213 AS STUBBORN AS I

Zoe continued to walk in a dignified manner, holding her breath just in case the royal guard decides to change his mind. 

Erin and the man who confided to them followed close behind. The royal guard brought them to the Queen's Place which made Zoe's eyebrows furrowed in hesitancy.

"Is the Crowned Prince with the Queen at the moment?" She asked in a commanding manner, but a hint of fear could be heard from her as her voice wavered.

"Yes, your Highness." The royal guard bowed to her as he slowed down his steps. "Maybe you could help him with his request, your Highness."

Zoe froze as she faced the royal guard. "What do you mean by that?"

Everybody stopped as they were already nearing the gates of the Queen's Place. 

As much as possible Zoe did not want to give more reasons to disturb Raigon from the cases that he was trying to solve. But she went here not just to ask him for help. But to see if he has not harmed himself again.

"Come with me, your Highness." The royal guard invited her to come inside the Queen's Place.

To her horror, she saw Raigon kneeling down in front of the door to the Queen's Chamber, in a stooped manner. It was as if he had been there for a day.

"Raigon!" She ran towards him and lifted him up. But he stopped her with a wave of his hand.

"Perhaps the Queen might be merciful to Azra." He uttered weakly through his pale lips, but in a determined manner.

He learned that it was the Queen's order to put Azra in prison using the King's seal. And only she can take it back.

And kneeling in front of someone for hours even days in exchange of a favor is a common practice in Terra.

Erin and the man stayed behind as they believed Zoe's presence alone could comfort him.

Zoe tightened her lips as tears formed within her eyelids. Raigon has just survived an encounter with death. He still needs to rest as much as possible and drink a lot of fluids. 

She pulled out a bag of water from her Hebao and was about to pour it on Raigon's lips when Raigon stopped her again.

Zoe inhaled a lungful of air as she went back to Erin, the man and the royal guard. "Please wait for me in the carriage."

Erin nodded as if she understands what Zoe will try to do. She shook her fist in the air as she encouraged her to do what's best for Raigon. 

As soon as they left, Zoe put her arms in her waist. "So you think killing yourself like this would save Azra?"

Raigon didn't answer her but he continued to remain in the kneeling position. 

"And what kind of mother could tolerate her son undergoing this torturous self-inflicting punishment for a crime that was not even properly investigated?"

A corner of Raigon's mouth curved up in response even in his weak state. 

"I know the Queen Mother's anger will be pacified soon. I just have to stay like this until -"

"Until you die?" Zoe finished for him. 

Raigon glanced up at her. His eyes twitched as he stayed there from evening until today that the sun is high above them. 

A comforted smile upturned his disheveled face. 

"I won't die. You will just kiss me and do that pumping thing on my chest and I will be brought back to life."

Zoe's eyes widened in astonishment at his teasing remarks. "And you really just joked about this right now?"

Raigon made a weak chuckle as he uttered. "I'm - I'm just glad I can see you right now. But you have to leave now. I don't want you to be in danger because of me."

Zoe noticed an unutterable sadness that flickered in his eyes as he seemed to recall something from his memory bank.

Seeing that she cannot persuade Raigon to leave, she wiped her Hanfu dress and knelt down beside him. 

Raigon immediately straightened out his shoulder and gave an incredulous look at Zoe. 

"What are you doing?" He hissed at her frantically.

"I want to die with you." She gave him an irresistible grin which made his heart pump alive again. 

He immediately stood up and grabbed Zoe's hand. He was a bit forceful but a mischievous smile crept up her face as she clamped her lips to hide it.

Raigon brought her to an area in the garden covered by trees and which was not easily seen unless royal guards were doing their rounds. 

He was about to speak up when Zoe immediately put her arms around him and whispered in a soft voice. 

"I miss you."

Raigon's muscles went rigid as it was Zoe's first time to show her affection for him in that manner. 

His mouth curved up in an appreciative smile as he also put his arms around her and responded to her. "I miss you too."

He pulled her away from him and planted warm and soft kisses on her forehead and both her cheeks, making Zoe tilt her face up for more. 

But Raigon made a pleading gesture as his dark blue eyes bored into hers.

"Please go back. It is not safe for you here yet."

However, Zoe's determination to keep him from hurting himself is like a rock inside her.

She gently put her hands on his, which were on her cheeks, and removed them. But she didn't let them go. Instead, she pressed them firmly and made a snap back request.

"I will only leave if you come with me."

Raigon stared at Zoe, intense astonishment tainted his pale face.

"I almost forgot that you're as stubborn as I." 

He enjoyed the gentle sparring. But as he recalled the situation of his servant and friend who was still in the Royal Investigation Area as of the moment, his face changed, revealing an anxious look.

"But how about Azra?"

"We already know a way for him to be set free!" Zoe's face radiated as he told her the story of the man who came to the Castle with them.

*****************************************

One purpose in life is to be of help to others.

And if we can't help them,

At least stop them from getting hurt.