บททั้งหมดของ Forbidden To Love: A Royal Sin : บทที่ 21 - บทที่ 30

I let myself soak in the bathtub a little longer this morning, yesterday’s argument with Gregory still spinning in my head.I love him. And I know he loves me too. But sometimes, I think he’s too lukewarm. He's always hesitant and always too careful.If only he could just be a man about what we have. If only he’d stand up to his parents, force them to admit to the whole kingdom that I’m not really their daughter, maybe things would be different. He wouldn’t be stuck in a loveless engagement. That stupid Anna wouldn’t be here, parading herself around like a peacock. And Gregory and I wouldn’t have to keep hiding.I sigh and dip myself fully under the water, letting the frustration simmer on my skin.“My Princess,” Lina’s voice breaks the silence.I raise my head above the water. I hadn’t heard her come in. She places two large towels on the stand near the tub, and the look on her face tells me she’s carrying fresh gossip.“What is it, Lina?” I ask, half-heartedly.“You won’t believe th

By morning, I feel lighter, like something in me has unclenched. Gregory didn’t leave my side all night. He just stayed with me and We made passionate love. It was slow, deep, and unhurried. I couldn't resist his touches and somehow, they calmed the storm inside me. For once, my thoughts aren’t pulling me apart. I’ve come to accept that what Gregory and I share is unbreakable, a bond no crown, no marriage, no decree can truly sever. The king doesn’t understand that even if he forces Gregory to marry Anna or anyone else, it won’t change a thing. He would still find his way back to me. And if someday they pressure me into marrying another man, I know deep down, I’ll never truly be his. Gregory and I will always be drawn to each other, no matter who or what stands in the way. And as long as we’re kept under the same roof, pretending to be just siblings, we’ll only be committing a royal sin. I sit in the cozy lounge by the window, having breakfast. Lina stands nearby, fussing over

This thing between Gregory and me doesn’t stop. It only grows stronger. And soon, we stop feeling any shame or guilt.In front of everyone, we still act like the same Halrion siblings; happy and friendly. We continue our usual daily routines. We see and talk to each other whenever we want. If the king wants us to act like siblings, then that’s what we’ll do. But why should we hold back?Gregory still treats Anna with respect. And surprisingly, I no longer feel jealous. One evening, I see both of them taking a walk in the garden. I walk up to them calmly.“Hey, Greg,” I say and give him a small kiss on his cheek. “Good evening, Anna.”Then I wave and walk away without waiting to see Anna’s reaction. I don’t need to. I already know she won’t be happy.Later, when they return from the Military Day event, Anna is full of stories at the dinner table. She talks and laughs a lot, sharing every little detail about the day. The king and queen listen to her politely. They smile and ask her ques

Over the next few weeks, things calm down a bit in the palace. The whispers slowly fade, especially after Lina does what she does best; scare the life out of the gossip. She storms through the servants' quarters, threatening the maids and guards that anyone caught talking about the Crown Prince and his sister would be thrown out without a second chance. That shuts them up.As for Anna, she keeps her distance. She doesn’t dare cross me again, but she still struts around like some perfect bride-to-be. At the dining table, she behaves. She never interrupts when Gregory and I talk, but I catch her throwing those fake smiles like confetti. It's all an act, and we both know it.I haven’t told Gregory anything about Anna’s secret meet-ups or shady business. I don’t want to be the reason she gets kicked out of the palace—at least, not yet. I know her type. Give her time, and she’ll destroy herself without my help.One afternoon, Gregory and I are in the lecture hall. It’s quiet, the guards ar

We don’t wait for an invitation. As soon as we hear breakfast is served in the royal quarters, Gregory and I make our way there. It’s quiet when we enter—the kind of quiet that weighs heavily in the air.Mother looks like she hasn’t slept a wink since the countdown last night. Her eyes are puffy, and her face, pale. Still beautiful, still graceful, but clearly wounded. Father is already seated, trying his best to act composed, but I know him too well. He’s troubled.We sit. Plates are filled, goblets poured. But no one really eats. The clinking of silverware sounds awkward and forced. Gregory fidgets beside me. I know he can’t take the silence any longer.He finally speaks.“Your Majesty… Father,” he starts carefully, “is it true? Is that man, Kian, really your son?”The air thickens.Father sets down his cup and clears his throat. “I… I’m not sure,” he says slowly, his voice strained but steady. “I used to know the lady, Julia, long before I met your mother.” He looks down briefly, t