261 IT IS MY MOTHER'S

"It is breathtaking." Zoe's jaw dropped in admiration as her eyes beheld one of the most beautiful scenes she has ever seen. 

In front of her is like so many streams of brilliant ink pouring forth-gorgeously blue waterfalls that descended down a clear cerulean body of water. It is surrounded by trees which bore different hues of leaves, pink, orange, white and yellow.

"This is where I often go when I want to break away from life. Try to close your eyes." 

Raigon told her in his deep but soft voice, proud that Zoe also found one of his most favorite spots, a spectacular one.

"Yeah, it's so relaxing." Zoe closed her eyes as she listened to the rushing waters and then opened them again to see them fall to the sparkling pool.

"Come over here!" Princess Taia called on them with a wave of her hand. She and Princess Taia were already setting up the place where they can put their things. 

Raigon and Zoe climbed down and helped out. As she thought that there were already a crowd preparing their mini picnic site, Princess Taia moved out and dashed towards the water and splashed herself with some. 

"It's so cool!" Princess Taia grinned from ear to ear. Then she tried to sprinkle her companions with some. 

Because they were just near her, they were slightly dampened with it.

"Stop it, Taia!" Princess Ara hissed. But Princess Taia teased her by splashing her all the more. 

"You're ruining my clothes!" Princess Ara snarled at her. 

"Remove it and join me here, Jiejie! You too, Lady Asha! Let my older brother do that for us."

She beamed at them as she removed her Hanfu robe and with only her undergarment, she swam towards the middle of the waters.

Princess Ara heaved out a deep sigh as she also removed hers and laid it carefully down. But she also went down where Princess Taia is.

Zoe gulped as her eyes darted to Raigon. 

"Aren't you removing your clothes?" A sly smile crept up Raigon's soft lips.

Zoe's hands flew to cover her torso as she shook her head.

Raigon chuckled in amusement as he saw Zoe's demure actions.

"Don't worry, milady. I've already seen your body with even less than your undergarments." A sensuous flame flickered in his eyes as he gazed at her.

A snicker escape from Zoe's lips as she recalled the first time that they met. And yes, she was only wearing a two piece bikini then.

"But we don't know each other then." Zoe complained but her cheeks turned pink as she felt embarrassed for being shy when he has seen more than what she is just covering.

"What's the difference? It's still the same. I like it then and now."

Raigon whispered in his velvety masculine voice as his gaze roved and lazily appraised her. 

Zoe gulped the lump in her throat as a tingling sensation pulsed in her stomach.

"Whew! Why is it getting hot in here?" She fan herself with both her hands as she quickly removed her Hanfu robe and dashed towards the two girls.

She plunged into the water and let it dampen her searing temperature.

"You're right, Princess Taia. This is refreshing."

Zoe uttered as she wiped her face with the clean and clear water. 

They stayed there for a few minutes before Raigon called on them. 

"Aren't you famished? Snacks are ready." He called their attention. 

It was Princess Ara who first dried herself followed by Zoe. Princess Taia stayed for a few minutes maximizing her time of vacation as they will leave again anytime soon.

As Zoe rose from the waters and was about to dry herself, Princess Ara suddenly pointed her forefinger at her.

"W-why are you wearing that?"

Her lips were pale and Zoe didn't know if it was because of the cold temperature of the water or her astonishment at what she was pointing at.

Zoe's hand flew to her chest as she felt that her necklace was still there. 

Because of her haste, she forgot to remove it because she was wearing it that day. She had no idea that they would have a bath as she thought that they were just going to shoot some games for the King.

Zoe's lips curved into an awkward smile as she wondered why she was surprised to see her wearing it.

"It's a family heirloom. Is there anything wrong, your Highness?"

Princess Taia's curiosity now got the best of her as she immediately rose from the waters and checked out what was going on.

She drew near Zoe and scrutinized the necklace as she squinted her eyes.

Raigon, on the other hand, clamped his lips to prevent a gasp from escaping them. But he didn't say anything.

"That looked like the Queen's necklace."

Princess Taia's eyes continued to check it from every angle. 

Zoe's hands quickly covered it as she stepped backward. 

"There must be a mistake. My mother gave this to me."

"There is no other necklace which has intricate details like that. I am certain because Mother thought I took it from her. She knows my penchant for necklaces."

Zoe shook her head in disbelief. "Maybe it just looked like it."

"Can I see it?" Princess Ara lifted her palm as if she was expecting Zoe to drop it in there.

With her desire to prove that she was right, she immediately took it off and gave it to Princess Ara.

Princess Ara examined the pendant carefully and turned it over again and again.

"This is it. One hundred percent. How did it get into your hands? Or your mother's hands?" 

Princess Ara's tone was now aggressive and bold as she fought for her mother's necklace. 

Zoe massaged her temples as she tried to think who really owned the necklace.

"We can talk about it later. For now, I'm going to keep it." 

Both Princess Ara and Zoe's faces glowered as each one thinks that they have the right to the necklace.

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Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.