267 I ACCEPT YOUR OFFER

Zoe, Raigon and Queen Rose were still in the middle of the woods hoping that each would all come out of it in victory.

Queen Rose wanted to catch Lady Asha's grandmother and stop her from divulging any more information. Zoe desired to see her grandmother and protect her from any intended harm. And Raigon wanted to know the truth and reconcile the two women in front of her.

And all seemed to have an idea that what they pined for is impossible. 

"I'm afraid that I cannot do that, dear. The necklace issue aside, she is still banned from Terra for being pregnant with an outsider. As I know she already left the island. But just a few months ago, it was found out that she was residing here again."

"A few months?" Raigon reiterated as he rubbed his chin and pondered. "What could be the reason why she came back to this island?"

"I also do not know. But we decided to confine her so she would not be a bad example to other Terrans. Going in and out of Terra is a forbidden rule in this land, as you both know. If people continue to witness her actions, it will not take long before all Terrans will do it. I hope you understand what I mean."

The Queen explained to them so they could understand that she meant no harm and is just protecting the land and its laws. It just so happened that Zoe's grandmother broke it, which is beneficial to her as well.

"But my grandmother is too old to be imprisoned. " Zoe sighed as she stooped and bent her neck. 

"Do not worry, dear one. She is in the royal family's dungeons. Everything is taken care of there. It is better actually for her to be there than anywhere."

Zoe nodded as she recalled when she was locked up for a day. As she did so, she remembered a woman who was peeking at her from one of the doors of the cells. 

'Could it be perhaps Grandmother? Is that the reason why she is looking at me? Does she know that I am alive? Is she looking for me?' 

All her thoughts rammed her head as her heart sank at the same time. She was so close then! If only she has known that she is alive. It would be her priority more than anything else!

Her stomach spurned as she felt homesick. Her grandmother is the closest person in her life that would connect her to her deceased parents. 

Zoe kneeled down to the Queen and gave an earnest request to her.

"Please take care of my grandmother, your Majesty. She is the only relative that I have here in Terra. I already know about the necklace. She doesn't need to be harmed anymore."

Queen Rose's head jerked back in surprise at Zoe's action. Raigon's eyes widened also as he was not expecting her to do that. But they narrowed again as he felt that something is still wrong in the scenario. 

"You made the right decision, dear one. I would accept your request. If you would also do the same to the King. Please treat him well until he is fully recovered."

Zoe nodded and bowed again to the Queen. "Yes, your Majesty."

Queen Rose finally breathed out a sigh of relief so she bid her farewell to the two and left the area. 

Now it was only Raigon and Zoe again. Zoe's face turned back to her determined fierce look which is what she was truly feeling and she was afraid to show it to Raigon.

"Are you all right?" Raigon inquired of her as he lifted his palm so she could hold on it for support.

Zoe nodded and bowed to him. "Thank you for sticking up for me and my family."

Her lips couldn't help but curl up into an appreciative smile as she felt that she was not alone in her fight for her family.

However, Raigon's response was a deep sigh and a faraway glance. "I apologize for all the things that my family has done to yours."

Zoe's lifted cheeks sagged down as the truth that she was trying to conceal in positive thinking floated and revealed itself through Raigon's heartfelt apology.

She was doing her best to forgive and forget and focused on their present relationship. As she learned through the reunion that the best revenge is being successful and having good relationships with the people that matter to her. 

But the royal family's offense to hers, whether intentional or not, keeps getting piled up and she doesn't know how long it will take before she gets back to her old revengeful self.

'Still, with all these things happening, there was this man who supported and loved me unconditionally. And his only fault is being born in the family that seems to be destined to destroy mine.'

Zoe pressed his hand and gently caressed his fingers with her thumb as she gave him a reassuring smile. 

"I'm holding on. Thanks to you."

She tiptoed so she could reach his cheeks as she planted a warm kiss on his cheeks hoping it could melt his condemned heart. 

True enough, a narrow indent suddenly appeared on that part of the cheek that she kissed, making him swivel to face her and smile at her.

"However, I have a request for you. I don't really trust the Queen. But I said that to her hoping she would not hurt grandmother."

She then pivoted so her whole body was facing him. 

"I accept your offer., your Highness. I will take care of the health of your family. But please take care of mine. Please find her and don't let them take my grandmother."

She drew in a deep breath as she quivered. "And please make a way so I can see her."

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

The bad things that happen during our day are easy to spot. It's the good things we need to look for and cherish no matter how small they are.