Forbidden Love✧⁠*⁠。

Episode 27

A few weeks had passed since King Adun and Queen Laila had made the monumental decision to grant Santa and Becky the freedom they'd longed for. The castle felt lighter, as though a long-standing weight had finally been lifted from its halls. Santa and Becky could now freely visit the village, meeting Perth, Freen, and the others. The villagers had been pleasantly shocked when Perth and Freen announced that they were dating the king’s son and daughter. It sparked whispers of excitement and admiration throughout the town, making Santa and Becky feel even more welcome in the village community.

At times, Perth and Freen would bring their mother, Ariya, to the castle, where they were warmly received by King Adun and Queen Laila. The royal couple had even encouraged them to come anytime, an invitation that felt both surreal and heartwarming for Perth, Freen, and their mother. King Adun, often with a warm smile, would tell Santa stories of his own youthful days when they ride horses together. They would wander around the village, Santa waving to the villagers who admired his newfound connection to them. Meanwhile, Becky would join her mother, Queen Laila, in the castle kitchens, spending quiet afternoons learning family recipes and bonding over shared meals.

It was a time of joy and simplicity, and each day seemed filled with small, treasured moments. Even the lessons with Arm had become lighter and more enjoyable, free from the strictness that had once defined them. Arm had become more of a friend than an instructor, often sharing jokes with Santa and Becky. They would laugh, tease one another, and sometimes Arm would recount funny tales from his own youth, bringing a sense of camaraderie that none of them had ever expected in the castle’s walls.

Today, Santa and Becky were in their usual lesson with Arm in the castle’s grand library. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the shelves of ancient books and scrolls. Becky was in a playful mood, frequently breaking the seriousness with her lighthearted jokes. Arm, laughing along with her, couldn’t resist joining in, even playfully teasing Santa at times. Santa would smile, rolling his eyes in mock annoyance, but the laughter that followed was genuine, filling the room with warmth.

After some time, Arm let out a content sigh. "Alright, that’s enough for today," he announced, closing the book in front of him. "You both did well. Go enjoy yourselves."

Becky gave Arm a mischievous grin, giving a mock bow. "Thank you, your majesty of lessons," she joked, and Arm chuckled, waving them off.

Santa and Becky exchanged a look, grateful for the change in their lessons. "See you next time, Arm," Santa said, giving him a friendly nod as they left the library.

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The two siblings made their way through the castle corridors, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. It was lunchtime, and the castle’s dining hall awaited. As they stepped in, they saw King Adun and Queen Laila already seated, discussing the day’s plans. Their parents looked up and smiled warmly at their approach.

"Hi, Father. Hi, Mother," they greeted, taking their seats at the grand dining table.

King Adun nodded, his eyes filled with warmth. "How was your lesson today?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Becky let out a small laugh, glancing over at Santa. "It was good! Arm teased Santa, though," she said with a playful smirk.

Santa chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, he made me the target today," he admitted with a grin, which earned a round of laughter from everyone.

Queen Laila watched her children with a soft, adoring smile. Moments like these reminded her of the joy of parenthood, of the happiness she wanted for them. The laughter and love at the table made her realize just how much they had gained by letting go of rigid rules and allowing their children to find their own path.