secret love

Episode 8

As Herry and Lera stood outside the king’s chamber, Herry turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Don’t be nervous," he said softly.

Lera took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright."

Together, they stepped inside. The moment they entered, King Philip and Queen Eleanor looked up, surprised to see Lera accompanying Herry. The king’s brows furrowed as he questioned, "Lera… you’re with him? What is going on?"

Lera hesitated, stealing a glance at Herry. He gave her a subtle nod, silently encouraging her. Gathering her courage, she spoke, "Father… Prince Herry is my friend, and I wish to go out with him. Do you have any objections?"

The king immediately noticed the uncertainty in her voice. His gaze shifted to Herry, and in a loud, commanding tone, he asked, "Herry, are you forcing her?"

Before Herry could respond, Lera quickly interrupted, her voice shaking. "No…!" She struggled to hold back her tears but continued, "This is my decision. Prince Herry is not forcing me at all."

Seeing her daughter so distressed, Queen Eleanor immediately stepped forward and embraced Lera. Turning to the king, she said firmly, "You have no sense at all! Lera is crying because of you!"

The king's expression softened as realization struck him. With a sigh, he said, "Forgive me, my dear. I misunderstood."

Lera wiped her tears and shook her head. "Don't apologize to me, Father. Apologize to Prince Herry."

The king looked at Herry and, with sincerity, said, "I’m sorry, Herry."

Herry smiled lightly. "It’s alright. I don’t take such things to heart."

The king then added, "Take Lera wherever you wish, but ensure that she is safe. I don’t want any harm to come to her."

Herry placed a hand over his chest in a respectful gesture. "I promise to keep her safe, Your Majesty. She is my responsibility now."

Turning to Lera, he extended his hand. "Shall we go?"

Lera glanced at her mother one last time. Queen Eleanor gave her an approving nod, silently granting permission. Taking Herry’s hand, Lera walked beside him as they left the chamber.

As they stepped outside, Herry stretched his arms and grinned. "Now, let’s make this day unforgettable for you!"

Lera couldn’t help but smile. "I’d like that."

Herry whistled, calling for his horse. The majestic creature trotted towards them, its dark mane gleaming under the sunlight.

Lera’s eyes widened slightly. "A horse ride?"

Herry nodded. "Yes. If you’re uncomfortable, I can arrange for a carriage."

Lera quickly shook her head. "No, I love horseback riding!"

Herry smirked. "Good." Without another word, he gently grasped her waist with both hands and lifted her onto the horse.

For a moment, Lera’s heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t expecting him to do that so effortlessly. Once seated, she looked down at him and hesitated before whispering, "Thank you."

Herry climbed up behind her, taking his position. Lera frowned slightly and turned her head. "Why am I sitting in front? How will you control the horse from behind?"

Herry wrapped one arm securely around her waist while holding the reins with the other. "Like this," he said casually.

Lera felt the warmth of his arm and quickly looked away, her face slightly flushed. "You don’t mind holding me like this?" he asked.

Lera shook her head. "No, I don’t."

With a satisfied smile, Herry pulled the reins, and the horse surged forward, carrying them toward their journey ahead.

The dense forest surrounded them with a serene silence, broken only by the rustling leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Lera remained quiet as they rode deeper into the woods.

Noticing her silence, Herry leaned in, pressing a soft kiss against her neck. "Why are you so quiet?" he whispered, his lips brushing against her skin. "If you have anything to say, say it today... because after this, I might not be here."

Lera hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly around the reins. "I’ll tell you... just a little later," she replied softly.

Herry led her further until they reached a secluded part of the forest, untouched and peaceful. Towering trees swayed gently, and the earthy scent of moss and wildflowers filled the air.

Lera looked around in surprise. "This is a forest," she said, glancing at Herry.

Herry smiled. "I thought you would like solitude, so I brought you here."

Lera's lips curled into a smile. "You thought right. I love quiet places like this... it feels so peaceful."

Herry glanced around. "There should be a waterfall nearby." Taking her hand, he led her deeper into the forest. Soon, they reached an open clearing where a magnificent waterfall cascaded down from the cliffs, shimmering under the fading sunlight.

Lera’s eyes widened in awe. "This place... it's beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here."

Herry knelt on one knee, extending his hand to her. "Would you like to dance with me?"

Lera giggled softly, placing her hand in his. "Of course."

Herry pulled her close, one arm securely wrapped around her waist, while Lera rested her hand on his shoulder. As they swayed to the rhythm of the flowing water and the distant melodies of chirping birds, the world around them seemed to fade away.

Herry suddenly tightened his hold, pulling her even closer. Their eyes met, and Lera gave a slight nod. Without hesitation, Herry leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep, lingering kiss.

When they finally pulled away, Lera smirked playfully. "Satisfied now?"

Before Herry could respond, she suddenly turned and jumped into the waterfall.

Herry’s eyes widened. "What are you doing?!"

Lera emerged from the water, laughing. "That was my wish!"

Herry sighed before shaking his head with a smirk. "You could have told me. I wouldn’t have stopped you."

Lera swam closer, her eyes playful. "But I wanted you to join me."

Herry chuckled. "This water is freezing."

Lera pressed her body against his, tilting her head up to kiss him. "Still feeling cold?" she whispered.

Herry raised a brow. "I never thought you'd do something like this."

Lera smirked. "Spending time with you has changed me." She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a warm embrace.

Time slipped away as they held each other beneath the cascading water, lost in the moment.

When they finally opened their eyes, the sky had turned dark.

Herry sighed. "It’s late. We should go."

Lera, exhausted from the day, had already dozed off against his chest. Smiling, Herry lifted her into his arms and carried her back to the horse. Mounting gracefully, he secured her in front of him, making sure she was comfortable before guiding the horse back toward the palace.

The night was silent, but in Herry’s heart, a warmth lingered—one that he knew was never going to fade.