265 A LIFE FOR A LIFE

"Your Majesty. I didn't know you were also here. We were just catching a game for Father."

Raigon stepped forward, putting Zoe behind him and bowed down to the Queen. He has an idea how this could go haywire if he would not butt in. 

Queen Rose's tense look relaxed as she smiled. An expression that she doesn't often use with Zoe around. But Zoe's eyes were closed as she inhaled and exhaled a lungful of air so she could control herself.

"Have you caught any?" Queen Rose asked as she observed their hands and their attire if they have a sling bag or a basket. 

"No, your Majesty. It got away. But I will give my life just to catch it again."

Zoe lifted her head and straightened her shoulders, shooting every word like fiery arrows on the Queen's walled up disguise.

She was not talking about the bird that got away, but her grandmother, which she doesn't care if the Queen gets a hint or not.

"Why go through such lengths when I can get it for you? I could just ask the guards to do that." 

Queen Rose lifted her eyebrow with her lips curved up.

'Is she talking about the bird just now or is she referring to Grandmother?' Zoe narrowed her eyes on her with her nostrils flaring. 

"You don't need to meddle in trivial matters, your Majesty. I'm sure you have lots of important things to do as the Queen of this land than waste your time here catching an innocent little bird who was simply protecting her young."

Queen Rose glared as the notion that they have heard what they are talking about deepened into her. 

She then glanced at Raigon and assessed his demeanor. They were both together so if she knew something, then he must have known too. 

Meanwhile, Raigon was gauging Zoe as he was also affected by what they have heard. It would be devastating for Zoe if she indeed was talking about her grandmother. Still he wanted to give his mother the benefit of the doubt. 

"How about you, Mother? What are you doing here?" It was Raigon who opened up the topic, just so things would be clarified between them. 

Zoe glimpsed at Raigon as she was not expecting him to discuss the topic himself. Meanwhile, Queen Rose was taken aback at her son's direct question. But she still answered him.

"The guard was just reporting to me about a person who just escaped from the prison. It was necessary for me to make arrangements so that person could be caught at once."

Raigon gave a side glance at Zoe as if telling her that she was telling the truth and not hiding anything somehow. 

But Zoe wasn't convinced as she inquired.

"May we know his or her name and why she or he is convicted, your Majesty?"

She politely prodded on, making it look like she really has no idea and she truly wanted to know. But her scorching eyes were boring into hers as she awaited for her answer.

Queen Rose's lips turned pallid white at her question, making her shift glances from her to Raigon. It took her awhile before she replied. 

"She was already banned from Terra and she has no right to be here. It is settled anyway. The guards were already on their way to look for them. I also have to go as I have other important things that I need to attend to, just like you said."

Queen Rose started to leave when Zoe asked her again.

"You didn't tell us her name, your Majesty."

Queen Rose swiveled back and crossed her arms.

"I have no obligation to give you knowledge on that. If I were you, I would focus more on being responsible to your job as a physician of the King. You are only in the Castle because of that. And if you're not doing your job properly, I could replace you any time."

"Then you can replace me now."

Zoe bowed down to her, making Raigon make a double step as he gazed at Zoe. 

"What are you just saying? You cannot do that. How about the King?"

Raigon appealed to her, hoping she would change her mind. He also wanted to know about the mystery behind this. But Zoe was just too quick to make a decision to leave at once.

"I apologize, your Highness. But I also have a family who needs me." 

Zoe swallowed hard as she also didn't want to leave the King just yet. But she wanted to look for her grandmother who might be in danger anytime now as guards were looking for her.

Raigon pressed her shoulders gently and made her face him, oblivious of the presence of the Queen and the prison guard.

"Take care of my family and I will take care of yours."

He ordered her, making Zoe and the Queen's eyes widened in surprise.

"Raigon!" The Queen blurted out as her hands flew in the air. 

But Raigon didn't move as he waited for Zoe's answer. 

Zoe contemplated his offer. 

'Can he really take care of her grandmother even if he goes against his mother's wishes?' 

She was having a hard time deciding when Raigon pivoted to face the Queen. 

"Yes, Mother. I want the King to live and I trust her that she could make it happen. I am also willing to do the same for her if she would trust me."

Zoe cupped her mouth as she can't believe that she would say that in front of his mother. But then a brilliant thought came to her mind because of what Raigon said.

Zoe tilted her head and spoke to the Queen.

"Let's exchange lives then. The King for my grandmother. Let my grandmother go and I will restore the King to optimum health."

Zoe's lips finally curled up in a triumphant grin. 

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There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest."