268 A TIME OF HONOR

Raigon used his human resources to search for Lady Lin, Zoe's grandmother, throughout Terra. And Zoe continued to serve in the Castle as the King's physician.

One day, while she was fulfilling her duties, she accidentally dropped a bowl of medicine on the floor waking up King Artair from his slumber. It so happened that Princess Ara was also there and witnessed the event. 

"How could my Father rest and recuperate quickly when his physician is so clumsy?" She snarled at her, making Zoe heave out a deep sigh as she picked up the broken clays.

It's been days and Princess Ara has been extra disdainful to her. Perhaps because of the necklace incident. 

Raigon insisted that he have it while he was still investigated on the matter. And Princess Ara wants it returned to the Queen, thinking that Zoe has malicious interest towards it.

"How many times do I have to tell you to be nice to her? She doesn't have anyone else left in her family. At least we can treat her like one somehow." King Artair massaged his temples as her daughter can be hard-headed sometimes.

Zoe stood up from kneeling down after picking up the pieces of the broken bowl and gave him a confident smile.

"Don't sweat it, your Majesty. I'm used to it. And I'll be leaving anytime soon with your speedy recovery."

King Artair nodded his head. "Just don't feel alone. You have us, Raigon and Princess Taia. Princess Ara could be harsh when protecting her family. But she just sees you as a rival, that's why she is like that."

"No, I'm not! I'm better than her." Princess Ara crossed her arms and glared at Zoe. 

"See!" King Artair chuckled as he teased Princess Ara, making Zoe bite her lips in envy at their happy family.

She then bowed down to both of them so she could leave. But before she exited the room, King Artair gave her one last comment.

"Do not worry. Your rewards will pay off soon." He gave her a mysterious smile which made Zoe narrow her eyes in wonder what that is. 

As she left the Chamber, she inhaled a lungful of air as she suddenly remembered her grandmother. 

"How are you, Grandma? Are you eating? Is anything painful?" 

She whispered through the winds, hoping that wherever she is she would know that her granddaughter is alive and waiting to meet her.

As her eyes darted at the hallway, she saw Raigon rubbing his chin with his one hand and the other one on his waist.

Zoe's face lit up as she has not seen him for quite some time. She walked towards his way, when Princess Taia appeared out of nowhere with a letter in her hands. 

"Older brother, are you aware of this?" She excitedly announced as she waved it in the air.

Zoe's face scrunched up as she walked towards them as she also wasn't aware of it.

As she drew near, she saw Raigon's face transformed from a scowling one to a face of a ravishing angel in an instant as he froze while gazing at her.

Zoe clamped her lips and put a tassel of hair behind her ears to hide her amusement at his reaction. But it still showed as her cheeks were lifted up.

'I miss this man.' Zoe thought to herself.

"Hello! I'm here!" Princess Taia waved the letter in between them, breaking the spellbounding experience. 

Raigon rubbed his eyes and checked the letter and furrowed his brows. "A party? Who planned this?"

"Finally! It is the Royal Council's idea that was approved by Father. They said the people must see that the King is getting better so they can still put their faith in the royal family."

Raigon nodded as he thought too that it was the right thing to do. 

"Is the King now capable to hold such a big event?"' Raigon asked Zoe as his private physician. 

Zoe was just eavesdropping at their conversation. But her mind is still fixed on her missing grandmother. At Raigon's question, Zoe immediately bowed in respect and answered him.

"I think he can handle that as long as he is not exhausted. His vital signs have been stable for weeks already. And his wound heals quickly. Thanks to the power eraser."

She smiled as her memory of Raigon treating her with it when they were still young flashed through her mind.

"And thanks to you, Lady Asha. You're such a good physician. I would not mind getting sick if you would be my doctor." Princess Asha beamed at her, making Zoe grin back at her.

"Thank you, your Highness. You're too kind." 

"I heard they would also give a special part of the program in honor to you, Jiejie. I'm so excited." Princess Taia clasped her hands in obvious enthusiasm.

Princess Taia has been keeping her company during the time that the King is resting and Raigon has gone to fulfill his duties. They have gotten close somehow to call her older sister. 

However, Zoe immediately waved her hands and shook her head. "No, they don't have to do that. I treated the King because he has the right to life. I only did my job."

Raigon gazed at Zoe as she refused the spotlight. As he thought about the situation, he realized that it could be an opportunity for her to be recognized as an honorable woman even if they find out later on that she is a halfling. 

"Princess Taia and I will be there. You don't have to worry." He encouraged her and tried to convince her.

Zoe gazed at him as it is really what she was scared of. She was used to standing up in front of a crowd during her college days. But she has no identity problem then. 

She was immediately thinking of ways to escape the event. But with Raigon around, she knew that somehow, she would be safe.

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No person was ever honored for what she received. She received honor for what she gave.