192 EAVESDROPPING

Zoe didn't ask further questions even though she was irking to know why. 

She lifted the blanket and covered Lord Hou with it and nodded to Raigon and Azra as if she was asking them to leave the room so he could rest properly.

As they walked out of the house, Zoe heaved out a deep sigh as she contemplated on what Lord Hou just said. 

'What kind of life has my mother lived? Will I experience those things too? And why did he know my mother?'

As if Raigon was listening to her thoughts, he spoke to her in a balmy and soothing manner which pacified down her wild notions.

"You can ask about your relationship later on. But I agree with him. You may not have the power to change the weather, but you certainly have the strength and determination to withstand it." 

Zoe met the smile and the encouragement that he offered and returned the same to him.

"And so do you, your Highness." 

And then took off to talk with Azra and Erin leaving a stunned Crowned Prince behind.

As he drew near them, he observed that they were now talking about the disease of Lord Hou.

"I think medical herbs won't do. It is better if he could eat food rich in vitamin B1 such as nuts, seed, and legumes." Zoe was suggesting to Azra.

"I see. But I don't think we have those kinds of food here now. And the market is far from here."

Raigon raised his hand. "I volunteer. It is also a great time for me to check the situation of our people. You can then check what food Lord Hou needs."

He then directed her attention on Zoe.

But Zoe shook her head. "You also need to rest, your Highness. Besides, the people might see you and think negatively again if they caught on your disguise and see us together."

"We'll accompany you too. It will be a double date!" Erin squealed as she swayed from side to side. 

Zoe rolled her eyes at her but agreed and headed out to the next town.

True enough, Raigon wasn't there for shopping. But he went from store to store, secretly eavesdropping at the conversation of the commoners. 

At one point, Raigon heard something that made him pull Zoe closer to him. His sudden nearness made her senses spin. But she inclined herself to be attentive to what he wants her to do.

"Listen to them." Raigon whispered as he put his hand on her shoulders, sending an involuntary chill through her.

'Think straight, Zoe Cheng.' She shook her head and listened to two ladies talking while picking up some onions.

"That lady physician is surely knowledgeable. Who would have thought that just increasing clean water intake would stop us from dying from the disease. She is a gift to Terra from God. I wish I could meet her and thank her for saving my family." 

A corner of her mouth curled up into a smile as she glanced at Raigon. A sense of gratefulness welled up within her. 

She was not looking for a positive appraisal from people or a heroic award. But a simple thank you from someone whose life got better because of her treatment is enough for her.

He raised an eyebrow and smiled in triumph as he successfully disarmed her from her belittling thoughts against herself.

Afterward, he pointed at Erin and Azra who were also looking around for something to take home to Lord Hou.

"Look at them."

Erin's arms were coiled around Azra as she cooed at him with a wide grin. Azra still has the same cold look but it seems that he doesn't mind Erin's loving attitude towards her.

Zoe couldn't help but chuckle at them. "They have opposite personalities but they really look good together."

As she did so, she didn't realize that Raigon was getting closer to her, his hands slid towards hers so he could hold it.

Zoe's eyes bulged as he was successful in doing so, his fingers interlocked with hers and pressed it firmly. 

"What are you just doing?" An astonished smile crept up her pink toned cheeks. 

"This market is so crowded, I might lose my valuable possession if I'm not careful to keep it under my notice." 

The underlying sensuality of his voice captivated her. She didn't flinch as he started walking with her palms on his.

Zoe's heart was banging against her chest as it was her first time to be strolling around, hand in hand with a man that she adores. For a minute, she chose to forget that he was the Crowned Prince and she was its enemy.

But it didn't take them long before their momentous joy turned into gloom. As Raigon continued to investigate the situation of Terra and she bought food rich in thiamine for Lord Hou, they heard conversations in an alley that shocked both of them. 

"I heard the King is already dying. Should we join forces with Lord Vigo now?"

"Let's do that. I don't think the Crowned Prince is capable of doing anything. Until now, the cause of the disease hasn't been determined. And there were still people who were suffering from it. What could he be doing while all these things are happening?"

"Maybe he is sleeping around with men. I heard he's gay. How could he produce an heir? He really wasn't fit for the throne."

Raigon froze in his tracks. His jaws clenched as he glared at them from behind with reproachful eyes. 

As they speak, Lord Vigo appeared from nowhere, which made them run to him and shower him with positive comments. 

Lord Vigo made sarcastic remarks which affirmed their opinion of the Crowned Prince.

Raigon wanted to rush towards them but Zoe pulled him back. 

"Don't do this. It will only cause you trouble. You have the strength and determination to withstand this." 

She repeated back to him with a comforting smile that melts his resolve to defend himself.

He drew in a deep breath. "You're right. I can certainly put them to jail for their disparaging remarks against me. But I would rather shame them with the truth."

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Nearly all men can experience adversity. But if you want to test his character, give him power.