203 A WHIRLWIND ROMANCE

"Your Majesty!" Raigon immediately stood up and rushed to the Queen's side to assist her. 

"What are you doing here? You're not fully well!" 

"I knew it!" Queen Rose's trembling finger pointed at Raigon and Zoe. 

"I couldn't trust you both! I told you to think about our family and Terra, my son. And you, young woman, I pleaded you to not wander beyond the Crowned Prince's chamber. But both of you even went to the King's Place and included him in your troubles!"

"My Queen!" King Artair also stood up and rushed to pacify Queen Rose but he stumbled as his legs were still weak from his sickness.

At the speed of light, Zoe bolted to his side and assisted him back to his chair, making Queen Rose glare in even more contempt.

She gritted her teeth as she steamed towards her. But Raigon stopped her. "Calm down, Mother."

"Do not worry, your Majesty. I am not here to cause any trouble. I just want to know about my past." Zoe explained herself and bowed to her.

"What's the use of knowing it when you don't have the power to change it? I was supposed to let you go because you have saved my life. But I wouldn't forgive what you just did now."

The Queen continued to rant as he hold on Raigon for support.

"Since you confessed and confirmed yourself that you are the daughter of Asha, then you should receive the same judgement that she received. You should be excommunicated from this land or leave on your own if you still have some shame left!" 

Raigon who was holding the Queen suddenly removed her hands on her. "What do you mean, your Majesty? Is her mother expatriated from Terra?"

Queen Rose crossed her arms and gave a confident answer. "Yes, it was the former king's grace for her, since he knew that she was near your father's heart. If he didn't do that, His Majesty would have made a big mistake and leave Terra vulnerable and helpless with no ruler to protect it."

"I know you are a wise woman, Lady Asha, just like your mother. I know you will follow after her footsteps and not destroy the Crowned Prince's future." 

She added on, almost begging, to save her son from jeopardizing his royalty. 

Zoe gulped as she experienced a wave of perplexing emotions. 

She bowed her head to the Queen and uttered. "I understand where you're coming from, your Majesty. I also do not want to be a hindrance to the Crowned Prince's reign as King."

With the recollection of the rumours that they have heard in the market, Zoe knew that the people will lose their trust in him more if they will learn about their relationship. They will be more open to revolt and Raigon will be shattered as the whole family is now undergoing a health crisis.

She drew in a deep breath and voiced out what is in her heart. 

"I guess the Duke was right. I shouldn't have tried to carry what I cannot handle. Not because I am afraid to die, but because I am afraid that the person whom I love will die in heartache because of me. I shouldn't have gone here. I apologize."

She made a formal bow to the royal family. And as she did so, she noticed the ring that Raigon just gave her a few hours ago. 

Even though she wanted to leave the uncomfortable scene, she glanced at Raigon who was giving her a pained look. 

At last, he spoke out his side as he was hunched over. "I thought you already trust me."

Zoe's eyebrows furrowed at him as he continued to express his own. He stood up and bowed to his parents, the King and Queen of Terra. 

"Your Majesties. I, your Crowned Prince and only beloved son, Raigon Wang, formally confesses in front of you my heart's chosen one, Lady Asha Gao. "

His voice bellowed throughout the King's Place, making sure that the servants around could hear him. 

"I don't care about her family background and her past issues. I want to commit my love to her. And at the same time, fulfill my function as the next ruler of Terra. I will have both in whatever way. I want you all to trust me that I can make this work."

Zoe cupped her mouth in disbelief at what Raigon was doing at that moment. But deep inside, her heart was screaming for joy at his commitment to his words that he just told them when they were alone. 

Queen Rose hands groped at King Artair's arm as she was astounded by his son's boldness to stand up for what he wants even if stakes are high. 

Raigon glanced at all of them as they sought their approval. Queen Rose's hands flew to her face in despair. 

King Artair lifted his hand and smiled as a sign that he agreed to what he was saying. Raigon's lips curved in response as he also was not sure of how his parents would respond to his decision. 

Lastly, he approached Zoe and extended his hand to her, testing if she would concede to his plan in spite of everything.

Zoe drew in a deep breath as she resolved a decision to herself. This will be a whirlwind romance, but she will accept it and choose her happiness now. And she will be a source of strength to her loved one until he achieved all his goals.

Her face radiated and beamed as she gave her answer. "Yes." 

She reached for his hand and bowed to him.

Raigon's eyes widened in excitement. He wanted to coil her around his arms right then and there. But they were in front of his parents. And he wanted to give their respect first to them, for honoring his decision, even if it seemed like it was just his father who agreed to it.

He guided Zoe to his side as both of them bowed in the presence of the present King and Queen of Terra.

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Be the kind of person who dares to face life's challenges

And overcome them rather than dodging them.