269 THE DAUGHTER OF THE HALFLING

"Do you think I can really join that event? You know I'm a daughter of a half-ling. They will surely trace me back to my ancestors."

Zoe whispered to Raigon while they were walking a few distance behind Princess Taia. 

The event is only a week away. And the royal seamstress was waiting for them at Princess Taia's dressing room so she can take their measurements for a gown that they will wear then. 

"Don't worry. Half-lings are not banned in Terra. That is why your Mother has lived in Terra for quite some time. And your efforts to heal and treat the King would surely overpower whatever notion they have against your blood."

Raigon was also concerned about it. But he was thinking that there is no better opportunity to let the whole Terra know about his chosen Crown Princess than now. 

"How about Grandmother? Do you have any idea of her whereabouts?" She whispered back to him as they were already nearing Princess Taia's room. 

Raigon drew in a deep breath as he knew that Zoe would not like his answer. But then, with the event that will be publicly announced in Terra, they could have a cheese for the mouse. 

"Not yet. But if this will be posted and your name will be included in it, I am certain that if she still lives here in Terra, she will come to you herself."

Raigon's voice tensed in excitement as he was also feeling hopeless as they searched for her in vain.

"You're right. She will surely come to see me," Zoe's eyes sparkled in anticipation.

She was feeling doubtful whether she would come with them or not. But if it will be a way to meet her grandmother, then she will do it by all means.

"Here we are. Older brother, please stay outside. You're off limits here." 

Princess Taia teasingly shove Raigon and pull Zoe inside her room, making both Raigon and Zoe chuckle in amusement.

"All right. I will just go to the King's Chamber if you need anything."

After the seamstress had taken their measurement, Zoe went back to the King as it was also the time for her to monitor his health.

As she entered the room, the King and Raigon abruptly stopped their conversation as if Zoe caught on them in the middle of something. King Artair was already standing up and they were in the veranda when they noticed that Zoe was observing them.

"Did you just come by?" Raigon scratched his head and stepped backward so Zoe can have space to do what she has to do as the King's physician. 

Zoe narrowed her eyes on him but she answered respectfully especially that they were in the King's presence.

"No. I just got here." She moved forward and bowed to the King before she began her treatment. 

"Thank you for your immeasurable grace, your Majesty. I don't deserve such honor."

King Artair's cheeks lifted as he learned that Zoe already knew about his plan of giving her credit to the knowledge of the whole Terra.

"So you know already. How can you not? You have saved the royal family and even the whole Terra from the outbreak. That is not even enough reward for all your sincerity and perseverance to maintain the health of our citizens."

He was enumerating all the reasons why she needs to be present in that event, which calmed Zoe's anxious nerves somehow.

But then, the Queen dashed into the room with Princess Ara beside her. They must have learned about what the King is planning too.

"I am delighted that the people of Terra would finally see you in your healthy state. But do you really have to give a part of the service to Lady Asha?"

"She's right, Father. Is it not too much? You already put her name in the heroes list and have given her a red tag." Princess Ara second the motion. 

"What is wrong by recognizing the efforts of the physician that saved our family?" King Artair nonchalantly responded as he went to the mirror and checked himself.

He was already participating in the meetings of the royal council as he can handle the issues already. 

"The wrong thing is she is a daughter of a half-ling. What do you think the people will say if they find out that you are treated by the granddaughter of a rebel?"

Queen Rose asked him, though she is careful enough not to mention that her grandmother has escaped. She was still his ex-lover's mother. He will not stop at anything just to find her. 

"Not all people judge a book by its cover." King Artair retorted and smiled at Zoe. Zoe's lips stretched but they didn't reach her eyes. As she was heartbroken that Raigon's family is fighting again because of her. 

"Just like how you didn't judge her mother even if she was a daughter of a rebel." Princess Ara snapped back, making everyone's eyes popped open in surprise. 

King Artair glared at the Queen as he was keeping that part of his story from his family since then. 

"She asked for it." Queen Rose shrugged her shoulders. 

"Yes, Father. I know. That is why I could never accept Lady Asha as an ally or even as a part of our family."

Princess Ara lifted her chin and glanced at Raigon as she made the last statement.

She then walked out of the room, leaving the King, Raigon, Zoe and the Queen.

Zoe bit her lips and looked downward. Raigon stepped sideward and drew closer to Zoe as the King and Queen talked about Princess Ara.

"Why do you have to do that? Do you really want to break the relationships of our children?"

"Don't worry, I told her that it's not your fault since it was Lady Asha who approached you first."

She raised an eyebrow at Zoe, whose ears reddened as she heard the degrading remark of the Queen against her mother.

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Your roots don't define who you are.