secret love

Episode 1

King William was a calm and just ruler, known for his gentle nature. But beyond his duties as a king, he was a devoted husband who deeply loved his wife, Queen Fena. Their love blossomed over the years, and after two years of marriage, their joy doubled when Fena gave birth to twin sons. They named them Herry and Max.

The birth of the royal heirs was a moment of great celebration. A grand festival was organized in the kingdom, and rulers from distant lands were invited to witness the joyous occasion. The palace was adorned with golden lights, fragrant flowers, and lively music. As guests arrived, they showered their blessings upon the newborns, wishing them strength, wisdom, and a prosperous future.

That night, when the celebrations came to an end, William and Fena retired to their chambers. Fena carefully cradled her sons, feeding them and watching as they slowly drifted into peaceful slumber. She turned to William, her eyes filled with warmth. "Aren't they adorable?" she whispered. "Their arrival has doubled the happiness in our lives."

William smiled, his heart swelling with pride as he gazed at his family. "Yes," he said, his voice soft, "they have filled this palace with joy."

As the years passed, the twins grew rapidly, each developing a personality of his own. Though they shared the same birth, they were strikingly different. Max was a quiet, reserved child who found it difficult to talk to strangers, while Herry was the complete opposite—lively and always eager to engage with others. He never needed an invitation to start a conversation. Despite their differences, Fena and William adored both equally, cherishing their unique traits.

One day, as part of their royal upbringing, King William summoned his sons to the throne room. He wanted them to step beyond the palace walls and witness the lives of the people they would one day rule. "Go out into the kingdom," he instructed. "See for yourselves what happens beyond these palace gates."

Herry’s face lit up with excitement, eager for the adventure ahead. But Max felt a weight settle in his chest. The thought of interacting with unfamiliar faces unsettled him. What if someone asked him questions? What if he didn’t know how to respond?

As they prepared to leave, mounting their horses, Fena watched them with a mother’s concern. "Remember, connecting with the people is important," she reminded them.

"Yes, Mother," they replied in unison before setting off.

As they rode together, Herry turned to Max. "So, where do you want to go? The city or the village?"

Max hesitated. He knew the city would be bustling with people, filled with noise and endless chatter. The village, on the other hand, would be quieter, with fewer people to interact with. That seemed like the better choice. "I'll go to the village," Max decided. "You take the city."

Herry raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Will you be okay on your own?"

Max straightened his back, determination flickering in his eyes. "Yes, I'm not the same as before. I can do this."

Herry chuckled, sensing his brother’s newfound resolve. "Alright then, all the best!" With that, he pulled the reins of his horse and rode off toward the city, while Max took a deep breath and set off toward the village, ready to face the challenge ahead.

Max rode quietly toward the village, flanked by a small group of soldiers who respected his silence. The journey between the city and the village was long, with winding paths that cut through serene landscapes. Though the ride was calm, Max felt a sense of peace blossoming within him. Away from the grandeur of the palace and the bustling city, the quietness of the countryside soothed him.

As they neared the village, one of the soldiers spoke up, breaking the silence. "Prince, we are about to reach the village."

Max nodded, his mind drifting back to his father's words. He knew the weight of his royal duties, the expectations that came with being a prince. What would he say to the villagers? How would he address their concerns? Yet, despite his worries, he was determined to fulfill his responsibilities.

Upon their arrival, the villagers gathered to catch a glimpse of their prince. Whispers spread among them—

“This must be Prince Max. Prince Herry would never be so quiet.”

“Yes, but he carries himself with such grace.”

Max overheard the murmurs, discomfort stirring in him. He never liked the attention that came with praise, especially when compared to Herry. Taking a deep breath, he addressed the crowd, his voice steady. "If anyone has any problems, please come forward. I am here to help."

Just then, a young girl dashed out of a narrow street, looking back with a bright smile as if she was playing a game. She didn’t see Max's horse and collided with it, falling hard onto the ground.

Alarmed, Max quickly dismounted and rushed to her side. He gently lifted her head, noticing the blood trickling down from a wound. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing was shallow.

An old man in the crowd shook his head sorrowfully. "No one can save her now," he muttered.

Max's heart clenched. "Is there no doctor in the village?" he asked urgently.

The old man replied, "There was one, but he passed away some time ago."

Max’s mind raced, recalling the basic first aid skills he had learned. He knew that stopping the bleeding was crucial. "Does anyone have a clean cloth?" he called out.

A woman stepped forward, handing him a small piece of fabric. Max pressed it gently against the girl’s wound, but it quickly soaked through, stained deep red. Realizing he needed more, he glanced around desperately. His eyes fell on the pristine cloth draped over his shoulder—the symbol of his royal status. Without hesitation, he removed it and wrapped it firmly around the girl’s head, staunching the bleeding.

Turning to the villagers, Max inquired, "Does anyone here belong to this girl’s family?"

A few pointed down the road, "Her house is just ahead."

Max nodded, determination hardening his gaze. "I am taking her to the palace for proper treatment." He instructed one of his soldiers, "Go to her house and bring a family member to the palace."

Lifting the girl carefully, Max mounted his horse, cradling her against his chest as they headed back toward the palace. His heart pounded not from fear, but from a newfound resolve. In that moment, Max realized that leadership was not just about grand speeches or heroic deeds. It was about compassion and the courage to act when it mattered most.

Max couldn't believe what he had just done. How did I do this? he wondered. I wasn't even in my senses at that time. I spoke to so many strangers for the first time... and yet, I feel good. But now is not the time to think about that. I have to reach the palace soon. If something happens to this girl, the entire blame will fall on me.

Meanwhile, one of Max's soldiers hurried to the girl's home to bring her mother. Max, on the other hand, rode swiftly to the palace, his heart pounding with urgency. As soon as he arrived, he carried the unconscious girl to his chamber and gently placed her on his bed. Without wasting a moment, he called out to the palace guards.

"Go and fetch the doctor immediately!" he commanded.

The soldiers bowed. "As you command, Your Highness." They left at once.

A short while later, the doctor arrived. He examined the girl carefully and sighed in relief. "It was a wise decision to tie a cloth around her head. Had the bleeding continued, she could have lost too much blood."

Hearing this, Max remained silent. He knew people would soon start praising him for saving the girl, but deep inside, he feared the truth. If they find out everything... they will curse me instead.

The thought was unbearable. Without saying another word, he turned away and left the palace. His steps led him towards the dense forest—where no one could find him.