169 WHO'S THE FAIRIEST OF THEM ALL?

"Your Majesty!" Raigon uttered in disbelief at the Queen's blatant remark.

Queen Rose pivoted to his son as he called her attention. Lady Thana did likewise. 

"I thought we already talked about this!" Raigon commented with his jaws clenching unconsciously.

"About what, my dear son?" Queen Rose fluttered her eyelashes innocently. 

Raigon drew in a deep breath. He could not put her mother to shame in front of everybody.

"Nothing, your Majesty. We can talk about it some other time."

He glanced at Lady Asha to see her reaction. And he was right.

Zoe's mouth dropped open as she heard the remark of Queen Rose. She and Lady Thana are having a wonderful conversation as if they were the only person around at that time. 

'Daughter-in-law? Raigon has a fiance here in Terra?' 

The realization caught her off guard as color drained from her already pale face. 

She didn't have the luxury of time to wear something on her face even braid her hair beautifully during that time. And the difference between her and Lady Thana's fancy dress up grew more evident as the realization hit her hard.

'Why didn't you tell me?' She wanted to ask Raigon but his eyes broke contact with hers. He was looking down as if he admitted his sin even without questioning yet.

It was Erin who initiated to interrupt the awkward moment.

"We better get going now, your Majesty, your Highness, Lady Thana. It is an honor to meet you."

Erin bowed to them followed by Zoe who was biting her lips so blood could flow in it, making her appear normal than what she was actually feeling.

Lady Thana responded to her. 

"Are you really going to the Infirmary? You can come with us and rest and have some tea before going there. Lady Asha seemed to be exhausted. Are you alright, Lady Asha?"

Zoe narrowed her eyes, took a brief look at her and bowed down again. 'Is she being sincere as she asked that or she wanted to emphasize to everybody how shattered I am right now?'

She was about to answer back when Queen Rose interrupted her. "I don't think so. Physicians are one of the most flexible people in the world. They can treat people for days even with just forty winks. They cannot be weak. Am I right, Lady Asha?"

Zoe swallowed hard as she heard those words from her beloved's mother. But she wouldn't let her insult her profession. 

"We get weak too, your Majesty. But still we need to remain strong for the people who needs us. That is also the reason why we physicians also look up to you, our Queen, for our strength and inspiration."

"And thank you for your boundless generosity, Lady Thana. But I am fine."

She added and bowed down to them in respect. 

"See, I told you. Maybe it is just really her natural appearance to be plain and unadorned. Why don't you help her beautify since you were such an expert in that, Lady Thana?"

Queen Rose ignored Zoe's reply and gave Lady Thana a sweet smile. 

"I would love to, your Majesty. But it seemed that with her schedule, Lady Asha has no time to make herself pretty."

They both glanced at her with pity.

Zoe lifted her head up. She would not allow herself to be looked down on like this. She was about to say something when Erin intercepted in with her head raised.

"You're right, Lady Thana. Physicians don't have time to prettify because saving lives is their priority."

"Oh! I thought physicians must also take care of themselves so that the people won't mistake her for a patient. Isn't that so, your Majesty?" Lady Thana answered in a feign surprise.

"That's enough!" Raigon blurted out as he couldn't take it anymore. "Lady Asha is beautiful."

Everybody's eyes widened in disbelief at what he just said.

"And so are you, your Majesty, Lady Thana and Erin."

Queen Rose and Lady Thana breathed out a sigh of relief.

"But as we are talking about who's beautiful or not here, lives are waiting outside the Castle to experience relief. And Lady Asha's skills could alleviate them from it. I agree with you that you should go to the Infirmary now. I will also be with you in a short while."

Raigon exclaimed in his authoritative tone, leaving everybody speechless.

Zoe made a formal bow to Raigon so they could leave. "Thank you for your trust, your Highness. I will do my best."

"I know." Raigon replied, this time in a softer and more pleasant voice than a while ago, making Queen Rose and Lady Thana glanced at each other with a staggered look.

Raigon was silent as Queen Rose and Lady Thana went inside the Castle to the Solar.

He was about to say goodbye to the two so he could rest in his chamber and then go to the Infirmary when Queen Rose spoke up.

"I suddenly remember that I have to go somewhere at this hour. Why don't you entertain our guest for the meantime, my son? You haven't met in ages, don't you?"

Lady Thana agreed with Queen Rose as she nodded and giggled demurely. "Yes, your Majesty."

"I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do. I better be going now. They must have been waiting for me." She winked at both of them.

Raigon's hands flew to his waist as he inhaled a deep breath.

"Must you be somewhere else, your Highness? I just got here after three hours of travel. But if you have to do something else, I understand. I will just go back next time." 

Lady Thana commented as she observed Raigon in a furious mode.

"It's alright. Please, have some tea."

Raigon extended his hand at the cups in front of them and moved the chair so she could sit down.

Lady Thana's lips curved up at Raigon's gentlemanly gesture. "You still don't change, sire."

She commented as she sat down. Raigon sat at the other end.

"I will not beat around the bush as I have important matters to attend to. Why are you here, Lady Thana?"

A corner of Lady Thana's lips lifted upward.

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You're more than your physical appearance,

Gender or social status.

You're a soul with a beautiful purpose.