freedom you’ve been longing for. Create your own happiness. Be yourselves."

Santa and Becky broke into smiles, their hearts feeling lighter than they had in years. They embraced their father, then turned to their mother, Queen Laila, who looked on with a mixture of pride and sadness. She stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm.

"We’re sorry for everything," Queen Laila said, her gaze softening as she looked at her children. "For what we did before, for neglecting you… for prioritizing your roles and status over your happiness. We… we haven’t been the parents you needed, and I’m sorry for that."

Becky stepped forward, her hand reaching out to hold her mother’s. "It’s fine, Mother. We all make mistakes, and we can all change."

King Adun looked at Freen and Perth, his gaze both apologetic and resolute. "I’m also sorry to both of you—Freen, Perth—for the pain we caused. For everything. Please, let this be a new beginning."

Perth smiled, a glimmer of understanding and hope in his expression. "It’s fine, Your Majesty. We all have things we have to learn. Let’s just consider this the start of something new for all of us."

The king nodded, a slight smile returning. But his gaze turned serious as he added, "Just remember,if you both ever hurt my children, I won’t be so forgiving next time."

Freen and Perth shared a nervous chuckle but nodded. "Understood, Your Highness," they said in unison.

Freen then turned to Becky, pulling her into a close hug. She whispered something soft into Becky’s ear, causing Becky to smile, and then Freen leaned down, brushing a gentle kiss on her cheek. Nearby, Perth drew Santa into a similar embrace, his arms wrapping tightly around him before pressing a tender kiss to Santa’s forehead. Both Freen and Perth felt a quiet reassurance in this moment, knowing they would return, that this was only a temporary goodbye.